Tesla’s long-anticipated Cybertruck has turned from futuristic marvel to logistical headache. Despite CEO Elon Musk’s bold claim of over a million preorders, the electric pickup is now facing sluggish sales and excess inventory. This has led Tesla to resort to some controversial storage tactics—raising red flags in one Michigan city.
Tesla Storing Unsold Cybertrucks at a Run-Down Mall
According to a report by Crain’s Detroit Business, dozens of Cybertrucks and other Tesla vehicles are currently parked at Hunter’s Square, a struggling shopping center in Farmington Hills, just outside Detroit.
The site includes a shuttered Bed Bath & Beyond, a closed Torrid, and a still-operational Buffalo Wild Wings. While the empty parking lot may seem like a convenient solution, storing vehicles there violates city zoning codes.
City Officials Are Not Happy About It
Charmaine Kettler-Schmult, Farmington Hills’ Director of Planning and Community Development, confirmed that the shopping center’s landlord has been notified of the violation. However, she also stated that the enforcement process “takes time.”
This issue comes as Tesla recently opened a new showroom nearby in West Bloomfield. That location is suspected to be the origin of the parked Cybertrucks. Attempts to contact the registered owner and the shopping center’s landlord were unsuccessful.
Tesla Dumping Unsold Cybertrucks At Mall Parking Lot And The City’s Fed Up
This situation has ignited frustration among local officials and residents alike, especially as the Hunter’s Square mall is slated for future redevelopment. Storing unsold EVs in public view could complicate those plans and reflects poorly on Tesla’s inventory management.
Photos of the Cybertruck “graveyard” have begun circulating on social media, drawing national attention to the issue.
Cybertruck Sales Disappoint Despite Hype
Elon Musk once boasted about having over 1 million reservations for the Cybertruck. But reality has not matched the hype.
Since its official launch in late 2023, only 40,000 units were sold—far below Tesla’s projected 250,000 units, according to Forbes. In comparison, the more conventional-looking Ford F-150 Lightning has gained a stronger foothold among electric truck buyers.
Tesla Offers Discounts, Entry-Level Model to Boost Appeal
In an attempt to revive interest, Tesla launched a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive version of the Cybertruck in April 2025, priced at $69,990. Buyers of higher-tier models are also being enticed with discounts, lease incentives, and even free Supercharging.
Still, it remains unclear whether these efforts will be enough to turn the tide for the Cybertruck—and prevent more EVs from ending up parked in forgotten corners of America.