Tesla’s problems with Model 3 production have been extensively documented over the last year. The firm is currently producing around 2,000 cars per week as it attempts to fulfil over almost 500,000 pre-orders. That’s well short of its 5,000 unit target.
However, the backlog isn’t stopping Elon Musk from reportedly setting an ambitious goal for the next major release; the as-yet-unofficial Model Y crossover electric SUV.
According to Reuters sources (via Electrek), the company is planning to start production of the affordable companion to the Model 3 in November 2019.
That means the first cars could be rolling off the production line and heading to customers by early 2020.
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The word comes via a Request for Information (RFI) reportedly sent out to automotive suppliers by Tesla. This process usually precedes the bidding process to build the various components that’ll make up the car.
The Reuters report says the request coming a-year-and-a-half before target production is an aggressive, yet achievable timescale. Usually automakers send out the RFIs two or more years before the start of production.
Given the company is still making the Model S and Model X, while attempting to ramp up Model 3 production, such an ambitious timeline would seriously test the e-car pioneer’s capacity.
Back in February, Musk says he was planning to build 1 million Model Y cars per year, once production was fully underway. However he did not offer a timeframe.
Reuters reports Tesla would likely need a new facility beyond its Fremont, California factory in order to manufacture the Model Y at any significant scale.
The firm also has its Tesla Semi truck and a new Roadster on deck, so it’s definitely all systems go.
Can you envision the Model Y being your first all-electric car? Let us know @TrustedReviews on Twitter.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
