Experts run the numbers and declare Tesla Cybertruck as the biggest flop in US automotive history, overtaking the Ford Edsel
Published on Jul 27, 2026 at 2:05 PM (UTC+4)
by Ben Thompson
Last updated on Jul 27, 2026 at 2:05 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
The Tesla Cybertruck has been declared the biggest flop in US automotive history.
For a long time, that unenviable title was held by the Ford Edsel, which was released back in 1957.
But now it appears Tesla’s distinctive EV truck has taken the top spot, or the bottom spot, depending on how you look at it.
Why exactly has it been dubbed a flop? Let’s take a look at the numbers.
Why the Tesla Cybertruck is so divisive
From branding it a ‘cyber-disaster’ to outright berating those who drive it, Cybertruck critics haven’t held back.
Despite the valiant efforts of some owners to win people over, it has still gone down as one of the most divisive cars in recent history.
But is that fair ground for it to be declared the ‘biggest flop’?
These experts ran the numbers and what they found was shocking
An article over on Bloomberg ran the numbers on the Cybertruck sales and came to a damning conclusion.
In the Cybertruck’s first year, it sold just short of 40,000 units – a massive shortfall from the sales target of 250,000.
And that was in 2023.
Since then, sales have been dropping every year.
So far this year, only around 7,100 have been registered.
Even then, the figures have been skewed by Elon Musk selling Cybertrucks to his own companies.
The figures aren’t looking good, that’s fair to say.
But is it really so bad as to usurp the dismal record of the Ford Edsel?
How does this compare to the Ford Edsel?
The Edsel was rolled out back in 1957, pitched as an ‘entirely new kind of car’.
But it was met with resistance, as many people didn’t like the car’s appearance.
Sounds familiar to a certain electric truck, right?
At the time of its launch, it was predicted that 200,000 would be sold in the first year on the market.
The real number was a third of that, and the Edsel went down in history as a flop.
Bethany Benjamin, the writer over at Bloomberg, did note that its reputation has improved somewhat over the years.
“In the end, the Edsel failure cost Ford about $350 million in losses, or $2.5 billion in modern dollars,” she noted.
“Yet many collectors today appreciate the Edsel’s novelty and pay up to $35,000 for restored models.”
Whether or not the Cybertruck will have that appeal 60 years from now remains to be seen.
Key Features: Tesla Cybertruck
Powertrain: Single Motor (Rear-Wheel Drive), Dual Motor (All-Wheel Drive)
Top Speed: 112mph
0–62 mph: 6.7 seconds (RWD), 4.3 seconds (AWD)
Drive Modes: Comfort, Sport, Custom
Starting Price: $60,990 (RWD), $79,990 (AWD)
Ben joined Supercar Blondie in February 2025 after being published by international organizations including LADbible, The Sun, the New York Post, and the Daily Mail. He covers supercars, rare and collectible vehicles, aviation, luxury assets, and the fascinating people behind them. His reporting has explored everything from seven-figure supercars and historic Ferrari collections to unusual aircraft adventures and extraordinary automotive discoveries from around the world. Ben has also gained first-hand insight into vehicle craftsmanship and customization, including visiting specialist workshops to see bespoke vehicles up close.
