U.S. News
Tesla Threatens To Sue Customers $50,000 For Selling A Cybertruck
By CM Chaney · November 13, 2023
In brief…
- Tesla banning Cybertruck resales for 1 year under new terms
- Aims to prevent problems with transferring software subscriptions
- Customers must get approval to resell in first year
- Cybertruck originally announced at $39,900 but likely more expensive
- Production not expected to hit 250k annually until 2025
Tesla customers who receive the first Cybertrucks this November will not be allowed to resell their vehicles during the first year of ownership, according to the electric vehicle maker’s updated terms and conditions.
As quoted in the terms, “You agree that you will not sell or otherwise attempt to sell the Vehicle within the first year following your Vehicle’s delivery date.”
Tesla says it may seek legal action or liquidated damages of $50,000 if a customer tries to sell their Cybertruck within the first year.
The Cybertruck, first announced by Tesla in 2019, will be the company’s first new vehicle model in years when it hits the market. The electric pickup truck aims to shake up the emerging EV truck segment.
Tesla claims the resale restriction is due to the subscription model for much of the software used in its vehicles. For example, the Full Self-Driving feature costs up to $199 a month and is not transferable to a new owner.
However, Tesla says it may allow a customer to resell their Cybertruck within the first year if they have a compelling reason, in which case Tesla would buy back the vehicle at the original price minus a mileage deduction. The company could also approve the customer to sell to someone else.
The Cybertruck was originally announced with a starting price of $39,900, but actual prices are expected to be much higher due to increased costs for materials. Production is not expected to reach 250,000 trucks annually until 2025.