Today Electrek has reported that Tesla has informed its suppliers to prepare for Cybertruck production at a scale of 375,000 units per year. This new information sheds light on Tesla's progress towards delivering its highly anticipated all-electric pickup truck, which has faced several delays since its unveiling in 2019. As the Editor of Torque News, I will share my personal opinion on this development, highlighting the significance of Tesla's production targets and the challenges associated with the Cybertruck project.
Tesla's Ambitious Production Targets for Cybertruck
According to Electrek's report, Tesla has internally referred to the Cybertruck program as "Project Everest" and is aiming for an annual production volume of 375,000 Cybertruck units. This target is notably high for initial production, especially considering the technical complexities involved in engineering and designing this unique vehicle. CEO Elon Musk has previously acknowledged the Cybertruck as one of the most challenging projects undertaken by Tesla.
The Progress Towards Production:
Tesla's recent strides in preparing for Cybertruck production are evident. During its Q1 Earnings Call, Tesla showcased the first production lines at its Gigafactory Texas, indicating a substantial step forward. Furthermore, with nearly 1.5 million pre-orders tracked, there is a significant market demand for the Cybertruck. As production draws closer, Tesla has begun communicating with its suppliers regarding the company's plans for annual output.
Cybertruck's Design Finalization and Release Candidates:
Tesla has made notable refinements to the Cybertruck's design since its initial unveiling. The most recent iterations, showcased at Investor Day, featured new features and the introduction of a unique yoke steering wheel design. The confirmation from Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, and Chief Vehicle Designer, Franz von Holzhausen, that the Cybertruck's design is finalized, further indicates that production is on the horizon.
The Road to Official Cybertruck Production:
Tesla is expected to have release candidates of the Cybertruck ready by the end of August 2023, marking the final step before the official start of production. Based on the current timeline, Tesla plans to commence the production of the Cybertruck in early October. The company has not yet provided specific details regarding the pickup's pricing and initial deliveries, but it is likely that a delivery event will be held in the third quarter, primarily for Tesla employees and insiders, similar to the launch of the Model Y.
As the Editor of Torque News, I find Tesla's progress towards Cybertruck production both exciting and challenging. The Cybertruck has captivated the public's imagination with its bold design and unique features, resulting in an impressive number of pre-orders. However, meeting the ambitious production targets will be a considerable undertaking for Tesla. The company has faced hurdles in the past when ramping up production of new models, but its track record suggests that it is capable of overcoming challenges and meeting its goals.
Tesla's plans to produce 375,000 Cybertrucks annually, as reported by Electrek, indicate significant progress towards the official start of production. The Cybertruck's design finalization, communication with suppliers, and the upcoming release candidates all point to Tesla's commitment to delivering its highly anticipated all-electric pickup. As the EV market continues to grow, the success of the Cybertruck could be a significant milestone for Tesla in further establishing itself as a leader in sustainable transportation.
Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebok, Linkedin and Youtube.