The co-founder of Tesla speaks out on the Cybertruck and doesn't hold back, calling it a 'dumpster'
Published on Jul 29, 2025 at 3:22 PM (UTC+4)
by Ben Thompson
Last updated on Jul 29, 2025 at 6:09 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
The co-founder of Tesla has spoken out about the Cybertruck, and he didn’t hold back, branding it a ‘dumpster’.
Martin Eberhard helped establish Tesla back in 2003, before serving as its CEO until 2007.
His relationship with current CEO Elon Musk has not been a smooth one for a multitude of reasons.
But when it comes to the Cybertruck, his view was straightforward – he wasn’t a fan.
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The co-founder of Tesla has spoken out about the Cybertruck
Martin Eberhard was the co-founder of Tesla Motors back in 2003, establishing the company with Marc Tarpenning.
He served as the CEO until late 2007, when he was placed on the board of directors.
Chairman Elon Musk then asked him to leave, as he was transitioned to the advisory board.

Although a non-disclosure agreement limited how much he could say at the time, Eberhard wasn’t happy, The New York Times reported.
He would later sue Musk in 2009, accusing him of libel, slander, and breach of contract.
The lawsuit would be dropped two months later, and a settlement would be reached.
As recently as October 2019, Eberhard confirmed he was still a shareholder in the company and was ‘rooting for its success’.
In a recent interview with Kim Java, published on YouTube, Eberhard has opened up about all things Tesla.
In particular, he shed some light on his relationship with Musk and what he would do differently if he was still at Tesla.
But he also touched upon the Cybertruck, arguably one of Tesla’s most famous vehicles.
Suffice it to say, he wasn’t a fan.

Discussing his disappointment with Tesla’s cancellation of cheaper alternatives, he told Java this.
“I am actually disappointed that Tesla canceled its low-end car program because that’s what the world needs – not a truck that looks like a dumpster,” he said.
Ouch.
He also shared his thoughts on Robotaxis and Full-Self Driving, saying he was ‘more skeptical of that than most people are’.
The company is facing some tough times at the moment
Eberhard’s comments come as the company he helped found has been going through some rocky waters.

In California, things are looking grim – as the DMV is deliberating on banning sales of Tesla vehicles, while consumers are turning their back on the brand in growing numbers.
The company also lost out on billions of dollars by dumping 75 percent of its Bitcoin at the worst possible time.
And on top of all that, Musk lost $12 billion in net worth overnight.
There’s obviously still a chance for a comeback and a change in fortune, but things aren’t looking great at the moment.
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