A recent report from the Austin Business Journal, and since many others, is suggesting that Tesla is about to significantly expand the size of Giga Texas. However, while expansion is indeed underway, the work is nearly done and the reality is less about expanding the size of the building and more about optimizing existing space.
Here’s a closer look at what’s actually happening at Giga Texas, thanks to information provided by drone pilot and Giga Texas expert, Joe Tegtmeyer.
Misinterpretation of TDLR Filings
This issue starts because of a misinterpretation of Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) filings. According to the Austin Business Journal, which first reported the filings, these mean Tesla is expanding Giga Texas by over 5 million square feet.
However, these filings, covering Body in White, Castings, Plastics, and Drive Unit, and more, actually detail a series of upgrades within the current Giga Texas facility, designed to support additional production capacity without physically enlarging the factory’s outer shell.
TDLR’s Role and Scope
To understand why these filings don’t signal an imminent doubling of the facility, one has to look at the TDLR’s role. This agency does not issue construction permits for new buildings, but rather their work includes regulatory oversight for compliance, safety, and operational readiness within buildings. In other words, TDLR filings are one of the final steps before a space can be used, and not the first step before construction begins.
Therefore, these filings suggest that the work is nearing completion and geared towards making the facility fully operational and accessible for employees.
What’s Next for Giga Texas?
Despite the significant attention these filings have drawn, the expansions within Giga Texas focus on adding floors and lines that will help Tesla keep pace with demand without the need for a massive building expansion. Giga Texas currently produces the Model Y, Cybertruck, and 4680 battery cells. However, that will soon change with the addition of production of the more affordable models based on the Model Y and the Model 3, which are expected to enter production in early 2025.
Then there’s the Robotaxi, which is presumably also figures into this expansion. While the Cybercab isn’t expected to enter production for a few more years, this vehicle line will be based on a simplified “unboxed” platform, allowing Tesla to scale production more efficiently than its current designs.
Here’s a video from Joe breaking down in more detail what is actually happening at Giga Texas.
A recent article from the @MyABJ had several factual errors and offered misleading information about permits at Giga Texas, so I thought I’d try to help add the necessary context and corrections so you are better informed about what is really going on. pic.twitter.com/bGG7Zuzh1z
— Joe Tegtmeyer (@JoeTegtmeyer) October 29, 2024
