Last week, Tesla halted work on its Cybertruck production line, raising questions about the cause. Reports now suggest a significant bottleneck in the supply of Tesla’s custom 4680 batteries has stalled production of the vehicle. These delays highlight ongoing challenges as Tesla works to streamline its manufacturing processes.
Employees involved in Cybertruck assembly revealed that the company is “working out the kinks” in its production line. Tesla has struggled to meet demand for its innovative battery design, which powers the Cybertruck and Model Y. Sources report that last year, Tesla’s Giga Texas factory produced enough 4680 cells for only 24,000 Cybertrucks annually—just 10% of the projected need.
The 4680 battery has been heralded for its efficiency and performance. However, it has also faced skepticism from critics who question its scalability. Reports suggest that Elon Musk had set an end-of-year deadline for resolving production issues with the 4680 batteries. However it appears that this goal may have been missed.
While Tesla managed to increase 4680 output in late 2023, the company has yet to meet the ambitious production goals necessary for the Cybertruck’s massive pre-order list. Initial deliveries of the vehicle occurred amid a backdrop of high demand and customer anticipation. Yet, insiders note that frequent production snags have delayed broader rollouts, potentially frustrating long-waiting customers.
There is growing speculation that Tesla could abandon the 4680 battery altogether in favor of a more easily produced alternative. Such a shift could help alleviate supply chain issues but would also represent a setback for the company’s innovation strategy.
Reference- The Verge, Business Insider, The Information, Inside EVs