Tesla's Gigafactory Texas, led by Elon Musk, saw an 86% increase in headcount last year, making it the largest private employer in Austin with 22,777 employees, surpassing H-E-B. The carmaker produces Model Y SUVs and Cybertrucks in the region, as reported in its annual compliance filing with Travis County's economic development program.
Elon Musk revealed that Tesla is targeting late 2025 for the release of its next-generation electric vehicles, including a more affordable model, using a new car manufacturing system called the "Unboxed Process." The system aims to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Musk cautioned that the timeline is tentative and subject to change, with production expected to start at Gigafactory Texas due to the anticipated difficulty of the production ramp.
Tesla announces that deliveries of the Cybertruck will begin in November 2023, confirming previous comments from CEO Elon Musk. The company also claims to have a production capacity of over 125,000 Cybertrucks per year at its Gigafactory Texas, although it is unclear if this is the current output. Shareholders are eager for more information on the planned production of the Cybertruck for 2024.
A leaked video from inside Tesla Gigafactory Texas has revealed the small frunk of the upcoming Cybertruck, confirming its presence. The frunk, which is believed to be more valuable in electric pickup trucks, appears to be big enough for a couple of carry-on suitcases or a decent load of groceries. Tesla is expected to start deliveries of the Cybertruck by the end of next month.
Tesla has reportedly secured a new 210,000-square-foot building in Fremont, California, to expand its 4680 battery cell production. The new facility, located across the street from Tesla's pilot production plant for 4680 cells, will support the production of Tesla's more efficient and longer-lasting battery technology, which is expected to be a crucial part of the company's rollout of its Cybertruck vehicle later this year. Tesla is also expanding its battery production at Gigafactory Texas in Austin.
Tesla has broken ground at its new Lithium Refinery outside Corpus Christie, Texas, with plans to produce enough battery-grade lithium to support the production of 1 million electric cars annually. The company plans to invest $365 million in the plant, which will employ about 165 people full-time and another 250 construction jobs for about two years. Tesla plans to pioneer a new production technology to push the industry to be more efficient, cutting several steps in the process and reducing waste.
Tesla has announced that its 2023 Annual Shareholder Meeting, also known as the 2023 Cyber Roundup, will take place on May 16, 2023, at Gigafactory Texas. Shareholders interested in attending the event in person are encouraged to sign up online. The meeting is expected to discuss ongoing and future projects, including the potential election of JB Straubel as a Tesla board member and the company's battery recycling efforts. A random drawing will be held to determine who could attend the event in person, and the deadline for entry is April 14, 2023.