In a recent development at Tesla’s Gigafactory in Austin, Texas, a mysterious shipment arrived, containing what appears to be structural battery packs. While the exact purpose of these battery packs remains shrouded in uncertainty, speculation is running rampant within the Tesla community.
The revelation came to light when drone pilot Joe Tegtmeyer shared a photograph of the shipment on social media platform X. Notably, these pallets of battery packs were sighted at the Southwest receiving door of Giga Texas, the very location where the highly anticipated Cybertruck is assembled.
I know this isn't my typical high resolution image, but I captured something I thought might be interesting. This appears to be several structural battery packs being delivered on the SW receiving door … where CT's are assembled. Can anyone identify if this appears different… pic.twitter.com/d5YBttoPtD
— Joe Tegtmeyer 🚀 🤠🛸😎 (@JoeTegtmeyer) October 2, 2023
The photograph depicts two sets of pallets positioned side by side, with the further set appearing to contain metallic components reminiscent of a battery pack. However, the specifics of their application and origin remain elusive.
Questions arose within the Tesla enthusiast community regarding whether these battery packs differ from those used in the Model Y. Some observers suggested that they bear similarities to the Model Y’s structural packs, featuring a shorter penthouse region. Yet, without additional perspectives, confirmation remains challenging.
Notably, some individuals opined that these battery packs appeared considerably larger than those intended for the Model Y. Speculation has also arisen that these packs could potentially be destined for the tri-motor version of the Cybertruck, boasting a remarkable 500-mile range. However, it’s crucial to note that Tesla has yet to release official specifications for this unique electric pickup.
Tesla’s structural battery packs for the Cybertruck are typically manufactured at both the company’s Austin, Texas, and Fremont, California plants. Therefore, it is plausible that this shipment originated from the latter facility.
This sighting of battery packs precedes the impending initial deliveries of the Cybertruck. It comes on the heels of another significant development, as Joe Tegtmeyer recently observed the Cybertruck undergoing crash testing at Giga Texas. Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, had previously hinted at a Cybertruck delivery event in Q3, although this deadline has passed without an official event.
Nevertheless, the absence of a Q3 delivery event has not deterred Tesla from conducting public road tests of the Cybertruck in various locations across the United States. Tesla still awaits a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) and crash test results from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) before commencing deliveries. However, these recent sightings provide optimism for the Cybertruck’s imminent arrival.
Coincidentally, this development coincides with Tesla’s launch of an affordable rear-wheel-drive Model Y in the U.S., featuring a starting price of just $43,990. Tesla continues to captivate both enthusiasts and the wider public with its innovative advancements in the electric vehicle industry.
