Tesla plans to stop building the Cybertruck around mid-2027 to concentrate resources on its Cybercab Robotaxi program. But one aftermarket specialist is proposing an alternative: Unplugged Performance, a Tesla upfitter company, has publicly offered to take over Cybertruck production using investor funding, allowing Tesla to exit the business while the truck continues under new management.
What Unplugged Performance Proposed
In November 2026, Unplugged Performance made a public offer to Tesla to assume Cybertruck manufacturing. According to the proposal, the company would secure funding through a consortium of investors and operate the production independently, using no Tesla factory floor space, headcount, or resources. This setup would free all of Tesla’s manufacturing capacity and workforce for the Cybercab Robotaxi program.
Under the arrangement, Cybercab would receive first priority for battery cell allocation. Unplugged Performance would handle Cybertruck production but wait for battery supplies after Tesla’s robotaxi needs are met. Tesla would continue earning revenue through licensing fees and software services—specifically Full Self-Driving capability and Robotaxi network access—on every vehicle produced.
The upfitter indicated plans to manufacture the original Cybertruck, a three-row CyberSUV variant, and an unmanned CyberCargo hauler. This expanded product line goes beyond Tesla’s current singular truck design.
Why This Matters for Consumers and Fleet Buyers
For buyers interested in purchasing a Cybertruck, this proposal addresses a practical concern: the vehicle becoming unavailable after mid-2027. If Tesla accepted and the arrangement proceeded, production could continue beyond that cutoff date, potentially extending the window to purchase or order the truck.
The proposal also signals interest in expanding the Cybertruck platform beyond the original pickup. A proposed three-row CyberSUV would appeal to buyers seeking a larger electric vehicle on the stainless-steel platform, diversifying what’s available in the lineup.
Fleet operators may find this development particularly relevant. Tesla’s FIT division has already developed specialized police and fleet versions of the Cybertruck, with deliveries going to agencies such as the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. An independent manufacturer could potentially maintain or expand these specialized applications, offering fleet buyers continued options.
Current Status: Proposal, Not a Done Deal
Unplugged Performance clarified that its public statement was exploratory—an attempt to gauge Tesla’s interest rather than a formal business offer or capital solicitation. Tesla has not publicly responded to the proposal, and whether the company will engage remains unknown.
The timing reflects Tesla’s strategic shift toward autonomous vehicle development. As the automaker concentrates on scaling the Cybercab Robotaxi platform, it is deprioritizing consumer vehicle production, including the Cybertruck. This represents a notable pivot in how Tesla allocates manufacturing capacity and engineering resources.
What Happens Next
The Unplugged Performance proposal demonstrates that aftermarket manufacturers see commercial potential in continued Cybertruck production. Tesla’s response—whether acceptance, rejection, or negotiation—will determine whether this alternative production scenario becomes reality.
For buyers and fleet operators, the key takeaway is that the Cybertruck’s production story may not simply end in mid-2027. A third-party manufacturer operating under a licensing and revenue-sharing model with Tesla could extend availability, though no guarantees exist at this stage. The proposal also illustrates a potential business model where Tesla licenses its technology and shares ongoing revenue rather than retaining exclusive control over manufacturing.
Sources and further reading
- Tesla upfitter offers to keep Cybertruck alive — teslarati.com, 2026-11-11
