SAN FRANCISCO — Tesla Inc. goals to start out preliminary manufacturing of its much-anticipated Cybertruck by the top of the primary quarter of 2023, pushing again its plan to start manufacturing late this 12 months, an individual conversant in the matter instructed Reuters on Thursday.

The particular person mentioned the delay comes as Tesla is altering options and capabilities of the electrical pickup to make a compelling product as competitors heats up within the section.

Tesla is anticipated to make restricted manufacturing of the Cybertruck within the first quarter of 2023 earlier than rising output, the supply mentioned.

Tesla didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who unveiled the futuristic automobile in 2019, had already delayed its manufacturing from late 2021 to late 2022.

Musk has mentioned he’ll present an up to date product highway map on Tesla’s Jan. 26 earnings name.

“Oh man, this 12 months has been such a provide chain nightmare & it isn’t over!,” he tweeted in late November, when requested in regards to the Cybertruck.

Tesla just lately eliminated a reference to its manufacturing schedule from its Cybertruck order web site. Final month, the web site mentioned, “It is possible for you to to finish your configuration as manufacturing nears in 2022.” Now “in 2022” has been omitted.

Tesla plans to provide the Cybertruck at its manufacturing unit in Texas, which is anticipated to start out manufacturing of Mannequin Y vehicles early this 12 months.

Tesla builds electrical sedans and SUVs however has missed out on the pickup truck section, which is worthwhile and vastly widespread in America.

Ford Motor and Rivian Automotive are forward of Tesla in launching electrical pickups.

Ford mentioned early this month it would practically double annual manufacturing capability for its F-150 Lightning electrical pickup to 150,000 automobiles forward of its arrival this spring at U.S. sellers.