Operations at Giga Texas are running as usual on Monday morning, despite a recent report claiming Tesla had paused production of its Model Y and Cybertruck lines for a week.
That’s according to drone pilot and long-time Giga Texas observer Joe Tegtmeyer, who visited the factory on Monday and shared first-hand observations confirming that production remains active.
“I’m at the factory now and production is going very strong and early,” Tegtmeyer said in a message to Drive Tesla. “I heard some MSM [mainstream media] news that production is stopped, but that is not true at all. Production going strong today.”
That MSM news Tegtmeyer is referring to is an article published by Business Insider last week, which cited unnamed workers claiming Tesla had instructed some employees on Model Y and Cybertruck lines to stay home for the week of Memorial Day. The report suggested the production pause was unusually long compared to prior years and linked it to broader concerns over slowing deliveries, overtime restrictions, and shifting production targets amid slowing demand for its EVs.
However, Tegtmeyer’s on-the-ground report contradicts these claims, at least for the start of the week.
12 May 2025 Giga Texas snapshots! Production going strong today despite some MSM/Social Media reports otherwise. Interesting “test” car, Megapack #2 more equipment, Caisson TBM breaks through, Cortex 2.0 site growing rapidly, casting recycling & castings at full speed & a lot… pic.twitter.com/3afdoc1UWf
— Joe Tegtmeyer (@JoeTegtmeyer) May 12, 2025
It’s worth noting that periodic production line adjustments, maintenance pauses, and workforce reassignments are common in automotive manufacturing, especially during major product launches or when refining production processes. As we all know, Tesla is preparing to release two new, and cheaper, vehicles soon, which will be stripped-down versions of the Model 3 and Model Y. These were originally slated to be released in June, but have reportedly been delayed until Q3.
As you can see in Tegtmeyer’s post above, he spotted a covered car in the parking lot missing all of its body panels. Some have been speculating this could be the low-cost Model Y, but that remains to be seen.
Interesting “test” car at Giga Texas today … looks like a Model Y under a car cover, but missing all body panels, the rear quarter panels, glass roof & with old Model Y wheels. I honestly do not know what this is or if it is significant. What are your thoughts? pic.twitter.com/iBpNVIUP45
— Joe Tegtmeyer (@JoeTegtmeyer) May 12, 2025
