Elon Musk-led electric car giant Tesla is back in the news for controversy over its policy regarding the resale of its long-anticipated Cybertruck. The clause, reads report, has been reportedly brought back in its terms of service with the threat of a lawsuit against Cybertruck buyers who resell within one year of delivery.
This policy, introduced and then pulled back after receiving backlash, now returns in an even more confusing way. Cybertruck buyers, as outlined, had to offer the car to Tesla at a reduced price before any attempt is done to resell the vehicle within one year of delivery. Should Tesla decline to buy the Cybertruck back from selling, an owner could resell it only in case Tesla provides “written consent.”
“You understand and acknowledge that the Cybertruck will first be released in limited quantity. You agree that you will not sell or otherwise attempt to sell the Vehicle within the first year following your Vehicle’s delivery date.” It elaborates that if a buyer has to sell the vehicle within the first year due to some unprecedented reason, then this process will be.
It’s almost as if the policy had been written to prevent scalping for a car that would be available only in limited quantities. But a policy such as this truly is unprecedented for a high-volume, mass-market electric truck like the Cybertruck. As several analysts and observers noted, it’s more reminiscent of tactics from the boutique supercar market, where manufacturers can often be found taking various steps to prevent buyers from flipping their vehicles for a profit.
The reinstatement of the policy raised questions over Tesla’s approach to managing the launch of the Cybertruck. The policy will come into effect just about when the first deliveries are due, which may hurt or affect the decisions of the prospective buyers. Some buyers could be repelled, while others might perceive it as an indication of exclusiveness and demand.
On the surface, Tesla has remained tight-lipped regarding this policy, nor did it explain how exactly it plans to police it. The company does change policies and prices without notice once in a while, which is frustrating for both its customers and investors.
Controversial and perhaps amongst the most anticipated vehicles in recent memory, Cybertruck is Tesla’s first pickup truck offering. Its futuristic design has showered it with volumes of attention and praise for stunning performance and reasonable pricing, but also criticism and skeptical reception. Delay after delay hit the vehicle as Tesla works to meet production targets and overcome technical challenges.
Tesla’s Cybertruck reservation page has been listing delivery times of 2024 for the range-topping Cyberbeast and all-wheel drive variants as of recent events, though a version that is $49,890 doesn’t arrive until 2025. Competition will be tight in the electric pickup truck sector with players like Ford’s F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, and GMC Hummer EV all jostling for space.
The anti-flipping policy was the most recent reversal Tesla made on the matter of the Cybertruck, raising the intrigue meter another step higher. Potential buyers and people who watch the industry will continue to take note of how this policy affects the rollout of the Cybertruck.