The Joke Continues As Tesla Cybertruck Delayed Again

Production of the highly-anticipated Tesla Cybertruck has been delayed yet again; the electric pickup truck is now slated for initial production in early 2023. This is according to a source familiar with the matter.

First unveiled in 2019, Tesla promised a competitive starting price of $39,900 for the rear-driven, single motor base model. Heading up the range would be the phenomenally quick Tri-Motor derivative, with AWD and a 0-60-mph time of 2.9 seconds.

The source told Reuters that the delay is due to Tesla implementing various changes as competition in the EV pickup truck sphere gets more serious. EV start-up Rivian has slowly started making deliveries of the R1T Truck while Ford has already revealed pricing for the F-150 Lightning.

This isn't the first time the Cybertruck has been delayed. At first, production of the futuristic-looking truck was to commence in late 2021 before being pushed out to 2022. The Cybertruck is to be built at Tesla's Texas factory, but in the meantime, the competition is making the most of Tesla's absence from the niche.

The Dearborn-based manufacturer has said it will nearly double production capacity - to 150,000 - for the electric pickup which is set to arrive on showroom floors in Spring this year. Ford has an estimated 200,000 orders for the electrified F-150. Pricing on Ford's website indicates the F-150 Lightning starts at $39,974 for the base 'Pro' model all the way up to a lofty $90,874 needed for the Platinum variant.

Ford's top trim would be more expensive than Tesla's - assuming that Musk doesn't hike rates when production finally happens - but that doesn't matter for someone who wants to buy now. Recently, the carmaker made changes to the Cybertruck's ordering page. Previously, it made mention of 2022 as a production year but omitted that information following alterations to the website, so we knew that a delay was coming, but that doesn't make it any less frustrating.

All aspiring Cybertruck owners can do now is pay the $100 refundable deposit, with information regarding performance, range, and pricing all but gone. With myriad pre-orders and no sign of the vehicle, we're willing to bet those wanting an electric truck may abandon ship and hope Ford or Rivian can supply them with an alternative.