Tesla is expected to run limited production of the Cybertruck in the first quarter of 2023 before ramping up production, the source said. The builder did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Tesla, the world’s largest electric car maker, makes electric sedans and sport utility vehicles but hasn’t entered the profitable and hugely popular pickup segment in America.
Ford and Rivian ahead of Tesla in the launch of electric pick-ups.
Ford said earlier this month it would nearly double the annual production capacity of its wildly successful F-150 Lightning electric pickup to 150,000 vehicles before it arrives at U.S. dealerships in spring. Ford’s market value topped $100 billion for the first time on Thursday, as shares of Tesla fell 6.7% and Rivian’s 7.1%.
CEO Elon Musk, who unveiled the futuristic vehicle in 2019, had already postponed its production from late 2021 to late 2022. Musk said he would provide an updated product roadmap during Tesla’s earnings conference call of January 26. “This year has been a complete supply chain nightmare and it’s not over,” he tweeted in late November, when asked about the Cybertruck.
Tesla recently removed a reference to its production schedule on its Cybertruck ordering website. Last month, the website stated: “You will be able to complete your configuration as we approach production in 2022.” Now “in 2022” has been omitted.
Tesla plans to produce the Cybertruck at its Texas factory, which is expected to start producing Model Y cars early this year.