On March 20, 2024, Tesla revealed a new milestone in its 4680 battery cell production at Gigafactory Texas, claiming it can now support the assembly of 1,000 Cybertrucks weekly. This announcement sheds light on the company’s previously undisclosed battery production capabilities.
Previously, details surrounding Tesla’s in-house battery production efforts were limited. Initially, Gigafactory Texas focused on 4680 cells for the Model Y. However, with Cybertruck production underway, Tesla transitioned to a new cell variation specifically designed for the electric pickup.
Battery Capacity and Scaling Challenges
Tesla has not disclosed its current Cybertruck production figures, but sightings of numerous trucks leaving the Austin factory indicate a production ramp-up.
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Earlier, the company assured that battery production wouldn’t hinder Cybertruck assembly and claimed to have a stockpile of batteries.
This announcement offers a glimpse into Tesla’s battery production capacity. Based on the 1,000 Cybertrucks figure, Tesla likely produced over 123 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery cells last week. On an annual basis, this translates to a potential production capacity exceeding 6 gigawatt-hours (GWh).
However, questions remain about overall production efficiency. Independent reports suggest Tesla might be facing challenges in scaling up 4680 cell production and achieving the performance targets originally announced for the new cell design.
Cybertruck production with semiconductor expert hire
Notably, Tesla recently hired a semiconductor manufacturing expert to bolster battery cell production efforts at Gigafactory Texas. This recruitment could be seen as an effort to address these potential bottlenecks.
The Cybertruck is considered a significant product for Tesla’s future. Successfully navigating these production hurdles will be crucial for the truck’s impact on the company’s performance.
