When Tesla (TSLA) first introduced its Cybertruck electric pickup prototype in November 2019, it was described as a vehicle similar to one in the films "Mad Max" and "Blade Runner." CEO Elon Musk said the development of the Cybertruck was influenced by the amphibious Lotus Esprit S1 that was featured in the 1977 James Bond film "The Spy Who Loved Me."
The prototype impressed so many people that five days after introduction on Nov. 24, 2019, Musk said the company had received 187,000 orders for the electric vehicle.
Forget Tesla – We’re all-in on this EV stock
After unveiling the vehicle almost four years ago, Tesla said it expected production of the Cybertruck to begin in 2021, but Musk couldn't predict the covid pandemic in 2020. In July 2022, Musk said he was hoping to start producing Cybertruck in mid-2023. Then, in January 2023, Musk said that the new vehicle will be produced "later this year," but in April, the CEO said the EV will be delivered at the end of the third quarter, toward the end of September.
Chevrolet
Tesla Will Have Competition When Cybertruck Delivers
The process from reveal to delivery of the Cybertruck is now expected to take almost four years. In the meantime, Tesla has watched competitors such as Ford's (F) F-150 Lightning, General Motors's (GM) Chevy Silverado and Rivian's (RIVN) R1T bring on their rival pickup trucks and other EV makers, such as Stellantis (STLA) have plans to roll out all-electric pickup trucks in the months after Cybertruck's release.
Tesla and Ford are also competing in the EV sports utility vehicle space with the Austin, Texas-based automaker's Model Y priced from the basic all-wheel drive for $47,740, Long Range at $50,490 and Performance at $54,490, according to its website. Ford's 2023 Mustang Mach-E Select starts at $42,995, Premium $46,995, California Route 1 is $56,995 and GT is $59,995.
General Motors will have its say in the SUV/crossover market as it in July 2022 unveiled plans for its new electric version of the Chevy Blazer, which has been a popular internal combustion engine model for many years, since it first went on sale in 1969.
Chevy Blazer EV Rolls Off Assembly Line
Now, a year later, GM has started rolling its 2024 Chevy Blazer EV off the assembly line on June 26 at its GM Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico, GM Authority reported. The new Chevy Blazer EV will feature four models: the 1LT starting at $44,995; 2LT at $47,595; the RS starting at $51,995 and the SS priced at $65,995. The automaker will also feature a Police Pursuit Vehicle, automaker said in a statement when it unveiled the models. The Chevy Blazer 2LT and RS should be available for purchase later this summer. The SS is expected to be available in the fall 2023, and 1LT in winter 2024, Inside EVs reported.
The models have multiple distinct trims, a range of up to 320 miles on a full charge, and front-, rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations. Vehicles will include a 17.7-inch diagonal customizable infotainment touchscreen, full LED exterior lighting and Super Cruise hands-free driving technology.
“The 2024 Blazer EV sets a new tone for electric SUVs, with options and intuitive technologies that help position Chevy for leadership in one of the fastest-growing EV segments,” said Scott Bell, vice president of Chevrolet, said at the time of the unveiling.
