Over the last few days, Tesla’s Fremont factory has been on a bit of a roller coaster ride. It was initially believed to be shut down after a shelter in place order was issued for 6 counties in California. Then reports emerged the factory was remaining open after being deemed an “essential business”.
That was short lived after the Alameda Country Sheriff’s office said that wasn’t the case, and it would have to shut down. Then Tesla agreed to lower the workforce at the factory from 10,000 employees down to 2,500. After more pressure from local, state, and federal officials, Tesla has now agreed to temporarily suspend production at the factory in Fremont.
The shutdown, which will begin at the end of day March 23, will affect both the factory in Fremont and Giga New York. Operations at Giga Nevada, service, and the Supercharging network will continue unaffected.
In order for customers to continue to receive their vehicles, Tesla will also be implementing a new “touchless” delivery experience. Using Tesla’s unique over-the-air (OTA) connectivity, customers will be able to unlock the vehicles from the app, sign paperwork left in the vehicle, and return that paperwork to an on-site drop-off location before leaving with their new car.
Other auto manufacturers like Ford, GM, Fiat Chrysler, and Honda have also all had to shutdown their US factories due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
