Tesla has applied for permits to double the size of its Gigafactory Texas in Austin, aiming to support increased production and add new vehicle lines, according to recent filings with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Gigafactory Texas, already one of the world’s largest manufacturing facilities at over 5 million square feet, could see its footprint significantly expanded by the end of 2025.
Tesla’s filings mention areas like “Body in White,” “Castings,” “Paint,” “Plastics,” “Stamping,” and “Drive Unit,” pointing to the factory’s potential expansion for enhanced vehicle assembly and production capacity. These facilities are crucial for the manufacturing stages prior to final assembly, indicating a focus on preparing the factory for higher production volumes.
Currently, Gigafactory Texas produces the Model Y, the newly launched Cybertruck, and the 4680 battery cells designed for the Cybertruck. As Tesla plans to add two new high-volume vehicles based on the Model 3 and Model Y at the factory, additional production lines for components such as stamping and drive units may be necessary.
The planned expansion will also support production for Tesla’s anticipated Robotaxi, built on an entirely new platform. Tesla’s Robotaxi, which employs a unique “unboxed” manufacturing process, is expected to start production in 2026, with the new Model 3/Y-based vehicles projected to launch in early 2025.
Source: The Austin Business Journal
