Elon Musk personally handed over the first Tesla Cybertruck units to select customers, including Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian and venture capital fund founder Philippe Sarofim. The glitzy event, broadcast in typical Tesla style, marked the culmination of six years since Musk’s initial vision and four years since the futuristic pickup’s debut.

However, the Cybertruck’s price has escalated since Musk’s 2019 declarations, disappointing those anticipating a sub-$40,000 variant. The entry-level rear-wheel-drive model, priced at $60,990 with a 400 km range, won’t be available until 2025. Meanwhile, the AWD version, set for 2024, comes at $79,990, boasting a 550 km range, 4.1 seconds acceleration to 96 km/h, and a top speed of 180 km/h. The three-engine configuration, at $99,990, packs 845 horsepower and a 515 km range.

Surprisingly, Tesla appears to have dropped potential resale penalties, initially set at $50,000, for the Cybertruck. Recent order agreement pages no longer threaten lawsuits against unauthorized resale during the first year. While this change suggests a shift in Tesla’s stance, the company remains tight-lipped on the reasons behind it or its implications for future cases.

The Cybertruck’s grand debut signifies Tesla’s push into the electric pickup market, albeit with delays and price adjustments. As the automotive giant navigates challenges, the unveiling marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of electric vehicles, reinforcing Tesla’s commitment to cutting-edge innovation.