Tesla on Jan. 6 received at least four massive packages from IDRA at Gigafactory Texas for its Giga Press, machinery that could be part of preparations to gear up for the first Cybertruck builds.
Gigafactory Texas drone operator Joe Tegtmeyer posted pictures of several haulers carrying large crates with IDRA stampings on the side. It is no secret Tesla has been working with IDRA for several years. The Italian heavy machinery manufacturer has helped the automaker solve production issues through casting and press machines.
The haulers arrived early Jan. 6 and were spotted on Gigafactory Texas property.
Early last year, reports circulated that Tesla was planning to start limited production of the Cybertruck in the first quarter of 2023. During an earnings call in October, CEO Elon Musk basically confirmed Cybertruck production was getting closer at Gigafactory Texas.
“So, we have an incredible product portfolio," Musk said during the call. "I think we’ve got the most exciting product portfolio of any company on earth, some of which you’ve heard about, some of which you haven’t. We’re in the final lap for Cybertruck.”
Cybertruck manufacturing will take place at Giga Texas, while packs for the Cybertruck will be built at Tesla’s Fremont Factory in Northern California. Volume production of the Cybertruck is not expected to occur until the fourth quarter of 2023.
Tesla has been preparing for Cybertruck production in other ways. In December, a series of Kuka manufacturing robots arrived at Gigafactory Texas as the production line continues to take shape.
Over the past few months, it has not been uncommon to see IDRA packages and crates show up at Giga Texas as Tesla is evidently preparing to make a dent in the estimated 1.5 million pre-orders for the Cybertruck.
Production does not have a definitive start date, but Tesla’s recently announced Investor Day is slated for March, and the company seems to be interested in offering more details about its roadmap and its upcoming next-generation vehicle platform. Perhaps an update on Cybertruck production and manufacturing could be included.
Abby Andrews