The used Cybertruck market is exhibiting significant growth, positioning nearly-new Tesla pickups as strong contenders against the newly announced 2025 Rivian R1T/R1S electric vehicles. This competitive dynamic underscores the burgeoning interest in electric pickup trucks, highlighting the evolving preferences of consumers and the strategic maneuvers of major automotive players.
The market for used Tesla Cybertrucks has seen a remarkable surge, driven by a combination of increasing production and strong consumer demand. Since its limited release in April, the Cybertruck has rapidly gained traction, with more units entering the hands of eager customers. Tesla’s production milestones, such as achieving over 1,000 Cybertrucks in a single week, underscore the growing availability of this highly anticipated vehicle. Despite the limited production volume, the used market for Cybertrucks has become surprisingly vibrant. Many of these used vehicles are being sold with minimal mileage, making them almost new and highly desirable. Prominent car shopping platforms like Autotrader and CarGurus report over 200 used Cybertrucks available nationwide as of June, a significant spike in inventory from the previous month. This increase in supply, however, has not led to a decrease in prices. Instead, used Cybertrucks command high premiums, with prices starting at over $110,000 and reaching up to more than $180,000. This price range reflects the strong demand and long wait times for new Cybertrucks, with buyers willing to pay a premium for immediate availability.
For consumers considering a new Cybertruck, Tesla offers several options, though they come with extended wait times due to high demand. The base model, a rear-wheel drive Cybertruck, is priced at $60,990, providing an entry point into the lineup. The dual-motor all-wheel drive model, which offers enhanced performance and capabilities, starts at $79,990. At the top of the range is the tri-motor Cyberbeast model, priced at $99,990, promising unparalleled performance and advanced features. All these models are slated for 2025 availability or delivery dates, reflecting the significant backlog of reservations. This situation has contributed to the buoyant prices in the used market, as some buyers prefer to pay more for immediate possession rather than wait for a new model.
Rivian, recognized as a formidable competitor to the Cybertruck due to its similar size and off-road capabilities, has recently unveiled its second-generation R1T pickup. Announced on June 6, the refreshed R1S SUV is also part of Rivian’s strategy to capture market share in the electric off-road vehicle segment. The 2025 R1T starts at $69,900, and the R1S begins at $75,900, maintaining price points similar to the 2024 models. However, the 2025 versions boast significant internal enhancements, including comprehensive hardware improvements, performance upgrades, a fully redesigned software experience, and evolved in-house drive systems. These upgrades make the new models more attractive to consumers looking for cutting-edge technology and performance. Higher-end Rivian trims come with a premium price, with the Tri-Motor R1T starting around $100,000. The upcoming Gen 2 quad-motor variants are expected to be even more expensive, likely in the $120,000 range, catering to buyers seeking top-tier performance and features.
The increasing availability of used Cybertrucks highlights a robust secondary market, even as new models remain in high demand. The high prices for used models suggest that buyers are willing to pay a premium to bypass the long wait times for new vehicles. This trend is indicative of the strong brand loyalty and desirability that Tesla’s Cybertruck commands. Meanwhile, Rivian’s new offerings provide consumers with competitive alternatives that feature substantial improvements over previous models. This competitive landscape is fostering innovation and providing buyers with a wider array of choices, whether they opt for a nearly-new used Cybertruck or wait for the latest models from Tesla and Rivian.
As the electric vehicle market continues to evolve, both Tesla and Rivian are positioning their vehicles to attract a broad spectrum of consumers. Tesla’s gradual production ramp-up and Rivian’s comprehensive model upgrades underscore the competitive nature of the market. Buyers now have more choices, whether they opt for a used Cybertruck with minimal mileage or wait for the latest models from Tesla and Rivian. The landscape for electric pickups is becoming increasingly dynamic, promising exciting developments for consumers and the industry alike. This evolving scenario underscores the rapid advancements in electric vehicle technology and the shifting preferences of consumers towards innovative, high-performance vehicles.
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