Tesla has just become the centre of a new scandal, and they truly are the definition of “let them talk, even if it’s bad.” And this time, it’s not some small controversy, Tesla is being accused of delivering Cybertrucks that aren’t actually brand new, but have spent months under the blazing sun and heavy rain before being handed over. A real scandal, especially considering that Cybertrucks are not exactly cheap.
As expected, this situation has sparked questions about Tesla’s transparency, the quality of their vehicles, and, most of all, the real value of these cars at the time of delivery… What is happening to Tesla?
A “ready” Cybertruck a bit too soon
Reza Soltani, a buyer in Texas, ordered his Cybertruck on April 25 and immediately received confirmation that he could pick it up, strange, right? Something didn’t sit right with this buyer, since the vehicle in question had left the factory on January 8. What? The car had spent more than four months sitting outside! Of course, Soltani refused the car.
Thousands of vehicles parked
And the worst part is that Soltani’s case isn’t unique. Drones and reporters have documented massive lots full of unsold Cybertrucks piling up in open-air parking lots, something that contradicts the premium image Tesla wants to project.
Everything suggests that the company is producing more vehicles than it’s able to sell, which has led to price cuts, layoffs, and a forced expansion into new markets like Saudi Arabia.
Why is it such a big deal to leave an electric car outdoors?
Just imagine how much sun and water that car has endured. If leaving any car in the sun for weeks is already a problem, now imagine one like this (electric).
To begin with, extreme heat can degrade the battery, just like your smartphone every summer, reducing its lifespan. And then there’s the issue of humidity, which, as you may know, can corrode the vehicle’s entire electronic system.
And considering how expensive it is to repair a Tesla (and how pricey the car already is), what people have basically been paying for is a “brand new aged car.” A total nightmare for anyone.
Tesla’s response: absolute silence
Tesla still hasn’t offered any public explanation for this practice, and we don’t expect them to, considering how the brand’s popularity has declined, first due to Autopilot issues, and later thanks to Elon Musk’s disastrous public image as the face of DOGE.
Of course, consumers are at a crossroads. Are they really receiving a new car? Or is the vehicle already deteriorated after months in bad conditions?
What do we suggest?
If you’re going to buy a new car and it’s a Cybertruck… the experts have made it clear: ask for the manufacturing and storage history before accepting the vehicle. A car might look (and smell) new, and not actually be new.
So, remember:
- Ask for the exact manufacturing date.
- Ask where the vehicle has been and for how long (and under what conditions, please…)
- Inspect the car thoroughly for any signs of wear.
Buying a Tesla should be an exciting experience, but these reports only call for caution. Trust in a brand is key, and it seems Tesla has slipped up this time… transparency should not be optional.