Tesla Model Y Production Rumored to Start in November 2019

Despite delays and production bottlenecks, Tesla is forging ahead with its next new vehicle, the Model Y crossover. New information alleges that the smaller battery-electric crossover will enter production in November of 2019.

The intel comes from a Reuters report on Wednesday after two unnamed sources disclosed the production plans. Tesla has begun issuing “requests for information” or RFIs to suppliers. RFIs give suppliers a view of a new model’s needs, which leads to the competitive bidding process for components. The step is part of a long process leading up to vehicle production, though Tesla’s timeline is accelerated.

Most automakers begin the RFI process at two years ahead of production, some even begin six months earlier. Tesla, per the report’s timeline, is starting just one-and-a-half years away from a production date. One of the sources said the timeframe is “aggressive, but possible.”

SEE ALSO: Tesla Model Y Crossover to Share Platform With Model 3

Tesla last spoke of the Model Y last year and confirmed it would not ride on its own architecture. Instead, it will share a platform with the Model 3 sedan to save costs. The move will also allow Tesla to bring the electric crossover to marker quicker.

Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, previously said he would target a production figure of 1 million Model Ys per year, though supplier sources estimated 500,000 Model Ys per year total in the United States. Should Tesla build a factory in China, Chinese production of the Model Y would add relatively low volume.

Musk’s optimistic production plans for the Model Y come as Tesla works to build 5,000 cars per week by the end of Q2 2018. The electric carmaker reported a weekly production of 2,020 vehicles weeks ago. In addition, Tesla also has the 2020 Roadster and Semi in the pipeline. A pickup truck is also on the table.

A version of this story originally appeared on Hybrid Cars.