Tesla’s Kato Road facility in Fremont, California, has been undergoing constant improvements, with expansions, upgrades, and new equipment being installed almost every month, according to filings seen by Teslarati. The plant has been primarily responsible for the production of Tesla’s 4680 battery cells, and since the beginning of this year, it has received several improvements.
The Materials Lab was expanded in January, followed by the addition of tooling equipment and a revised floor plan. In February, Tesla updated the exterior break areas for employees, and at the beginning of March, two new chambers were added to one portion of the building, while another was demolished.
The latest changes, filed on March 14, 2023, refer to a new Hydraulic Power Unit and two new Post Lifts, which could be part of another expansion, as the documents reveal there is a “newly expanded bed plate.”
See also: Tesla plans to start production of 4680-format battery cells at the Texas Gigafactory this quarter
The 4680 battery cell was unveiled in September 2020 during Tesla’s Battery Day event, and it is designed to increase the range and power of Tesla’s vehicles. Additionally, the EV maker would use these new batteries in a structural pack that’s designed to make mass assembly easier.
Tesla’s ramp-up in production for this type of battery is still ongoing, with the company reaching an important milestone at the end of last year when it managed to produce almost 900,000 cells in a week, which would be enough for more than 1,000 EVs.
At the beginning of 2023, a limited number of 4680-equipped Model Y crossovers were spotted in Tesla’s inventory, with an estimated range of 269 miles and a starting price of approximately $64,000. Since then, the carmaker has reportedly shifted its focus from Germany to the United States for the 4680-type cells and is currently looking for Asian material suppliers that would lead to lower costs and a speedier production ramp.
Tesla’s continuous improvements to its Kato Road facility show the company’s dedication to increasing production efficiency and advancing battery technology. As Tesla continues to innovate and improve its manufacturing processes, it could ultimately lead to more affordable and accessible electric vehicles for consumers.
