Tesla has officially announced the production of its first Cybertruck at its Gigafactory in Texas, a significant development for the electric vehicle manufacturer and its reservation holders. The announcement was made via a tweet from Tesla, accompanied by a photograph of factory workers celebrating around the inaugural production model.
Production Begins After Long Anticipation
The first production Cybertruck rolling off the line at Gigafactory Texas signifies a major step forward since the vehicle’s initial prototype reveal in November 2019. Elon Musk retweeted Tesla’s announcement, commending the team with the message, “Congrats Tesla Team!”
The image, though partially obscured by enthusiastic employees, offers glimpses of the Cybertruck’s distinctive features, including its glass roof, expansive windshield with a prominent wiper, the truck bed, and side windows. The visible elements align with recent prototype sightings, suggesting the production version remains true to its unconventional design.
This milestone marks the commencement of production for Tesla’s fifth passenger vehicle model. It arrives more than three and a half years after the company began producing its fourth vehicle, the Model Y, in January 2020. The production of the Cybertruck is considered particularly impactful due to its classification as a pickup truck, a segment holding substantial popularity in the American automotive market.
Market Potential and Production Outlook
The success of the Cybertruck is anticipated to be substantial, contingent on Tesla’s ability to scale production efficiently. In May, Elon Musk projected annual sales ranging from 250,000 to 500,000 units once production reaches full capacity. Musk stated, “We’ll make as many as people want and can afford,” while also acknowledging the manufacturing challenges associated with the Cybertruck’s novel exoskeleton design, constructed from Ultra-Hard 30X Cold-Rolled stainless-steel, which could impact affordability.
The Cybertruck’s polarizing design is expected to generate significant public interest and media attention, potentially becoming one of the most photographed vehicles on the road. This unique aesthetic is likely to contribute to considerable buzz for Tesla.
Delivery Timeline and Production Challenges
Regarding deliveries, Elon Musk indicated in April that a handover event was planned for “the end of the third quarter,” likely pointing to September 2023. The first production Cybertruck is expected to be among the vehicles delivered at this event, assuming it is a production-ready model.
However, similar to past vehicle launches, initial deliveries are expected to be limited, potentially to Tesla insiders. Musk has previously cautioned that the Cybertruck production ramp-up is anticipated to be the most challenging and lengthy yet. He noted in May, “This was a tough product to design and even tougher to build.” Initial production was slated for summer 2023, with volume production anticipated in 2024, subject to a gradual increase.
High Demand and Reservation Numbers
The commencement of Cybertruck production arrives amidst a backdrop of significant reservation numbers. Reports from November 2022 indicated that Tesla Cybertruck preorders had surpassed 1.6 million, according to a crowdsourced tracker. While this figure does not directly translate to guaranteed sales, it strongly suggests considerable market demand for the Cybertruck.