We have known for some time that the first cars off the production line at Giga Berlin will be the Model Y Performance.
Even though demand isn’t as high as the Model Y Long Range, Tesla is starting with the top-of-the-line variant because it is has higher margins, giving them more flexibility as they ramp production.
Thanks to several months of delays in receiving their final approvals, Tesla been able to fine tune their production processes enough that they are ready to begin test production of the entry-level variant.
Drive Tesla has learned Giga Berlin will start by producing four Model Y Long Range test cars as early as this week.
According to a source familiar with the plans, three of the four vehicles will be built with 19″ Gemini wheels, and the fourth will have the optional 20″ Induction wheels.
Additionally, unlike the Performance test cars currently being built at the factory, these Long Range test cars will not be equipped with radar.
There is currently no timeline for when Giga Berlin could officially start production of the Long Range variant, but building these test cars will help validate what changes need to be made to the production lines in order to accommodate both variants.
According to recent reports, Tesla is expected to finally receive the approvals to begin production at Giga Berlin later this week, and hold a special grand opening ceremony tentatively scheduled for March 22.
Elon Musk is expected to attend the event and deliver the first 30 made-in-Germany Model Y Performance cars to lucky new owners.
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