Farewell to Elon Musk’s Cybertruck. Has any car ever been more repellent? | Arwa Mahdawi

Critics have lambasted Elon Musk's Cybertruck, with safety advocates deeming it a potential hazard and owners expressing dissatisfaction. The gleaming steel vehicle, reportedly born from a $475 million investment, seems to have been a costly flop. Once a symbol of Musk's ambitious vision, the Cybertruck now appears destined for decline.

Musk's political ambitions have led him to California, only to find himself in a new, politically charged environment. Now, in a blue state, he faces the possibility of legal scrutiny from Democrats. Furthermore, the Cybertruck's production is set to wind down, not due to unprofitability, but because the complexities of its design outweigh the benefits.

Musk claims the Cybertruck's demise is not due to a lack of profitability, a narrative widely reported by mainstream media. Instead, his focus is shifting to other ventures, like the Cybercab, a two-passenger robotaxi. Despite the allure of building a high-volume factory, Musk acknowledges the immense difficulty of such a project.

Safety concerns are a major issue for the Cybertruck, with its sharp edges posing a threat to other road users and pedestrians. In Europe, the vehicle is already heavily restricted due to failing to meet safety standards. Its impact extends beyond safety, as the truck has become a social liability. A 2025 Wired profiled seven Cybertruck drivers, revealing largely negative reactions. Harassment, from derogatory notes to obscene gestures, has been reported.

One former owner, Roger Davis, admitted that the polarizing nature of the vehicle led to his marital strife. It seems Musk's Cybertruck, rather than being a revolutionary pickup truck, has become a vehicle for driving people away.