A Tesla Cybertruck was seen driving past a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on display at a SpaceX facility in Hawthorne, California, on April 2, 2026, highlighting the growing connection between Elon Musk’s two companies.

Recent registration data reveals that SpaceX has become the largest single buyer of Tesla Cybertrucks. In fact, nearly 20% of all Cybertrucks sold in the United States during the fourth quarter of 2025 were purchased by Musk’s private space company. According to figures from S&P Global Mobility, first reported by Bloomberg, SpaceX is estimated to have spent over $100 million on the electric pickups.

Despite this internal support, Cybertruck sales continued to decline in the final quarter of the year. Without SpaceX’s purchases, registrations would have dropped by an even steeper 51%, underscoring weakening demand in the broader market.

Images from early April 2026 show large numbers of Cybertrucks parked outside SpaceX’s Starship Gigabay at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, further illustrating the scale of the company’s involvement.

Tesla has also faced increasing pressure globally. Earlier this year, it lost its position as the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer to Chinese automaker BYD. The company has now experienced two consecutive years of declining sales, marking a shift after a decade of consistent growth.

Competition has intensified, particularly as BYD introduced major technological advancements, including a breakthrough battery capable of charging in roughly the same time it takes to refuel a gasoline vehicle — a milestone long considered a “holy grail” in the EV industry.

Tesla’s brand has also encountered headwinds tied to public perception. Some consumers have pushed back against Elon Musk’s political positions, contributing to boycotts in certain markets. In a recent Axios Harris poll ranking the reputation of major U.S. companies, Tesla placed near the bottom in categories such as ethics, citizenship, and overall character.

The Cybertruck itself remains one of the most divisive vehicles on the market. While some praise its bold, unconventional design, critics have mocked it with nicknames and questioned its practicality.

Before its 2023 launch, Musk projected annual Cybertruck sales would reach 250,000 units by 2025. In reality, sales have fallen well short of that target, with just over 20,000 units sold last year — a significant drop from nearly 39,000 in 2024.