The Cybertruck Gets an Expiration Date, GM EVs Need a Brake Fix, and Ford Talks Fathom Prices
In the News This Week
Cybertruck Production Gets an End Date
GM Recalls 67,380 EVs Over a Brake Software Problem
Ford Reveals How High Fathom Pricing Goes
Used EVs Now Sell Faster Than Gas Cars
bp pulse Chargers Open Up to More Apps
Fiat’s Topolino Goes Street Legal
The Cybertruck Has an End Date, and Tesla Raised the Price on the Way Out
Elon Musk posted on X this week that Tesla will wind down Cybertruck production at Gigafactory Texas “around the middle of next year” to make room for more Cybercab production. By Friday, Tesla’s configurator showed higher prices. The Premium All Wheel Drive went from $84,990 to $92,490, and the Cyberbeast went from $99,990 to $102,490. The base Dual Motor All Wheel Drive now lists at $82,490 but can’t be ordered.
In my opinion, the robotaxi has little to do with it. Our full story covers why I think the truck’s troubles started long before the Cybercab.
What it means for you. If you want a new one, $92,490 is now the price of entry. If you already own one, Tesla’s Cybertruck lead engineer, Wes Morrill, said on X that Tesla will maintain spare parts and continue service support.
GM’s Brake Recall Covers 67,380 EVs, Including Some That Already Had a Fix
GM is recalling 67,380 Cadillac and Chevrolet EVs because a software defect can cause a temporary loss of braking at low speeds, according to GM’s filing with NHTSA. The recall covers the 2023 to 2027 Cadillac Lyriq, 2025 and 2026 Celestiq, 2026 and 2027 Vistiq, and 2024 to 2027 Chevrolet Blazer EV. On the Lyriq and Blazer EV, only versions with performance all wheel drive are included, which on the Blazer EV means the SS and PPV.
GM says it can happen when the brakes are lightly applied during a sharp, low speed turn and the car hits a bump or dip, such as at the end of a driveway. Normal braking returns on the next brake press. GM counted 24 complaints, including 20 minor accidents, two of them with allegations of minor injuries. The filing also says the fix from an earlier GM brake recall, 24V589, didn’t cover this condition, so cars with performance all wheel drive that were covered by that recall are part of this one too.
The remedy is a free software update, over the air or at a dealer, and owner letters are expected to start going out December 14. GM’s October 29 dealer bulletin says the software wasn’t yet available for 2023 and 2024 Lyriqs, which account for 23,293 of the recalled cars, and that some recalled cars in dealer inventory are on hold until they get the fix.
What it means for you. If you own one, run your VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and look for recall 26V717, even if your car already had the earlier fix. Do the same before you sign for a used one. Unless yours is a 2023 or 2024 Lyriq, you don’t have to wait for the letter to ask your dealer about the update. If it appears on your screen, GM’s install messages say it takes about 20 minutes with the car parked and turned off, and if you decline it, you’ll need a dealer to install it. Our Lyriq and Blazer EV reviews cover two of the recalled models.
Ford’s Fathom Starts at $28,350, but the Lineup Climbs Into the High $30,000s
The Fathom’s $28,350 starting price, plus a $1,595 destination charge, was already public. On Ford’s third quarter earnings call, Andrew Frick, president of Ford Blue and Model e, described the top of the lineup, saying it “goes to the high $30,000 range” with a couple of different offerings in between. CEO Jim Farley said the launch remains on track for the fourth quarter of 2027, and that the truck’s bidirectional charging can power your home during an outage. He singled out the truck’s digital suite, which includes embedded Apple Maps, and said long term subscriptions are the upsell he’s most excited about.
What it means for you. Ford showed us the top of the price ladder, just not what’s on the higher rungs or what any subscription costs. If the lowest price matters most, the Slate Truck still starts lower, at $24,950 plus a $1,450 destination charge.
Used EVs Now Sell Faster Than Gas Cars, and the Bargains Are Shrinking
A year ago, used gas cars had a slight head start off the lot. Now used EVs are leaving them behind. iSeeCars analyzed more than 1.5 million used cars between one and five years old and found used EVs averaged 41.9 days on the market in September, against 54.8 days for gas cars. The average used EV list price rose 9.8% over that year to $32,533, which is now $579 above the average gas car. The Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron was the fastest selling used EV at 29.8 days, while the Cadillac Escalade IQ, GMC Sierra EV and Chevrolet Silverado EV sat longest at 128.7, 93.2 and 89.1 days.
What it means for you. In my opinion, waiting for used EV prices to fall is a weaker bet than it was a year ago. The big electric SUVs and pickups that sit longest are where I’d start negotiating. Our used EV guide covers what to check before you buy.
Your Charging App May Already Work at bp pulse
bp pulse has joined ChargeHub’s Passport Hub roaming platform, opening more than 850 charging points at more than 95 locations to the service providers and automakers connected to it, the National Association of Convenience Stores reports. ChargeHub’s own app has offered bp pulse since August. ChargeHub says most of these chargers use CCS connectors, and more than 30% have NACS.
What it means for you. Before you add another charging app to the pile, check whether your automaker’s app or charging service connects to Passport Hub.
Fiat’s $13,995 Topolino Gets a Soft Top and a Permission Slip for Public Streets
Fiat has introduced the 2027 Topolino with a new Open Air body style that has a soft rollback roof, along with two new colors and a digital instrument cluster. Its MSRP is $13,995 plus destination, and it’s available through select dealers. Later 2027 shipments will reach dealers street legal, and current owners can get a free conversion kit. Fiat lists up to 46 miles of range and a 25 mph top speed.
What it means for you. Fiat classes it as a low speed vehicle, street legal on most public roads with speed limits of 35 mph or under. Just don’t go looking for a freeway on ramp. Check your local rules, and ask the dealer whether the one on the lot is street legal yet.
Check the VIN first. Shop second.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which GM EVs are in the brake recall?
The 2023 to 2027 Cadillac Lyriq and 2024 to 2027 Chevrolet Blazer EV with performance all wheel drive, the 2025 and 2026 Cadillac Celestiq, and the 2026 and 2027 Cadillac Vistiq. GM’s filing puts the total at 67,380.
My GM EV already had the earlier brake recall fix. Do I still need this one?
Possibly. GM’s filing says the fix for recall 24V589 didn’t cover this condition, and cars with performance all wheel drive that were covered by 24V589 are included in the new recall, 26V717. Run your VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup to check.
Does GM say to stop driving these cars?
NHTSA’s record for the recall carries no do not drive or park outside advisory. GM says the loss of braking is temporary and happens at low speeds under a specific sequence of events, with normal braking returning on the next brake press.
How much will the Ford Fathom cost?
It starts at $28,350 plus a $1,595 destination charge, for $29,945. Ford says the lineup goes to the high $30,000 range. Trim details will come closer to the launch, which Ford has on track for the fourth quarter of 2027.
