The Tesla Cybertruck, one of the most anticipated and polarizing vehicles of the decade, has officially joined the list of electric vehicles (EVs) eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit. While the Cybertruck’s journey from prototype debut in 2019 to market has been marked by significant changes in pricing and production plans, this latest development brings good news for prospective buyers of the dual-motor All-Wheel Drive variant.
Dual-Motor Cybertruck: Price Cut with Tax Incentives
When Tesla unveiled the Cybertruck in 2019, the company promised a base price of $39,900 for a single-motor version, while the tri-motor variant was slated to cost under $70,000. However, the current pricing landscape tells a different story. The cheapest Cybertruck available today is the dual-motor All-Wheel Drive trim, starting at $79,990. The tri-motor Cyberbeast, featuring Tesla’s most advanced technology, comes in at just $10 below $100,000, excluding taxes and delivery charges.
Thanks to its recent inclusion in the federal tax credit program, buyers of the dual-motor Cybertruck can now enjoy a $7,500 reduction if the credit is applied at the point of sale. This effectively lowers the price to $72,490, excluding destination and taxes. While this is still far from the initial promised price point, it places the Cybertruck more competitively in the EV market, particularly when compared to rivals like the Ford F-150 Lightning.
Single-Motor Cybertruck: Future Potential with Tax Benefits
Adding intrigue to Tesla’s lineup is the mention of the single-motor Cybertruck on the list of eligible vehicles for the federal tax credit, despite the fact that this variant is neither in production nor available for order. Tesla’s website previously listed the single-motor version at $60,990 before its removal in August 2024.
If this entry-level model does return to production at a similar price point, buyers could see an effective price drop to $53,490 with the tax credit. The single-motor version, estimated to deliver a range of 250 miles on a full charge, would then position itself as a more affordable alternative to Ford’s F-150 Lightning XLT, which starts at $62,995 and comes equipped with dual motors and a 240-mile EPA-estimated range.
Tax Credit Details and Eligibility
The federal tax credit for EVs, introduced to promote clean energy adoption, requires buyers to meet specific income criteria. The adjusted gross income (AGI) must not exceed $300,000 for married couples filing jointly, $225,000 for heads of household, or $150,000 for individual filers. Additionally, the credit applies only to EVs with an MSRP under $80,000.
This stipulation makes the dual-motor Cybertruck eligible but excludes the tri-motor Cyberbeast, whose MSRP exceeds the threshold. Tesla has already begun deliveries of the dual-motor variant, while buyers await further updates on the single-motor version’s production timeline.
Looking Ahead: Tesla’s Evolving Pricing Strategy
While Tesla’s pricing strategy has shifted dramatically since the Cybertruck’s unveiling, the availability of federal tax credits provides a silver lining for consumers. As Tesla continues to refine its lineup, the Cybertruck’s growing eligibility for incentives signals a push to make its futuristic pickup more accessible. Whether the single-motor Cybertruck will eventually hit the roads—and at what price—remains a key question for Tesla enthusiasts and potential buyers alike.
For now, the dual-motor Cybertruck’s inclusion in the tax credit program solidifies its appeal in a competitive EV market, where affordability and performance remain key drivers of consumer choice.
