Gigafactory
A Gigafactory is a term coined by Tesla, Inc. to describe its large-scale manufacturing facilities optimized for high-volume production of lithium-ion batteries, electric vehicle powertrains, motors, and energy storage systems, with the initial design targeting annual output exceeding global demand at the time of announcement to drive down costs via economies of scale.[1] The inaugural Gigafactory Nevada, located near Reno in Storey County, began partial operations in 2016 through a joint venture with Panasonic Corporation, focusing on battery cells and packs essential for Tesla's Model 3 and energy products like Powerwall.[2][3] By 2023, Tesla had invested over $6 billion in the Nevada site alone, expanding it to 5.4 million square feet and employing thousands in production of vehicle components and semi-autonomous systems.[3] Tesla has since constructed additional Gigafactories, including Shanghai (operational 2019 for vehicle assembly and batteries), Texas (headquarters with Cybertruck production), and Berlin-Brandenburg (Europe's advanced site for batteries and vehicles), collectively enabling annual vehicle output exceeding one million units and positioning Tesla as a leader in battery gigawatt-hour-scale manufacturing.[4][5][6] These facilities have faced scrutiny over reliance on government incentives, supply chain dependencies, and environmental impacts from mining raw materials, yet they represent a pivotal shift in industrial scaling for sustainable energy transition through vertical integration.[1]Definition and Concept
Origin of the Term
The term "Gigafactory" was first publicly used by Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, Inc., during the company's third-quarter earnings call in November 2013, where he outlined the necessity of constructing a vast battery production facility to scale lithium-ion cell manufacturing beyond existing global capacity.[7] This introduction of the term highlighted the factory's design to produce batteries at a rate equivalent to billions of watt-hours annually, addressing the supply constraints that limited electric vehicle adoption.[8] Etymologically, "Gigafactory" combines "giga," the metric prefix for one billion (10^9), with "factory," signifying the facility's targeted output of multiple gigawatt-hours of energy storage per year—projected to exceed the world's total lithium-ion battery production at the time by an order of magnitude once fully operational.[9] Musk employed the term to convey the transformative scale required for cost reductions via vertical integration and volume efficiencies, estimating that such facilities could lower battery prices by 30% or more through innovations in automation and raw material processing.[10] Prior to Tesla's adoption, no equivalent terminology existed in manufacturing lexicon for facilities of this magnitude in the energy storage sector, distinguishing it from conventional "gigaplants" or large-scale operations in other industries; the term has since been emulated by competitors but originated as a proprietary descriptor for Tesla's strategy to internalize battery supply chains.[11]Purpose and Strategic Goals
The Gigafactory initiative, spearheaded by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, aims to achieve unprecedented economies of scale in lithium-ion battery manufacturing to reduce costs below $100 per kilowatt-hour, addressing the primary barrier to widespread adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. In its initial 2013 planning, Tesla targeted an annual production capacity of 35 GWh for battery cells and 50 GWh for packs at the first facility, exceeding the global lithium-ion output of approximately 35 GWh that year, with the explicit goal of leveraging volume to lower prices by at least 30% in the initial phase through optimized processes and vertical integration.[12][13] This cost-targeting strategy directly supports Tesla's core mission of accelerating the world's transition to sustainable energy by making battery-powered transportation and grid storage competitive with fossil fuel alternatives. By localizing cell production and assembly, Gigafactories minimize dependency on overseas suppliers, shorten supply chains, and enable rapid iteration on battery chemistries, such as the shift to higher-density 4680 cells, ultimately aiming to enable mass-market electric vehicle production at volumes exceeding 20 million units annually by 2030.[14][15] Strategically, the facilities prioritize sustainability in operations, with designs incorporating renewable energy sources like solar to power production, aligning with Musk's vision of creating a self-sustaining ecosystem for clean energy technologies. This includes not only vehicle batteries but also stationary storage products like Powerwall and Megapack, which store excess renewable generation to stabilize grids and reduce reliance on coal and natural gas. The global network of Gigafactories further serves to navigate trade barriers, comply with regional incentives, and build local expertise, ensuring Tesla's competitive edge in diverse markets while contributing to job creation and technological sovereignty in battery manufacturing.[16][17]Historical Development
