Tesla has officially abandoned its plan to introduce the Cybertruck to the Australian and New Zealand markets, disappointing customers who had been waiting for years to receive the electric pickup. The announcement was made public on Friday, shortly after Tesla unveiled its new flying Roadster.
Customers in Australia and New Zealand who had placed a refundable deposit of $150 on the Cybertruck received emails from Tesla informing them that production and sales of the model in these countries would no longer proceed. Tesla confirmed that all deposits would be fully refunded. Additionally, the company offered affected customers a complimentary 12-month subscription to its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) feature, provided they purchase a new Model 3 or Model Y. The subscription service is normally priced at $149 per month.
Tesla has not provided an official explanation for the withdrawal of the Cybertruck from these markets. The decision has sparked frustration among prospective buyers, some of whom made reservations as early as 2019. Several customers expressed dissatisfaction online, criticizing Tesla for accepting deposits without delivering the product and suggesting the company used the funds as interest-free capital to support business growth. Some also voiced concerns over the conditions attached to the compensation offer, which is only available on new vehicle purchases.
Initial expectations for the Cybertruck’s arrival in Australia centered around a reservation system requiring a $150 refundable deposit. However, the option to reserve the vehicle was removed from Tesla’s Australian website in 2022, signaling early uncertainty about local availability. Interest briefly rekindled in 2024 when Tesla showcased an imported Cybertruck via a national roadshow, bringing the vehicle to motor shows and showroom displays across the country. Speculation emerged that Tesla might develop a smaller, Toyota Hilux-sized version tailored to Australian roads, but this concept was never realized.
Pricing and regulatory challenges appear to have been significant obstacles to the Cybertruck’s local launch. In the United States, the entry-level Cybertruck starts at approximately $75,000 (US), equivalent to around AUD 106,000 before shipping, tariffs, and local taxes. Importing large American pickups into Australia typically incurs additional costs for right-hand-drive conversions and compliance modifications, substantially increasing the final retail price. Tesla likely would have also needed to alter the Cybertruck’s design to meet Australian regulations.
With the planned launch now canceled, the future availability of the Cybertruck in Australia and New Zealand remains uncertain. Tesla continues to emphasize other models in these markets as it expands its electric vehicle offerings globally.