As per documents obtained from the city government, Tesla is planning to build a battery research and manufacturing facility in Fremont, California. The project, which is being called "Roadrunner," will function round the clock. This seems to be a continuation of the automaker's plans to manufacture its batteries, which are the most expensive components inside electric vehicles.
As of now, Tesla has a "small-scale" battery manufacturing operation in Fremont, which it plans to expand. In that regard, it is seeking authorization from the city government. It estimates that the construction, which involves the installation of all manufacturing apparatus, will be completed in roughly three months.
The documents show that a total of 470 employees will be assigned to the facility, out of which 400 would “work in shifts, such that there are 100 employees working at manufacturing and production operations at any given time, all day, every day.” When asked about it, Tesla did not immediately respond. Earlier this week, Elon Musk, Tesla CEO, said that a tour of the company's battery cell production will be provided on September 15. This tentative date is being labeled as Battery Day by the automaker.
Currently, Tesla's batteries are produced in partnership with Panasonic at the Nevada Gigafactory, and it also has battery contracts with LG Chem and Contemporary Amperex Technology.
Source: Reuters
1 Comment - Add comment