Tesla’s highly-anticipated Cybertruck will probably not start production this year. The company says it has received more than 1 million reservations for the future-funky electric pickup since its 2019 reveal. But amid a worldwide microchip shortage that has hobbled the automotive industry, Tesla appears unlikely to make its late 2021 target date to start building the truck.
No Formal Annoucement
We don’t like reporting rumors and describing what “may” happen. But it is unusually difficult to get information on Tesla’s activities. Most automakers employ a robust public relations department that keeps the press up-to-date on their products and answers reporters’ questions. Tesla used to. It closed the operation last year.
That leaves reporters with just two sources of information about Tesla’s plans. Day to day, CEO Elon Musk’s Twitter account is usually the only source. Once per quarter, communications to investors give us a deeper look.
Investor Communications Make it Look Doubtful
Tesla hasn’t formally announced that the Cybertruck is delayed. The company may still have a way of meeting the target date.
But in a shareholder call yesterday, Vice President of Vehicle Engineering Lars Moravy said, “We have finished basic engineering of the architecture of the vehicle, and we are moving into the beta phases of Cybertruck later this year, and we will be looking to ramp up production at Giga Texas after Model Y is up and running.”
“Giga Texas” refers to the company’s Austin, Texas, factory, which is still under construction. The factory is slated to open later this year.
But, with 2021 nearly two-thirds over, Tesla is unlikely to finish the factory, outfit it to build the Model Y, then add Cybertruck production all in just five months.
Semi Officially Delayed
While company executives didn’t say the Cybertruck is late, a shareholder statement did say, “We have shifted the launch of the Semi truck program to 2022.”
Microchip Shortage a Factor
Executives told investors that the ongoing microchip shortage has limited production, even as the company posted its best quarter ever. “We’ve been on many calls at midnight, 1 a.m., just with suppliers about resolving a lot of the shortages,” Musk explained.
Tesla keeps its operations more flexible than most traditional automakers, routinely changing components during a production run. That means frequent price fluctuations but has enabled the company to adjust the chips it uses and keep its lines running even as many rivals have temporarily shuttered factories during the shortage.
Electric Truck Race Picking Up
The Cybetruck is almost assured of sales success due to its huge number of reservations (though we should note that a reservation is not a sale, and many fall through). But, the later it arrives in customer driveways, the more competition it will have. That includes the Big Three.
Ford this year unveiled an all-electric version of America’s best-selling truck, the Ford F-150 Lightning. The Lightning now appears likely to reach customers before the Cybertruck. General Motors has announced an electric version of its Chevy Silverado, though it has not set a target date. And Ram said it will begin sales of an all-electric Ram 1500 by 2024.
Those trucks may or may not cut into Cybertruck sales. Shoppers looking for an electric pickup may be willing to choose another. Shoppers looking for an utterly unique vehicle unlike other trucks still won’t have another choice.
But, for those who’ve placed a reservation, the news is almost certainly that you’ll have to wait longer than planned.
Related Tesla News:
- Musk: Tesla Roadster Delayed
- A Quick Breakdown of Each Tesla Model – Prices and Features
- Tesla Cybertruck vs. Rivian R1T Comparison
- Tesla Cybertruck vs. GMC Hummer EV Comparison
- Ford F-150 Lightning vs. Tesla Cybertruck Comparison
