A new “Cybertruck Only” clause in Tesla’s purchase agreement stipulates that buyers cannot sell their new vehicle within the first year unless they have express permission from the automaker, otherwise they can be sued. The company just updated its vehicle ordering agreement ahead of the first Cybertruck deliveries, which it said last month were scheduled for November 30.
Under the terms that have been making the rounds on social media this weekend, Tesla states that it may “seek an injunction to prevent the transfer of ownership of the vehicle” if buyers violate its resale provision, or that it “a can demand flat-rate compensation.” You will receive an amount of $50,000 or the value received in consideration for the sale or transfer, whichever is greater.” The terms also warn that violators could be barred from purchasing vehicles from Tesla in the future.
Tesla says it may grant exemptions to some people who want to sell their Cybertruck within the first year, but they must get written consent. If the company agrees, it will either buy the car back at a reduced price — less $0.25 per mile driven, plus wear and tear and the cost of any necessary repairs — or allow the owner to resell the truck to a third-party buyer. Tesla’s Cybertruck will initially only be released to a small number of selected customers and will not go into mass production until 2024. So, of course, the company is trying to stay one step ahead of resellers looking to capitalize on the vehicle’s rarity.