When the Tesla Cybertruck was revealed back in 2019, CEO Elon Musk said that the all-electric pickup would launch by the end of 2021. However, many have had their doubts about this claim, especially since Tesla’s new Gigafactory Texas – where the Cybertruck will be built – is still under construction, and that plant will also build the Model Y once it’s operational. Secondly, the Cybertruck will utilize Tesla’s new 4680 battery cells, which are currently supply-constrained. That’s why it came as no surprise, as Ford Authority reported last month, that the Cybertruck was recently delayed to 2022, and now, it’s been pushed back even further, making it very likely that the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning will beat it to market.
According to Electrek, Musk recently held a company-wide call with Tesla employees and notified them that the automaker won’t begin Cybertruck production until the end of 2022 and that he doesn’t expect production to fully ramp up until 2023. Musk blamed this latest delay on the Cybertruck’s plethora of new technology, though he also reportedly said that “It will be a special project. Like a glitch in the Matrix. Like if Neo had a car.”
This news doesn’t come as a huge surprise given the aforementioned constraints and the fact that Tesla only very recently completed the Cybertruck’s final design. Other features unique to the truck, like its steel exoskeleton body, require new equipment and manufacturing processes, which only complicate matters further.
This puts the Cybertruck at a major disadvantage compared to its competition, most of which is on track to launch before late 2022. Rivian’s R1T will enter production later this month after a couple of delays, while the 2022 Ford F-150 is on track to enter production at the Ford Rouge Electric Vehicle Center next spring. The first GMC Hummer EV models, meanwhile, are expected to enter production this fall.
Strong demand for the 2022 F-150 Lightning recently prompted Ford to double its planned production of the all-electric pickup, as Ford Authority reported last month. Of course, all of these dates can and most likely will change, as supply constraints and the ongoing semiconductor chip shortage have greatly impacted automotive production for months now, but all of these vehicles are currently vying to make it to market first.
We’ll have more on the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning and its competition soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford F-Series news, Ford F-150 news, F-150 Lightning news, and ongoing Ford news coverage.
Comments
I don’t know how much of a race this is or needs to be.
Launching these trucks isn’t like some new Coke vs Pepsi competition. The Tesla truck will appeal to a specific demographic, and the Lightning to another (though perhaps a little broader in scope, arguably). Both have their own appeal, and I doubt there’ll be two Good Ol’ Boys here in Montana will be found arguing about which is better, anymore than two precocious hipsters in Cupertino will have the same conversation.
What I’d give to be on a plane, though, and have those four in one row; I’d cough *cough-tesla-vs-lightning-cough* and just recline my seat the entire travel distance of three centimeters and enjoy the in-flight entertainment, all the way from Missoula to Chicago.
The FORD F-150, Lightning is the only EV truck coming to market period. That Tesla vehicle or what ever they want to call it is not a truck at all
Look at this article from 2019:
“Elon Musk Brags Tesla Pickup Will Beat Ford To Market”
Musk is just a bragster. His recent claim “Plaid plus will beat Lucid air ‘s 517 mile range” turned out to be vaporware as Musk was forced to cancel Plaid plus. Tesla semi (Musk promised delivery in 2019), Tesla cybertruck, Tesla Roadster, Tesla plaid plus, all badly delayed or cancelled. What’s going on Musk? LOL
Have 2010 f150 with 700k ,have been hoping Ford would make a electric f150 can’t wait to get one,two thumbs up to Ford.