Initial Announcement and Planning (2013-2014)
In November 2013, during Tesla's third-quarter earnings conference call, CEO Elon Musk first publicly referenced the need for a massive battery manufacturing facility, dubbing it a "giga factory," to overcome supply constraints limiting electric vehicle production scaling.[18] Musk emphasized that battery cell production represented the primary bottleneck for achieving cost reductions and volume growth, stating that Tesla required a facility capable of producing far more cells than current global output to support planned vehicle deliveries exceeding 500,000 units annually by the late 2010s.[18] He noted internal planning was underway but withheld specifics, indicating the project would involve vertical integration to localize pack assembly and recycling from existing suppliers.[19] On February 26, 2014, Tesla released detailed plans for the Gigafactory, projecting a total investment of $4 billion to $5 billion to construct a facility producing lithium-ion battery cells, modules, and packs sufficient for half a million vehicles per year.[20] The design targeted annual output of 35 gigawatt-hours by 2020—more than double the estimated global lithium-ion production of approximately 16-25 GWh in 2013—aiming for cell cost reductions of over 30% through scale, process innovations, and co-location with suppliers.[21][22] Tesla announced a partnership with Panasonic to jointly develop and manufacture cells at the site, leveraging Panasonic's expertise while ensuring Tesla controlled pack integration to optimize vehicle performance and safety.[22] Site selection planning accelerated in early 2014, with Tesla evaluating locations in the southwestern United States based on criteria including land availability exceeding 3,000 acres, proximity to raw materials and transportation hubs, workforce access, and state incentives to offset capital costs.[20] Several states, including Nevada, competed aggressively; Nevada's bid featured up to $1.3 billion in tax abatements, workforce training, and infrastructure support over 20 years, contingent on Tesla meeting phased investment and employment milestones starting at 3,000 jobs rising to over 6,500.[23] By mid-2014, Tesla narrowed focus to industrial land near Reno, Nevada, initiating preliminary environmental assessments and utility planning, though formal groundbreaking awaited final agreements.[24] On September 4, 2014, Tesla confirmed Nevada as the host state, committing to the full $5 billion outlay and positioning the Gigafactory as a cornerstone for battery cost parity with internal combustion engine equivalents.[23][25]Construction and Opening of the First Facility (2014-2016)
Construction of Tesla's first Gigafactory began with site preparation at the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center in Storey County, Nevada, in May 2014, followed by groundbreaking in June 2014.[26][27] The facility, a joint venture with Panasonic Corporation for lithium-ion battery cell production, was designed to achieve a manufacturing capacity exceeding 35 GWh annually upon completion, addressing Tesla's battery supply constraints for electric vehicles and energy storage products.[28] Initial capital expenditures included Tesla's planned investment of approximately $3.5 billion, supplemented by state incentives totaling over $1.3 billion in tax abatements and credits from Nevada.[3] By late 2015, construction had advanced sufficiently to enable the relocation of Powerwall and Powerpack assembly lines from Tesla's Fremont Factory to the Gigafactory site during the fourth quarter, marking the start of limited on-site operations despite ongoing building work.[29] Battery cell production with Panasonic commenced in early 2016, initially relying on cells manufactured off-site before transitioning to in-house output.[30] The first phase of the multi-story structure, intended to eventually reach 10,000 employees and full occupancy by 2020, was substantially completed by April 2016, though the overall project remained about 14% finished as of May amid accelerated workforce hiring exceeding 1,000 on-site personnel.[31][27] The grand opening ceremony occurred on July 29, 2016, hosted by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, showcasing the facility's solar-paneled roof and vertical integration for battery packs, even as construction continued for expansions.[32] This event highlighted the Gigafactory's role in reducing battery costs by 30% through economies of scale and localized supply chains, a core objective outlined in Tesla's 2014 Master Plan.[33] By year's end, the site had begun contributing to Tesla's energy product deployments, though vehicle battery integration ramped up subsequently.[34]Global Rollout and Scaling (2017-2025)
