The reversal comes after weeks of pressure from people like Elon Musk, who accused Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy of being ill-equipped for the job.

It's the second time this year Rivian has spun out a new company, after it created micromobility startup Also in March.

Despite its imprecision, the fourth "Master Plan" is a centerpiece of Tesla's case for giving CEO Elon Musk $1 trillion in company shares.