Tesla Motors has announced a big launch for its Gigafactory next July 29. The massive battery plant is located in Reno, Nevada, and it is expected to produce 35 gigawatt-hours of lithium-ion battery capacity for Tesla’s electric cars in 2020.
The building of Tesla Gigafactory started almost two years ago when the company disclosed a partnership with Panasonic for supplies in battery production in July of 2014. The project was estimated to cost $5 billion and has been conceived to produce batteries for Tesla’s electric cars.
Up to the present day, Tesla has constructed a 14 percent of the facility. Nevertheless, the company hopes to have everything set for the big opening. Even though the plant is far away from being completely finished, Tesla wants to introduce its public to the sections of the facility where the magic occurs. The Gigafactory has already hosted different events in those finished areas.
The factory is located at the Reno-Tahoe Industrial Center, in Nevada, and once finished, it will cover 5.8 million square feet. The official debut is planned to take place on July 19.
Tesla Motors aims to throw a big event for the official opening of the battery factory. Even if the plant has been operating since months, it has not yet been officially opened. The company hopes to present its VIP partners and some costumers who won invites from the referral program, the completed sections of the facility where the battery manufacturing will take place.
Regarding the people who will attend the ceremony, Tesla has created the Model S sales referral program, which consists of a VIP member refers five buyers for the big night. Hence, Tesla will unveil the facilities of the Gigafactory, but also, it will take this opportunity to add consumers to its list. Information about the presence of media or general public during the event has not been provided.
Future expectations for the Gigafactory
By 2020, the Gigafactory is expected to produce 35 gigawatt-hours of lithium-ion battery capacity for Tesla’s electric cars per year. Tesla affirms that in the case of reaching this estimated goal, the battery plant will be leading the entire world production of lithium-ion batteries. The world’s biggest production of this type has been registered in 2013.
Currently, the Gigafactory produces batteries of its electric cars, including the most recent prototype of Tesla Motors, Model 3 Sedan and its Model S and X respectively.
The main objective of the upcoming opening of Tesla Gigafactory is not just the exposure of the plant’s facilities, but also the desire of starting to sell its products and to extend crucial partnerships with other companies.
The demand for batteries of the three electric cars is quite big and Tesla requires total manufacturing to meet it. The battery-production estimation for 2020 is very ambitious and the Gigafactory needs mass production of its products as soon as possible.
Source: The Verge