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COVID-19 related delays have struck the automotive industry. Supply chain interruptions have made it difficult for automakers to deliver on their promises. Tesla’s Cybertruck and Rivian’s R1T are no exceptions. Both highly anticipated electric pickup trucks have suffered setbacks. According to AutoWeek, Elon Musk addressed the most likely Cybertruck release date.

Electric trucks slowly make their way to the market

Electric trucks have been making headlines since the announcement of Tesla’s Cybertruck in 2019. The Cybertruck’s sensational appearance gained instant infamy. Skeptics couldn’t help but be impressed with its projected performance.

There are plenty of competitors giving Tesla a run for their money. Legendary truck maker Ford announces the release of an all-electric F-150 prototype. Buyers can expect to see the new F-150 in production in mid-2022.

Chevy also announced details of an electric pickup in 2020. GM has famously tried to turn around the Hummers Eco unfriendly reputation with an electric version debuting in 2023.

The Rivian R1T is six months behind in production

Cybertruck’s closest rival in production speed is the Rivian R1T. Originally hoped to be released at the beginning of the year, the R1T is set to hit the sales floor in June of 2021.

All models will have a standard towing capacity of 11,000 pounds. Current models will feature a 230 or 300-mile battery pack. A 400-mile battery pack will hit the market in January 2022.

Musk says on-time Cybertruck release would be “lucky”

Tesla's stainless steel, angular Cybertruck displayed on a stage with a live audience.
Tesla’s Cybertruck |Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

Bulk orders of Tesla Cybertruck are not slated to hit the market until 2022; smaller batches were slated for delivery this year. When the electric pickup was announced in 2019, Tesla hoped production would start in 2021. This was a lofty goal for such a cutting-edge vehicle.

In a conference call discussing Tesla’s 2020 4th quarter earnings, CEO Elon Musk said a company would be lucky if they could do a few deliveries by the end of the year. Musk went on to say that Cybertruck’s design has been finalized so production can finally again. 

Tesla claims the Cybertruck can tow up to 14,000 pounds. It is projected to have the longest range of any EV on the market at 500 miles per charge. Tesla claims their pickup goes from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than three seconds.

Which electric pickup will hit the street first?

At this point, it’s unclear which electric pickup will hit the open market first. Tesla has not announced a firm release date for any limited runs in 2021. The release of any Cybertruck before 2022 is purely hypothetical. Tesla Cybertruck is an ambitious feat of engineering that cannot be rushed.

The Rivian R1T does not make the same lofty performance claims as Tesla’s Cybertruck. The 2022 Tesla pickup is on hold due to COVID-19 supply chain interruptions. It’s possible the Rivian could meet its summer 2021 release goal. Could Tesla surprise us all by putting a cyber truck on the road first?

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MotorBiscuit Writer

Danyell Marshall

Danyell Marshall had written for and about the automotive industry for over a decade when she joined our squad in 2021. Danyell graduated with a Bachelor’s in Communication from the University of Massachusetts Amherst; fascinated with engineering and performance driving, she also spent five years as a mechanic, served as a shop manager, and has supported several rally drivers in various capacities for 15 years.

Using her technical and driving experience, layered with her tenured career in digital journalism, Danyell writes for our industry with a comprehensively tuned voice. She has created content for HotCars, The Richest, Moms.com, and other associated sites, all while traveling the country in a converted school bus.