Tesla Removes $50,000 No-Resale Policy For The Cybertruck

Key Takeaways

Tesla has reportedly removed its no-resale policy for the Cybertruck.
The policy previously included a potential $50,000 penalty and restrictions on ordering new Tesla models.
Sales of the Cybertruck are increasing, but the automaker is aware that more affordable variants are needed.

The Tesla Cybertruck is a hot commodity, with fans of the polarizing truck clamoring over each other to get their hands on the electric pickup. In fact, earlier this year, a dealership attempted to flip a Cybertruck for a whopping $290,000 – $170,000 more than the list price. To prevent this, Tesla introduced a clause that prevented customers from selling their Foundation Series variants within a year of taking delivery.

This wasn’t just a gentleman’s agreement; the no-resale policy stipulated that Cybertruck owners who broke the contract would have to pay a penalty of $50,000 or more. But now it seems the all-electric automaker has removed the section from the purchasing agreement. Does this mean Cybertruck owners are now free to sell their vehicles?

2024 Tesla Cybertruck

Engine: Electric
Horsepower: 600 hp
0-60 MPH: 4.1 seconds
Top Speed: 112 mph
Towing Capacity: 11,000 pounds

Threats Of The Old Cybertruck Resale Clause

It certainly seems that way. The updated policy comes as changes have been made to the Cybertruck configurator. No longer are customers required to place a reservation order, but can rather configure their electric trucks to their exacting specifications. While the previous policy may not seem fair – after all, people should be able to do what they want with their vehicles – Tesla implemented the rule to protect other customers and the resale value of its high-demand vehicles.

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Aside from the hefty financial penalties, Tesla has even banned customers from ordering additional vehicles, as a punishment of sorts. The automaker also noted that it had the right to cancel any order it believed had “been made with a view toward resale of the vehicle or that has otherwise been made in bad faith.” What’s more, Tesla would keep the order deposit and fee, along with the transportation fee.

“Tesla may seek injunctive relief to prevent the transfer of title of the vehicle or demand liquidated damages from you in the amount of $50,000 or the value received as consideration for the sale or transfer, whichever is greater. Tesla may also refuse to sell you any future vehicles.”

– An excerpt from Tesla’s former Cybertruck resale clause.

Sales Of The Cybertruck Are Increasing, But…

It’s possible that Tesla no longer has a need for a no-resale policy. So far, more than 16,000 examples have been sold, which is impressive considering it now has a six-figure starting price. It’s one of the best-selling electric trucks on the market, besting even the Ford F-150 Lighting in recent months, but it must be said that those figures are a far cry from the 2 million pre-orders the Cybertruck had when company CEO Elon Musk said it would cost around $40,000.

The Affordable Cybertruck Dream Is Dead, At Least For Now

Tesla’s cheapest Cybertruck variant has disappeared.

More affordable models are needed now, not in a few years. Customers are less likely to spend over $100,000 on a truck that is now readily available (delivery is between September and December). Tesla is also increasing production of the Cybertruck, hopefully allowing the automaker to finally meet demand and fill outstanding orders, but if cheaper versions don’t return soon, Ford may gain the edge in a couple of years. Without this clause, there may be more interest in the wacky truck, but for how long? Porsche has forced 911 S/T customers to lease their vehicles for a year before buying them, to prevent pesky car flippers from getting their hands on the desirable limited edition, but the desirability of low-volume 911s is never in question.