From Joe Tegtmeyer.
Gigafactory Texas! This is where Model Y’s, Cybercab & Cybertruck production happens, the home of Cortex 1 & 2 AI Data Centers, the Optimus Robot, the joint SpaceX & Tesla Advanced Technology Chip Fabrication Facility, Test Track & Battery Cathode Plant!
I tried to get here for a pre-dawn flight, but there was a big accident about 3 miles S of the factory on SH-130 and I ended up parked on the highway for about 45 minutes, so obviously I got to the factory a bit too late for nice sunrise shots.
Nevertheless, it was a busy and hot morning at the factory, with plenty of new Model YLs and Model Ys along with many Cybertrucks & some Cybercabs.
Timestamps:
Drone flight overview with discussion & illustration: 0:06 to 4:22
Drone flight footage & infographics: 4:45 to 34:02
In the video introduction, I talk about and show the number of vehicles in the outbound lot, particularly Model YLs and Cybertrucks. I know the employees working the Model Y lines that are now upgraded to make the Model YLs are proud at how well it has gone and the production rates they are now able to achieve.
I am also hearing overall production and delivery numbers are reasonably strong, so I hope we see a correspondingly successful quarter.
Finally, I discuss the current Starship Flight 14 timelines, now targeting NET 28 September with means I will be at Giga Texas next week on my normal schedule.
Based on what happens with Flight 14, I’ll make travel plans towards the end of the week, and I do intend to stop at the Lithium Plant on the way down to get an updated drone flight and video.
A few other highlights from today:
The Test Track was again busy with long groups of Cybercabs along with several Model Ys & YLs (& some Cybercabs) using the lanes with differing road surfaces.
The SE lined water retention pond is getting the central drainage channel complete with the rest of the liner has been covered with a thin layer of soil. It looks nearly ready for water.
Cortex 2’s second cooling tower with 6 fans continues to have plumbing, large pipes, & other related equipment installed, and it is nearing the point where it will be ready for testing ahead of commissioning.
The nearby water reclamation plant is also showing a lot of progress on the underground pipe installation & the concrete bases for the two large water tanks is nearly ready for the tanks to be assembled.
The Cathode Plant cooling system is getting some upgrades with what appears to be new plate-type heat exchangers and related new piping installed. This is the first major upgrade to this original cooling plant in a few years.
The Optimus factory structure is rapidly approaching the N perimeter beam, now less than 5 column grid spaces to go. The S grade beam footing construction is also nearing completion while what I think is a section of the plant where Giga Presses might be installed is also getting close to being completed.
I will know for sure if this is where the casting machines will go soon if the mounting frames & foundation work begins.
The Advanced Chip Fab foundation has had a large section of ground slab poured while another large area has had a mud base poured ahead of more moisture barriers and rebar before the final concrete pour begins.
The S end of the foundation is still getting the final footings constructed while another large crane has arrived on site and is being assembled. This indicates vertical construction could begin soon.
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Be sure to check out additional Texas Gigafactory footage on this channel:
@Jeff Roberts
Video, photos, illustrations, and commentary on this video is by me, Joe Tegtmeyer unless otherwise annotated.
Music in this video is obtained from the YouTube free and unrestricted and royalty-free use library. Ending song is Mr. Sunny Face – Wayne Jones
Drones used are DJI Mini 2, Mavic Air 2 & Air 3.
Drone flight over Giga Texas is with permission of Tesla and CEO Elon Musk