Tesla opens Cybertruck orders in South Korea as US sales slow

Tesla Cybertruck orders are now open in South Korea, marking the model’s first international launch.

Reservation holders can confirm purchases between August 29 and September 4, and new buyers can place Cybertruck orders starting September 5.

The expansion follows a slowdown in US demand and underused production capacity.

With higher pricing and no subsidies, South Korea may reveal whether the electric pickup can attract buyers under tougher conditions.

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Tesla Cybertruck prices in South Korea

The Tesla Cybertruck will be available in two trims. The AWD model is priced at 145 million won ($104,000), while the CyberBeast is set at 160 million won ($114,500).

The AWD carries a noticeable premium over US pricing, whereas the CyberBeast is closer in cost. That narrow gap may sway buyers toward the more powerful version.

All Cybertruck orders require a deposit of 29 million won ($14,300).

The truck’s classification as medium-duty in South Korea disqualifies it from EV subsidies.

Buyers must pay the full price, increasing the financial barrier compared with other electric pickups.

These pricing and policy constraints present challenges.

Still, Tesla enters a market where imported EVs remain popular and brand recognition is well established.

That may ease entry for the electric pickup.

Cybertruck in real-world perspective

The South Korean launch coincides with a growing body of evidence from owners who have tested the Cybertruck’s real-world abilities.

One owner transported a 3,100lb cargo over 120 miles, relying on air suspension and regenerative braking to manage the heavy load.

Others have shared detailed reports of range, build quality, and everyday practicality.

These accounts carry weight because they offer insight into how the electric pickup performs outside controlled demonstrations.

For buyers in South Korea, those practical stories may prove as influential as the launch announcement itself.

Imported vehicles compete on reputation as much as performance, and real-world experiences from current owners contribute to that perception.

By the time new customers consider placing Cybertruck orders, they will have a clearer sense of how the truck behaves in day-to-day use.

The broader picture is that Tesla is moving the Cybertruck from a hyped prototype into a product judged on its utility.

If buyers in South Korea view the electric pickup as functional as well as distinctive, demand could extend beyond enthusiasts.

That shift will be critical as Tesla weighs expansion into other Asian markets where interest in premium EVs is growing.

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