Tesla is converting some Foundation Series Cybertrucks into standard versions for sale and sending hundreds of US models to Canada for homologation, as it faces challenges selling them in the US.
Recent signs suggest Tesla has worked through its Cybertruck reservation backlog and is now encountering demand issues. Earlier this month, reports surfaced that Tesla had asked employees on the Cybertruck production line at Gigafactory Texas to take a few days off. Additionally, the automaker has reduced lease pricing and offered direct discounts by including the Cybertruck in its referral program.
There have been many several Cybertrucks in inventory available for immediate delivery, including many Foundation Series Cybertrucks:
The Foundation Series Cybertrucks were the first units produced, initially offered to reservation holders with a $20,000 premium, bundled with various features and accessories.
In October, Tesla transitioned to producing standard Cybertrucks at a lower price. However, the company is reportedly still holding a significant number of unsold Foundation Series models. According to a source and documents obtained by Electrek, Tesla is now planning to “de-Foundation Series” some of these trucks.
The Foundation Series includes unique laser-etched badging on the exterior and special interior badging on the dashboard, alongside the $20,000 bundle of features. Tesla is sending these vehicles to service and collision centers across the US to remove the Foundation-specific elements, enabling them to be sold as standard Cybertrucks at a $20,000 lower price.
Additionally, Tesla is preparing over 800 Cybertrucks for homologation in Canada, modifying them to meet regulatory standards and shipping them to the Canadian market, where the company expects higher sales potential.
These efforts are adding strain to Tesla’s service and collision centers, causing longer wait times for existing owners.
