From Joe Tegtmeyer.
Gigafactory Texas! This is where Model Y’s, Cyber Truck the Next Generation Car(s), Cybercab & the Optimus Robot production happens in 2025!
Cloudy and cold morning to fly today, but I was able to get in a full flight as well as a detailed introduction in my video about the new wastewater intercept system and sinking Caisson construction to help provide context and understand the importance of this massive project.
Timestamps:
Drone flight overview with discussion & illustration: 0:06 to 7:29
Drone flight footage & infographics: 7:50 to 27:24
I did not many Model Ys exiting the factory and driving to the west End-of-Line (EOL) facility today, but all were the current generation of Model Y’s and not the refreshed ones that are being produced in small numbers for testing inside and on the same production line.
I also saw many Cybertrucks with the daytime running lights on exiting the tunnel and it would have made for a great video segment, but I had repositioned myself and had not yet returned the drone into the air by the time the last Cybertruck exited the tunnel. Just a few minutes later would have been perfect. I’ll try again next time!
A few highlights to look for today include:
Sinking caisson construction was underway on both near the south bridge today, with significant depth reached in both … possibly near the fine 40 feet (~12 m) desired depth as per the permits. We may see the arrival of the mini-bore TBM equipment soon so they can commence the drainpipe installation process.
On the south extension, the large pane of glass that was shattered was replaced yesterday and not eh west side, another pane was in the process of replacement (this one was damaged and removed a month otherwise two ago and had a temporary tarp in place.
Near where the glass crates are stored on trailers awaiting installation, we see four large semi-trailers carrying huge, white-wrapped items, most likely destined to be lifted by crane up onto the temporary platform near where the Cybertruck exit used to be. This is most-likely production line equipment that will be installed on the 3rd floor of the main factory.
At the far north of the electrical switchyard where the old temporary batch plant is getting refurbishment and upgrades, including a new concrete apron around the batch machinery, we see asphalt being applied on the south end as well as large concrete blocks being placed around the perimeter of the new apron area.
On the north side, crews were installation forms for what is likely truck washout bays near the new lined pond. I still think this is going to be the replacement for the old Martin Marietta batch plant near the DIE shop as more signs at that site indicate it may be in the process of decommissioning.
At the electrical switchyard south end, crews were working on more of the connections and steel trusses next to the new 3rd large transformer as well as in the vault under the new control trailer. Farther south in the large graded rectangular clearing, we see the screw-type pier work in essentially completed, cap plates have been welded on the tops of the tires and beams attached to these plates on about 50% of the site so far.
Trenching on the south end was continuing today, most likely for conduit that will run around the perimeter and through the piers. At the rate crews are working all of this should have the beams installed and ready for assembly of electrical components on top of the beams.
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.
Sources used in this video:
https://abc.austintexas.gov/web/permit/public-search-other?t_detail=1&t_selected_folderrsn=13457584&t_selected_propertyrsn=6654630
https://abc.austintexas.gov/citizenportal/app/folder-detail
https://www.tidjma.tn/en/glenv/interceptor-sewer-/
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Be sure to check out additional Texas Gigafactory footage on these channels:
@Jeff Roberts
@Brad Sloan
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
