Finally! The Cheaper Cybertruck Can Now Be Ordered…If You’re On The List

After taking the spotlight for much of the last year, Tesla’s “love it or hate it” Cybertruck is dropping in price. That is, if you’re willing to forgo some of the included accessories that accompanied the Founders Series models, which were the only versions available up to this point. For those that didn’t get in on the Founders Edition, a waiting list was formed, and after the expected delay that comes with most Tesla purchasing experiences, those in line now have their chance to order a standard model.

According to social media chatter, the email confirmations inviting those that reserved a spot years ago are being sent in order and those that signed up earliest have already received their emails, while the late crew has yet to see their opportunity arrive.

Chopping Down The Price

As expected, the standard model is cheaper than the Founders Series and the difference is significant, with this new offering coming in at $79,990, compared to the Founder’s $99,990 price tag. That larger price also applies to the tri-motor Cyberbeast, which has also been made available to order. The non-Founders model was slated to begin deliveries in the third quarter of this year, but didn’t happen as Tesla turned its attention to pushing the Founders Series to other territories, both north and south of the U.S.

On the Tesla website today, you only have the option to order a Founders Series model at the heftier price tag and that’s because the folks that got onto the reservation list early get the first chance at ordering the cheaper version. If that wasn’t you, and you have the funds, you can order and likely get your hands on a Founders model quicker.

If the Cybertruck was your goal and not necessarily the additions that come with th Founders Series, then this new, lower priced model is perfect for you. What you won’t get is the laser-etched Foundation Series badge and cabin graphic, 20-inch Cyber Wheels wrapped in 35-inch tires, white interior, Powershare home back up system and mobile connector, lifetime connectivity, and full self-driving capability.

Of course, you can add these items to your standard model if you wish, but it quickly adds up. The Cyber wheel package with its unique covers will cost you $3,500, and the white cabin treatment is priced at $2,000. Then there’s the self-driving package that will cost $7,000 for early reservations and an additional thousand for late comers. All-in, outfitting the standard model to match that of the Founders would greatly close that pricing gap. The difference being that the Founders Series order would likely arrive much sooner than a fully outfitted non-Founders model.

If none of that matters to you and you just want to get behind the wheel of a regular, run-of-the-mill Cybertruck, the $79,990 price tag can make that happen and should put you on the list of vehicles eligible for the Federal EV tax credit as it meets the $80,000 threshold, though the upcoming presidential election could play a part in that.

Patience Pays Off

If you’re the patient type and have seen or heard about the various delays associated with most Tesla vehicles, then all of this is par for the course. If you’re not, and on the edge of your seat waiting for your reservation email to arrive, keep in mind that being held off might work in your favor. The highly publicized Cybertruck issues have proven to be a nuisance to some owners and those getting the next wave of the futuristic EV get to skip all the included drama.

Some issues were blown out of proportion, like the claims that the vehicle was suddenly rusting, which turned out to be nothing more than free iron deposits that can be wiped right off. Others, however, are very real, like the accelerator pedal sticking or becoming dislodged, the wiper motor problems that disabled the ability to drive in the rain, and, more recently, rearview camera delay dilemma. That’s all hopefully completely behind the Cybertruck now and future owners won’t have to deal with any of the setbacks.