This year, Texas Gigafactory is projected to play a significant role in Tesla's expansion, particularly in the second half of the year. More than a half-dozen new Tesla Model Y electric vehicles have been sighted at the automaker's Texas Gigafactory, following the company's announcement that manufacturing will begin by the end of 2021. The EV manufacturer has been cranking up its giant casting operation at the Gigafactory to build Model Y EVs, with some cars now being spotted outside the new factory.
The electric vehicle manufacturer has been planning its second US site for some time. Elon Musk, the company's Technoking, had indicated that the production facility would be opened during an inauguration party that will include factory tours in the early part of this year.
The Texas Gigafactory will also produce Model 3 and Cybertruck, in addition to Model Y. However, due to continuous supply chain challenges, the Cybertruck's manufacturing has been delayed. The Gigafactory is expected to create 20,000 jobs. Tesla’s Technoking, Elon Musk said, "Giga Texas is a $10B investment over time, generating at least 20k direct and 100k indirect jobs."
General assembly, paint, casting, stamping, and body shop facilities will be available at the plant. The current structure has a footprint of more than 1.9 million square feet, with 5.3 million square feet of operational area spread out over numerous floors. By the end of this quarter, the first Texas-built Model Ys might be in customers' hands.
Only a modest number of Model Ys made in Texas will be available this quarter, but it lays the path for a significant increase in manufacturing for the remainder of 2022. Giga Austin Model Ys will be the first to use Tesla's new structural battery pack, which includes 4680 battery cells. However, as the chip shortage persists, certain Giga Austin Model Ys may first revert to the old 2170 cell arrangement, according to sources within the company.
Tesla's New Gigafactory in Texas
Despite its $60,990 starting price, the Model Y is Tesla's most popular vehicle. According to several assessments, about 200,000 units were sold in the United States alone last year (Tesla releases sales figures for the 3 & Y combined).
Tesla is expected to deliver over 1.5 million cars globally this year, thanks to the arrival of a right-hand drive Model Y in 2022 and continuous development in Asia and Europe via Giga Shanghai and Giga Berlin. By reducing North America's reliance on Tesla's Fremont factory, Giga Austin will play a significant part in achieving this.
Meanwhile in Berlin…
Tesla has received authority to build test cars at its Gigafactory in Germany, which is still under construction. This certification comes as the electric vehicle maker continues to wait for the project's final approval. Tesla, on the other hand, will not be permitted to offer these electric vehicles.
The Berlin Gigafactory, which is now under development south of Berlin, has the capacity to test up to 2,000 electric automobiles. The German authorities had previously given permission to test up to 250 electric vehicles.
The new Tesla plant in the small town of Gruenheide is taking longer to build than expected, thanks to opposition from environmental groups concerned about water consumption and wildlife, which has pushed back the start of production by several months.
Tesla is expected to invest roughly 5 billion euros in Gruenheide, according to Germany's Economy Ministry. This will be the first Gigafactory on the European continent for the American automaker. This plant is planned to serve the European market, which has seen a surge in demand for Tesla vehicles. This plant would also export automobiles to other markets.
Tesla's Berlin facility will initially produce Model Y automobiles. It will also develop new models in the future. Tesla will also produce batteries and powertrains for its electric vehicles at this Gigafactory, according to Elon Musk.
The Tesla Gigafactory in Germany is the company's second such facility outside of the United States. The first Gigafactory outside of the United States was built in China, and it presently produces Model 3 and Model Y vehicles for not only the Chinese market but also for several other nations. Tesla was able to significantly increase its entire worldwide production capacity by establishing this factory in China. This has also aided the company in setting a new sales record.