Following the operational ramp-up of Gigafactory Nevada in 2016, Tesla initiated global expansion to localize production, reduce logistics costs, and meet surging demand for electric vehicles and energy storage. In 2017, Gigafactory New York in Buffalo began production of solar panels, solar roofs, and Supercharger components, marking Tesla's entry into diversified energy manufacturing outside Nevada.[31] This facility, completed after construction starting in 2014, focused on photovoltaic integration rather than primary battery cells, supporting Tesla's vertical integration in renewable energy products. By October 2025, it commenced output of a new-generation residential solar panel, enhancing domestic solar assembly capabilities.[35] Tesla's international push accelerated in Asia with Gigafactory Shanghai, where groundbreaking occurred on January 7, 2019, and the facility achieved full production readiness by December 30, 2019—accomplished in under 10 months through prefabricated construction techniques.[36] Primarily a vehicle assembly plant with integrated battery pack production, it reached an annual capacity exceeding 950,000 vehicles by 2023, exporting to Europe and Asia while serving China's dominant market. In May 2024, Tesla broke ground on an adjacent Megafactory for energy storage systems like Megapacks, completing construction by December 2024 to bolster global battery deployment.[37] This site exemplified rapid scaling, with Phase I workshops for stamping, painting, and assembly operational within months of initiation.[38] In Europe, Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenburg began construction in May 2020 near Grünheide, Germany, overcoming regulatory hurdles to open on March 22, 2022, after approximately 22 months.[39] Designed for up to 500,000 vehicles annually, including the Model Y, it incorporated battery pack assembly and aimed to localize supply chains for the European market, reducing import dependencies. By August 2023, Tesla sought approvals to double capacity to 1 million units per year, adding solar arrays and battery storage for on-site energy resilience.[40][41] Domestically, Gigafactory Texas in Austin commenced vehicle production in December 2021 with Model Y crossovers, achieving official opening ceremonies in April 2022 after site preparation starting in July 2020.[42] This facility scaled to thousands of units weekly by mid-2022, incorporating 4680 battery cell trials and serving as a hub for Cybertruck assembly from 2023 onward.[43] Collectively, these expansions drove Tesla's battery output from nascent gigawatt-hour scales in 2017—primarily at Nevada—to supporting over 1.8 million vehicle deliveries in 2023, with integrated cell production exceeding prior global benchmarks through in-house advancements like dry electrode coating. By 2025, total manufacturing capacity spanned multiple gigawatt-hours annually across sites, enabling cost reductions via economies of scale and localized sourcing, though challenges like supply chain constraints persisted.[44]Tesla's Gigafactories
Gigafactory Nevada
Gigafactory Nevada, Tesla's inaugural large-scale battery manufacturing facility, is located in the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center in Storey County, Nevada, about 20 miles east of Reno.[2] Developed in partnership with Panasonic, it focuses on producing lithium-ion battery cells, packs, electric drive units, and energy storage products such as Powerwall and Powerpack systems.[2][45] The site spans over 5.4 million square feet and represents a key element of Tesla's vertical integration strategy to reduce battery costs and secure supply chains for electric vehicles.[3] Construction began in June 2014 following an announcement of the joint venture with Panasonic earlier that year, with site preparation starting in May.[26][46] Initial limited production of Powerwall units commenced in January 2016 using cells initially sourced externally, transitioning to on-site cell manufacturing shortly thereafter.[31] The original design targeted an annual output of 35 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of battery cells, sufficient for approximately 500,000 electric vehicles.[3] By 2023, Tesla had invested $6.2 billion in the facility since inception, employing more than 10,000 workers.[3][47] Expansions have significantly scaled operations, including a January 2023 announcement of over $3.6 billion in additional investment for two new factories: a high-volume cathode production plant and a facility for Tesla's 4680 cylindrical battery cells.[3] These additions aim to enhance domestic supply of critical battery components and support vehicle production ramps.[3] Further developments include a dedicated production line for the Tesla Semi electric truck, slated to begin operations by late 2025 with an initial capacity of 50,000 units annually.[48] In parallel, Tesla has constructed a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery plant nearby, incorporating a wet electrode coating process and targeting initial output for energy storage applications.[49] The facility's development has driven substantial economic effects in Nevada, including direct and indirect job creation exceeding 15,000 positions during peak construction phases and ongoing operations.[50] State incentives, such as $330 million in tax abatements approved in March 2023 over 20 years, have supported expansions while tying benefits to job and investment commitments.[51] Overall, the project has contributed to manufacturing diversification in the region, with cumulative investments fostering supplier ecosystems and infrastructure improvements despite strains on local resources like housing and utilities.[52][53]Gigafactory New York
