Tesla delays unveiling of semi-truck

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(Reuters) – Tesla Inc (TSLA.O) Chief Executive Elon Musk said the electric carmaker will unveil its semi-truck on Nov. 16 as it diverts resources to fix Model 3 production bottlenecks and increase battery production for Puerto Rico.

The unveiling of the truck, called Tesla Semi, has been delayed for the second time this year. Musk had initially said the truck would be unveiled in September, but he later rescheduled it to late October.

“Semi specs are better than anything I’ve seen reported so far. Semi eng/design team work is aces, but other needs are greater right now,” Elon replied to a twitter user who asked him about the specifications of the semi-truck.

Earlier this week, Tesla said production bottlenecks had left the company behind its planned ramp-up for the new Model 3 sedan.

Parts of Model 3 were being made by hand as recently as early September, contributing to production delays, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter. (on.wsj.com/2kt5E17)

The entrepreneur has tantalized the trucking industry with the prospect of a battery-powered heavy-duty vehicle that can compete with conventional diesels, which can travel up to 1,000 miles on a single tank of fuel.

Earlier in the day, Musk said the company will send more battery installers to Puerto Rico to help restore power after Hurricane Maria knocked out power on the island over two weeks ago.