Tesla boss Elon Musk says he remains confident that the much anticipated but delayed Tesla Cybertruck will be ready for production in 2023.
The Cybertruck, Tesla’s somewhat arresting design for an electric ute, has been one of the most eagerly awaited EVs since the launch of the best-selling Model 3. It is expected to be a must-have for early adopters, trend setters and trades people, who will be able to use the Cybertruck battery to power their tools – and their home if they want.
Musk was asked at the formal opening of the Berlin Gigafactory, after the first deliveries of European-made Model Y electric crossovers, about the company’s highlights of the coming year, in terms of new product.
Musk has previously warned that many of the new models – including the Cybertruck, the Tesla Semi and the new Roadster – would be put on hold in 2022 as the company focused on ramping up production of its existing models and unlocking supply constraints, including chips and battery components.
“We hope to complete development of the Cybertruck and be ready for production next year,” Musk told the audience after the Berlin Gigafactory opening.
“Hopefully, we will have enough battery pack availability to start (production) of the Tesla semi (Tesla’s electric truck), and we will complete engineering of the new Roadster.”
He also flagged new developments in stationary storage, including the release of the Powerwall 3, and new versions of the Tesla solar roof.
The Cybertruck, however, will be the biggest crowd pleaser, having attracted “orders” – or at least expressions of interest with a small refundable deposit of $150 – of more more than 1.3 million, according to some estimates.
Tesla originally intended to launch the first edition Cybertruck in late 2021, but this was then pushed back to 2022, and then to 2023, with some questioning whether it would be released even then. It will likely take another two years before any right hand drive versions are released in Australia, where design restrictions could impact its release.
The company has also removed all references to price and motor configurations from its website, sparking discussion about how much the Cybertruck will cost.
See also:Â Musk opens Berlin Gigafactory: “We have to make a lot of electric cars”