The Gigafactory New York, situated in Buffalo, New York, on a remediated brownfield site formerly occupied by a steel mill, serves as Tesla's primary North American hub for solar energy manufacturing and Supercharger components. Originally developed by SolarCity, the facility was announced in September 2014 as a solar photovoltaic gigafactory with an initial target capacity of 1 gigawatt of modules annually, supported by a $750 million incentive package from the state of New York aimed at creating up to 5,000 jobs over time.[54][55] Construction commenced in 2014, with the 1.2 million square-foot structure completed by 2017 following Tesla's 2016 acquisition of SolarCity.[56][57] Initial operations focused on solar cell and panel production in partnership with Panasonic, which began in late 2017, alongside assembly of Solar Roof tiles starting in January 2018.[57] However, output fell short of projections, with much of the cell production exported rather than integrated locally, leading Panasonic to curtail cell manufacturing by 2019.[58] The facility pivoted toward Solar Roof production, Supercharger V3 hardware, and energy storage components, employing over 1,100 workers by 2020 under state mandates to expand headcount and avoid penalties for unmet job targets.[59][60] By 2024, the plant supported approximately 2,032 employees across two Buffalo sites, though Tesla implemented layoffs affecting 14% of that workforce amid broader company restructuring.[61] As of October 2025, Tesla has resumed domestic solar panel manufacturing at the site, initiating production of a new residential solar panel model with initial deliveries underway, complementing ongoing output of Solar Roof products and Supercharger electrical components.[35][4] The facility's evolution reflects challenges in scaling solar production against global competition, including reliance on imported panels for some Tesla installations, while maintaining a lease commitment through at least 2029 secured for nominal rent.[62][63]Gigafactory Shanghai
The Gigafactory Shanghai, officially known as Tesla Gigafactory 3, is located in the Lingang New Area of Pudong, Shanghai, China, on a site spanning approximately 860,000 square meters (213 acres).[64] Construction began in January 2019 following land acquisition in October 2018 and government approvals, with the facility reaching completion in a record 168 working days by late 2019.[36] The plant commenced trial production of Model 3 sedans in October 2019 and achieved full operational status with deliveries starting January 7, 2020, marking Tesla's first wholly owned manufacturing facility outside the United States.[65] Tesla committed approximately $2 billion in capital expenditures over five years for the project, alongside annual tax payments of about $323 million, in exchange for incentives including land use rights and streamlined permitting in the Shanghai Free-Trade Zone.[66] The factory primarily produces Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, serving both the domestic Chinese market—where it has driven significant sales growth amid competition from local EV makers—and exports to Europe, Asia, and other regions, accounting for roughly half of Tesla's global Q3 2025 deliveries at 497,099 units.[67] By mid-2025, annual vehicle output exceeded 950,000 units, supported by expansions that doubled the facility's footprint and integrated high automation levels, enabling rapid model refreshes like the updated Model Y in under six weeks.[68][69] Adjacent to the main vehicle plant, Tesla established a Megafactory in 2025 for energy storage products like the Megapack, with a 40 GWh annual capacity targeting 10,000 units per year to meet global demand for grid-scale batteries.[70] The Shanghai operations have lowered Tesla's production costs by avoiding import tariffs and leveraging local supply chains, contributing to profitability through efficiencies such as reduced capital expenditure per unit compared to U.S. facilities.[71] Economically, the site has stimulated Shanghai's industrial zone by localizing battery and component sourcing, creating thousands of jobs, and boosting regional GDP via direct investments and export revenues, though it operates under China's regulatory framework which includes state-backed subsidies for the broader EV sector.[72] In Q4 2025, production ramped up further to capitalize on demand, with monthly deliveries from the plant hitting records like 90,865 units in September.[73][74]Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenburg
The Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenburg, situated in Grünheide near Berlin, Germany, represents Tesla's initial European production hub, focused on manufacturing Model Y electric vehicles and battery cells to meet regional demand and reduce import dependencies. Elon Musk announced the project on November 12, 2019, via a post on X (formerly Twitter), selecting the site for its proximity to European markets and skilled workforce. The facility occupies approximately 300 hectares of previously industrial land, emphasizing vertical integration with on-site battery production using Tesla's 4680 cells.[75][6] Construction commenced in January 2020 amid accelerated permitting processes, with foundational work and assembly line installation progressing despite regulatory hurdles. Initial trial production of Model Y vehicles began in late 2021, though full-scale operations were delayed by supply chain issues and environmental reviews. The Brandenburg state government issued final environmental approval on March 4, 2022, enabling unrestricted production ramp-up. By mid-2022, the factory achieved weekly output exceeding 1,000 vehicles, scaling to support exports across Europe.[76][77] As of September 2025, the facility employs about 12,000 workers and produces roughly 5,000 Model Y units weekly, equating to an annual run rate of approximately 250,000 vehicles, with battery cell output integrated for local assembly. It marked its 500,000th Model Y production in March 2025, reflecting efficiency gains in quality and cost metrics. The site incorporates sustainable features, including a 50 MW solar array planned for expansion and water recycling systems addressing local scarcity concerns. Tesla has pursued capacity doubling to 1 million vehicles annually, securing approvals in July and October 2024 for logistics expansions and pressing plant upgrades on existing land.[78][79][80] The project faced significant opposition from environmental groups, including the NABU and Grüne Liga, who filed multiple lawsuits citing deforestation of 167 hectares, groundwater depletion projected at 1.4 million cubic meters annually, and inadequate impact assessments on local ecosystems. Courts rejected several injunctions in 2021, upholding preliminary permits, though a 2021 fine was imposed for unapproved wastewater construction. Activists maintained protests into 2024, establishing camps against expansion amid broader critiques of electric vehicle supply chain environmental costs, yet approvals proceeded following state-mandated mitigations like habitat compensation. Brandenburg provided €1.14 billion in subsidies and infrastructure support, justified by projected job creation exceeding 10,000 positions, despite Tesla's initial reluctance to accept direct incentives.[81][82][83]Gigafactory Texas
Gigafactory Texas is situated on approximately 2,500 acres in unincorporated Travis County, adjacent to Austin, Texas, functioning as Tesla's global corporate headquarters and its principal United States facility for manufacturing the Model Y crossover and Cybertruck pickup. The site encompasses over 10 million square feet of factory floor space, enabling large-scale vehicle assembly and supporting Tesla's vertical integration strategy for electric vehicle production.[5] Elon Musk announced the project on July 22, 2020, designating it as the dedicated production base for the Cybertruck following Tesla's selection of the Austin area over other locations due to factors including land availability, logistics, and state incentives. Construction began in July 2020, with foundational work progressing rapidly to achieve partial operational readiness by early 2021. Model Y production commenced in late 2021, marking the site's initial output ahead of its formal inauguration on April 7, 2022, when Tesla began shipping vehicles from the facility.[84][85][86][42] By mid-2022, the factory had scaled to thousands of units per week, targeting 10,000 vehicles weekly by year-end, primarily Model Y variants optimized for efficiency and range. Cybertruck production followed, establishing the site as the model's exclusive assembly location. Into 2025, operations have sustained high volumes, with reported surges in Model Y and Cybertruck output during the third quarter, alongside advancements toward next-generation platforms including autonomous vehicles like the Cybercab.[43][5][87]Planned and Proposed Sites
Tesla announced plans for Gigafactory Mexico in Nuevo León state, near Monterrey, in March 2023, targeting production of a next-generation electric vehicle platform starting as early as the first quarter of 2025.[88] The facility was envisioned to leverage lower labor costs and proximity to the U.S. market, with an initial investment estimated at $5 billion and capacity for up to 1 million vehicles annually.[89] However, construction has been indefinitely paused as of October 2025, following CEO Elon Musk's statements citing uncertainties from the U.S. presidential election, potential tariffs on Mexican imports, and subdued electric vehicle demand amid a focus on autonomous driving technologies.[90] [91] Mexican officials, including former Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard, have sought clarification from Musk, noting preliminary infrastructure work but no resumed activity.[92] Other proposed sites remain in exploratory stages without firm commitments. Tesla has evaluated locations in Canada for a potential North American expansion to serve markets north of the U.S. border, though no specific site or timeline has been disclosed.[93] In India, despite earlier discussions and state-level incentives from regions like Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, Tesla has confirmed no manufacturing plans as of mid-2025, opting instead for vehicle imports from existing Gigafactories in Shanghai and Berlin to establish sales and service operations.[94] [95] Speculation around Southeast Asian sites, such as Indonesia, persists due to battery mineral resources but lacks official endorsement from Tesla.[96] These proposals reflect Tesla's strategy to balance global supply chain resilience with market demand signals, prioritizing expansions at operational sites like Texas and Berlin over new greenfield projects amid economic pressures.[90] Delays in Mexico underscore risks from geopolitical factors and shifting priorities toward software-driven revenue streams like robotaxis.[97]Technical and Operational Features
