A bulletproof, all-electric pickup truck that can temporarily act as a boat is certainly something that can pique the interest of many. The Cybertruck certainly did so. Unofficial estimates claim that nearly two million pre-orders keep Tesla's workers from comfortably sleeping at night. But don't even think about flipping one if you're among the early owners. A new decision puts scalpers on notice and ruins their chance of making a quick buck. Here's the gist of it.
The now Texas-based EV maker will soon deliver the first production-ready Cybertrucks to owners who may or may not be employees. The event is supposed to take place at the end of November, and it could be a catalyst for the world's most valuable automaker to cement its position as an investor darling. But that heavily depends on the vehicle ticking all the right boxes.
We still don't know what the all-electric pickup truck will cost, what trims will be available at launch, and which specs will make it to the finish line. What Tesla did lately was to parade some units around the US and generate some hype. But other than that, nobody knows the details that truly matter.
The brand also took care of an unexpected technicality – barring flippers from doing what they do best. It is a weird decision because these types of clauses usually apply to pricey supercars and hypercars that are available in limited numbers. Nonetheless, it's there, in the motor vehicle order agreement's Terms and Conditions.
Tesla says that Cybertruck owners who really want to sell their EVs must first discuss the matter with the company. The automaker might repurchase it at a personalized cost that takes $0.25 off the original acquisition price for each mile driven. It will also deduct any other repair and wear and tear costs.
If you don't ask Tesla first about buying the Cybertruck back, the automaker will sue you and demand damages in the amount of $50,000 or more. That might indicate that the $39,900 all-electric pickup truck isn't happening. If the minimum Tesla is willing to get out of flippers is $50,000, customers might have to deal with a starting price of over $45,000 sans tax and freight.
It might also bar you from owning a Tesla-made EV because you attempted to flip the battery-electric pickup truck. So, scalpers, you might want to avoid this one. Unless, of course, you know someone willing to pay $50,000 over the buying price, while also covering your cut and potential legal expenses.
Photo: Tesla
But do remember that there's a safe way out. If the company declines to buy the Cybertruck from you, you're free to sell it to whoever wants it.
Tesla also reserves its right to locate and disable the truck electronically if you miss payments. So, make sure that your budget is ready for this expense.
Although a questionable provision to introduce in a contract for a pickup truck that's supposed to enter mass manufacturing, this controversial decision makes sense in a way. The brand will have limited availability initially, even though it plans to manufacture around 125,000 units in 2024 and 250,000 in 2025. This measure might discourage early owners from giving their Cybertruck away.
Such a contractual obligation hasn't been challenged in courts yet, but other automakers have included such provisions in the buyer's agreement. Ford, for example, reached a deal with John Cena. The famous wrestler bought a Ford GT and sold it early. The parties agreed on a sum. It was donated to charity in the end.
The automaker's CEO says around one million people have reserved at least one Cybertruck. A "low VIN" unit sold for $400,000 at the 29th Petersen Gala. Tesla might want to avoid scenarios discouraging prospective buyers from moving forward with the acquisition. It is a smart move.
Finally, we expect Tesla to introduce a similar stipulation when the next-gen Roadster will come around.
Car shows on TV and his father's Fiat Tempra may have been Florin's early influences, but nowadays he favors different things, like the power of an F-150 Raptor. He'll never be able to ignore the shape of a Ferrari though, especially a yellow one. Full profile
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