Tesla has applied for permits to double the size of its Gigafactory Texas in Austin as it ramps up production of new cars.
Tesla loves big factories. Each of its factories are among the largest buildings in the world, and they are still growing.
Gigafactory Texas already has more than 5 million square feet of space.
Now, the Austin Business Journal reports that Tesla fifiled 10 new applications with the Texas Department of Licensing and Law enforcement last week to double the size of the Austin plant.
The texts are reportedly light on details, but speak of a 'white body', 'broadcasting', and more:
TDLR's latest filing reveals little about Tesla's expansion plans. But some of the individual project names cited in the filing — including Body in White, Castings, Paint, Plastics, Stamping and Drive Unit — hint at expansion goals. “Body in white” is the stage of car production where the body of the car is assembled before things like the car and seats are installed.
Currently, the Gigafactory Texas is producing the Model Y, Cybertruck, and the 4680 battery cells that power the Cybertruck.
Tesla plans to build the recently launched Robotaxi/Cybercab at the Gigafactory Texas.
The automaker is also looking to build two new models based on the Model 3 and Model Y, but those will be built on the same Model Y production lines at the factory.
However, those vehicles are expected to be high-volume systems and, therefore, will require new production lines for certain vehicle components, such as stampings and drive units.
As for the Robotaxi, it is built on a completely new environment and manufacturing process, which Tesla calls 'unboxed'. Another expansion of the new factory is expected to support Tesla's Robotaxi production, which automakers believe will reach millions of units by the end of the decade.
Building permit applications mean construction can begin now and be completed by the end of 2025.
Tesla's new low-cost vehicles based on the Model 3/Y are expected to begin production at the Gigafactory Texas in the first half of 2025 and the Robotaxi is expected to arrive in 2026.
FTC: We use auto affiliate links to earn income. More.
