After a few dubious claims from Model Y reservation holders that they had received a VIN from Giga Texas, it looks like the first legitimate Austin VIN has been assigned today.
The lucky reservation holder is Jared Wolny, who shared a screenshot from his mobile app on Facebook showing a VIN from Giga Texas – 7SAYGDEF9NA000137.
The important digit in the VIN is the A in the 11th position, which signifies it comes from Austin, and not Fremont (F).
Along with the VIN, he also has an estimated delivery window of March 1-29. (h/t: @nomadicbrian)
There are a few other factors which lend credence to the fact this is a legitimate Giga Texas VIN.
This first is that according to the NHTSAs Check Digit Calculator, the VIN is accurate, unlike the one that appeared earlier today.
The VIN also ends in 000137, indicating this is a very early build from Giga Texas.
According to Jared, he placed his Model Y Performance order just a few weeks ago on January 19, 2022. He also lives in Denver, Colorado, supporting the fact that Elon Musk has said Giga Texas will only supply the eastern two-thirds of the United States.
If this is a Giga Texas VIN, it likely indicates Tesla is planning to configure the 4680 cells in the structural pack to offer the same, or very similar range to the current Model Ys with 2170 cells.
If this were not the case, there would be another option to select from on the Design Studio (with a correspondingly higher price), so at least for now, it seems like it will be the luck of the draw as to whether you get assigned a Texas-made Model Y.
This is a developing story, check back for updates…
