Tesla outs cheaper Cybertruck that qualifies for $7,500 in commercial tax credit

The Cybertruck now costs as much as the Model X in the US, as Tesla has started sending out order invitations for its non-Foundation Series trims, just as promised for Q4.

The cheapest AWD Cybertruck now starts from $79,990 for those reservation holders who didn't opt for the top Foundation Series trim already to configure.

In addition, the government's subsidy list shows the Cybertruck as qualifying for the $7,500 in commercial vehicle tax credit, as opposed to the point-of-sale dealer deduction that other Tesla vehicles are eligible for.

Tesla has been ramping up Cybertruck production at Giga Texas, and drone overflights depict huge parking lots covered with made-to-order electric pickups. It now finally seems ready to have the Cybertruck materially impact its Q4 shipment numbers, after the Foundation Series units it produced last quarter led to a slight analyst estimate beat.

What Tesla now offers to early reservation holders is essentially the same dual-motor AWD or tri-motor Cyberbeast it has been selling until now, but minus the exclusive $20,000 Foundation Series package. This means that the Cybertruck AWD model can be configured for just $79,990 instead of the hundred grand it used to cost, while the Cyberbeast can be had for a hair under $100,000.

It remains to be seen if Cybertruck fans will turn their reservations into a purchase decision, though, as the Foundation Series package pays for itself by including a laundry list of upgrades and accessories, as well as the Cybertruck's FSD option that alone costs $7,000 for reservation holders.

Still, at $79,990, the Cybertruck should now qualify for the federal point-of-sale tax savings as well, just like the Model X does, not just for the commercial tax credit that the IRS currently lists it for. Tesla just announced the availability of the cheaper trims, so it might be a matter of time until the list is updated with direct tax credit savings for private buyers. Those would further slash the Cybertruck price down to $72,490, and spearhead its sales.

Tesla is planning to introduce an even cheaper RWD trim next year, perhaps when it starts producing all of its Cybertrucks with 4680 batteries that are produced with the cost-saving dry cathode method, a milestone it is expected to hit by July.

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