From Joe Tegtmeyer.
Gigafactory Texas! This is where Model Y’s, and Cybertruck production happens and in 2025, the Next Generation Car(s), Cortex 1 & 2, Cybercab & the Optimus Robot!
Great day to fly and see progress around the site even though there is no production today (or for the rest of the week and most of next week). This production down time will be used for maintenance, upgrades, some modifications and other work, plus preparing for the start of Cybercab production in April.
In fact, April is shaping up to be one of the most consequential month for the company in a very long time. Robotaxi fleet expansion, Cybercab production & introduction into the Robotaxi fleet, FSD 14.3 should be coming out, Optimus V3 unveiling, Cortex 2.0 is expected to begin partial operation, the Semi is nearing production and perhaps the unveiling of the Roadster.
Timestamps:
Drone flight overview with discussion & illustration: 0:06 to 4:19
Drone flight footage & infographics: 4:35 to 35:34
In the video introduction, I remind viewers that production at Giga Texas is stopped this week and most of next week for line upgrades, maintenance, modifications and a but more and that this is normal as it is also the end of the quarter and the factory needs to get ready for a big April!
Despite the production pause, I was able to see and talk about some Cybercab activity. There were also 8 Cybercabs at the outbound lot today, & these appear to be more of the engineering testing versions with blue tape where exterior mirrors could be attached while they are being used for tests around the country.
I also saw some Cybercabs at the crash testing facility and was able to get fantastic images and video with a unique view of a partially disassembled Cybercab from directly above showing what it looks like under the front hood We can also see what the open door looks like from above too. In total about 12 Cybercabs were at the crash testing facility this morning with several showing some signs of completed on in progress tests.
Interestingly, I also saw that the 1st refresh Tesla Semi has arrived at Giga Texas and it was parked on the north end of the crash testing facility today near the Cybercabs. The new design really looks great and has adopted more of the current styling language most of the other Tesla vehicles now have, so it strengthens brand image. Production of the Semi will be at Giga Nevada and should begin later this year!
A few other things of note for the flight today.
The Test Track continues to make rapid progress, with most of the large oval track now covered in a layer of gravel topping material, berm work around the interior ponds, and removal of dirt from a large mound in the infield. Geotextile membranes underlay most of the areas where roadways have been defined and the access perimeter roadway on the east side is taking shape near what appears to be a parking lot complete with conduit risers for lighting.
At the far north clearing (aka the North Campus) is having more grade work, with imported infill topsoil, gravel and even some of the crushed-up concrete from the Lippmann concrete crushing operation just northeast of the battery cathode plant.
If this continues to be the trend, then we should start seeing Geopiers or CFA drilling operation in the next month. If this is not a construction site, as some viewers strongly believe, then we should begin seeing relocated trailers, equipment, materials and more form the east side to make way for the new Advanced Technology Fab.
No need to speculate … I’ll just watch what happens on the site and we will find out together what the real purpose of this site is.
Finally, Cortex 2’s cooling plant construction and setup is coming along including part 2 getting some FRP beams installed on two of the eventual six bays.
Thank you for watching and I hope this has been informative, educational, and entertaining for you. If you would like, please consider supporting me via Patreon (link is in the description of this video and in the video itself) so I can continue to make and share these incredible videos.
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Be sure to check out additional Texas Gigafactory footage on these channels:
@Jeff Roberts
Video, photos, illustrations, and commentary on this video is by me, Joe Tegtmeyer unless otherwise annotated.
Music in this video is obtained from the YouTube free and unrestricted and royalty-free use library. Ending song is Mr. Sunny Face – Wayne Jones
Drones used are DJI Mini 2, Mavic Air 2 & Air 3.
Drone flight over Giga Texas is with permission of Tesla and CEO Elon Musk
