Elon Musk Might Have Found the Tesla Cybertruck's Biggest Fan as Shaquille O’Neal Set to Receive Truck #3

In an automotive feat that only Shaquille O'Neal could pull off, the NBA Hall-of-Famer and pop culture icon is about to take delivery of his third Tesla (TSLA) Cybertruck. This latest addition, dubbed the “Cyberbeast,” has been designed by California-based Effortless Motors in collaboration with Waido Kits to be even more extravagant and customized than his previous models.

The backstory began when Shaq realized his Las Vegas-based Cybertruck wasn’t quite accessible enough for his Atlanta lifestyle. Unwilling to transport the massive truck across state lines, the basketball star took matters into his own hands by simply commissioning another. It wasn't long before Shaq made the call to Effortless Motors, the shop he trusted to perfect his second Cybertruck, with one directive: don’t call back until it’s finished.

In just two weeks, Effortless Motors responded with a glossy black widebody Cybertruck equipped with 26-inch Forgiato wheels and customizations like carbon fiber fender flares, a color-shifting LED strip on the front, and unique underglow lighting. This time, however, Shaq is getting something even more unique—his “Shaqcat” edition, as the plate suggests, wrapped in maroon with a massive rear wing, air diffuser, and a powerful tri-motor setup expected to deliver an exhilarating 845 horsepower.

While this may be Shaq’s third Cybertruck, it’s far from a gift. According to sources close to Effortless Motors, the transaction was part of a trade arrangement for a Dodge Charger Hellcat that Shaq gifted to Effortless Motors founder Ahmad Abdelrahman. The customizations put into the latest Cybertruck underscore the creativity and scale Shaq demands in his rides, making it a one-of-a-kind specimen among Tesla’s limited 100-run “Cyberbeast” series.

On Instagram, Shaq reportedly discovered his latest Cybertruck customization after Effortless Motors shared a preview video. Reactions on social media were quick to roll in, with Tesla fans and celebrity influencers like Elon Musk playfully commenting, “Well, they clearly have great taste!”

The Tesla Cybertruck has become a cultural sensation among high-profile individuals, from Lady Gaga to Pharrell Williams. Yet Shaquille O’Neal seems to be the Cybertruck’s most dedicated fan, proving that this electric beast is as adaptable as the icon who owns it. With Shaq’s tri-motor “Cyberbeast” soon to be roaring across Atlanta’s roads, it’s no wonder the Tesla Cybertruck continues to be a top choice among trendsetters in the EV world.

Tesla’s Continued Dominance

Shaquille O'Neal’s love affair with the Tesla Cybertruck isn't just a win for his personal fleet; it also shines a spotlight on Tesla's unique position in the automotive market. Tesla, famously known for its lack of traditional advertising, has relied on word of mouth, brand prestige, and influencer enthusiasm to drive demand—an approach that continues to work spectacularly. While most automotive brands dedicate millions to traditional advertising, Tesla’s vehicles, particularly the Cybertruck, have transcended the need for conventional ads to become a bona fide status symbol.

In July 2024, Tesla sold over 5,000 Cybertrucks, marking a significant 61% increase from June, and outselling all direct competitors in the electric pickup market. As per data from S&P Global Mobility, these numbers solidify the Cybertruck's place as the most popular electric pickup on the market, outpacing rivals like the Rivian (RIVN) R1T and the Ford (F) F-150 Lightning. This trend isn’t limited to a single month; Tesla sold nearly 17,000 Cybertrucks in Q3 2024, pushing total sales for the vehicle to over 27,000 units by October, making it the third best-selling EV in the U.S. behind only the Model 3 and Model Y.

What’s particularly fascinating about the Cybertruck’s success is its high price point. The Cybertruck Foundation Series, the current model on sale, comes with a premium of $20,000 over its anticipated MSRP. Despite this, demand remains robust. Cox Automotive reported the Cybertruck as the best-selling vehicle over $100,000 in June, with over 3,200 units sold, suggesting that consumers are more than willing to pay a premium for exclusivity and innovation. When the Foundation Series completes its run and prices drop closer to $80,000 for the AWD and $100,000 for the tri-motor Cyberbeast, the Cybertruck will be even more competitive within the market—positioned alongside, if not still above, its rivals.

Tesla's brand equity relies heavily on its product positioning, where vehicles aren’t just cars but symbols of cutting-edge technology and status. Elon Musk’s strategy of courting celebrities, leveraging organic social media reach, and instilling scarcity with limited series like the Foundation Series has paid dividends. Shaq’s vocal fandom and visible commitment to Tesla—now on his third Cybertruck—is a prime example of this influence. Tesla’s ability to attract high-profile endorsements without paying for them makes each Cybertruck sighting and celebrity endorsement a free advertisement, fostering aspiration among consumers.

Tesla's ability to drive demand without incentives, which most other EVs rely on, highlights the Cybertruck’s unique market position. While S&P analyst Tom Libby noted that most EVs depend on incentives to remain competitive, the Cybertruck defies this trend, selling at MSRP with an added premium. Its 845-horsepower tri-motor setup and futuristic aesthetics have also carved out a niche in the electric pickup segment that not only appeals to traditional truck buyers but to tech enthusiasts and luxury consumers.

Shaq's preference for a trio of Cybertrucks might be the kind of status symbol most fans can't replicate, but it reflects the high demand and desirability that keep the Cybertruck at the top of the electric pickup market—no ad campaign necessary.

More Stock Market News from Barchart

• Stock Indexes Fall as Tech Stocks Plunge
• Up 45% YTD, Should You Buy This Outperforming Healthcare Stock?
• Stocks Tumble on Disappointing Earnings From Microsoft and Meta
• Tesla's Latest Price-Target Hike is Still Pretty Bearish

On the date of publication, Caleb Naysmith did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.