Battery Manufacturing Processes
Tesla's Gigafactories employ a multi-stage lithium-ion battery manufacturing process centered on producing cylindrical cells, such as the 2170 format in partnership with Panasonic at Gigafactory Nevada and the proprietary 4680 format at Gigafactory Texas.[16] The core stages include electrode preparation, cell assembly, formation, and pack integration, with Tesla emphasizing vertical integration to control cathode and anode production internally where feasible.[98] This approach aims to scale output to gigawatt-hour levels, as demonstrated by Gigafactory Nevada's target of 35 GWh annually by design, sufficient for approximately 500,000 vehicles.[3] Electrode manufacturing begins with cathode and anode preparation. Cathodes typically incorporate nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) precursors mixed with binders and conductive additives, while anodes use graphite or silicon-graphite composites.[99] Tesla has invested in in-house cathode facilities, such as the planned expansion at Gigafactory Texas announced in 2022, to produce these materials on-site and reduce reliance on external suppliers.[98] Anodes and cathodes are then coated onto aluminum or copper foils, respectively. Traditionally, this uses wet slurry coating followed by drying, but Tesla pioneered dry electrode coating after acquiring Maxwell Technologies in 2019, which eliminates solvents and drying ovens to cut energy use by over 50% in that step.[16][100] In the dry process, powders are mixed, fibrillated with binders like polytetrafluoroethylene, calendered into films, and laminated onto foils, enabling higher throughput for 4680 cells.[101] However, implementation varies; Gigafactory Nevada's LFP lines use wet coating for certain cells, while Texas focuses on dry anodes with ongoing cathode dry process refinement.[49] Post-coating, electrodes undergo calendering to densify the material, slitting into narrow strips, and notching for tab placement. The 4680 cell introduces a tabless design, where the electrode jelly roll connects directly via the can ends, reducing resistance and enabling faster charging.[102] Cell assembly involves winding or stacking anode, cathode, and separator layers into a jelly roll, inserting into the cell can, welding seals, and filling with electrolyte under vacuum. Formation cycles then activate the cell by cycling it to form the solid-electrolyte interphase.[103] At Gigafactory Texas, this process scaled to the 50 millionth 4680 cell by June 2024, reflecting iterative improvements in yield and automation.[104] Modules and packs are assembled by grouping cells with cooling systems and busbars, tested for capacity and safety before integration into vehicles or energy products.[105] These processes prioritize efficiency through automation and material innovations, such as high-silicon anodes in 4680 cells to boost energy density, though challenges like cathode dry coating uniformity persist, delaying full-scale adoption.[106] Tesla's Nevada facility, operational since 2016, initially focused on 2170 cell production via wet methods but has expanded to prototype dry techniques, informing global rollout.[16] Overall, the shift to dry processes supports cost reductions of up to 20% per kilowatt-hour by minimizing waste and energy, aligning with Tesla's vertical integration strategy across sites.[107]Production Capacity and Technological Advancements
Tesla's Gigafactories have expanded battery cell production capacity to support vehicle manufacturing and energy storage, with the Nevada facility originally designed for 35 GWh annually, sufficient for approximately 500,000 electric vehicles.[3] By 2025, overall energy storage manufacturing across dedicated facilities reached 80 GWh per year, equivalent to 20,000 Megapack units.[108] Vehicle assembly capacities vary by site, with Shanghai Gigafactory achieving 950,000 units annually following upgrades.[109] In Q3 2025, total vehicle production across all factories exceeded 447,000 units, contributing to an estimated annual output of about 2.07 million vehicles.[110][111] Expansions, such as the $3.5 billion investment in Nevada announced in early 2025, aim to further boost U.S. electric vehicle output.[112]| Factory Site | Key Production Capacity (as of 2025) |
|---|---|
| Nevada | 35 GWh battery cells/year (original target; expansions ongoing)[3] |
| Shanghai | 950,000 vehicles/year[109] |
| Texas | Over 500,000 vehicles cumulative by mid-2025; 4680 cell ramp-up[113] |
| Energy Storage (Total) | 80 GWh/year[108] |