Tesla Inc. is looking into building another factory in the United States where it would be able to produce its newest models – the Model Y and the Cybertruck.
According to the requirements published, the location has to offer enough human resources, developed logistical chains, tax deductions, and have a strong local demand for pickup trucks. Multiple states are currently running up for the opportunity to profit from Elon Musk’s investment, including Arkansas, Colorado and Oklahoma. Texas still leads the ranking by a wide margin, though, because trucks are extremely popular there.
When Tesla decided on a location of its second U.S. factory back in 2014, it also called for a similar contest. Back then, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Nevada made it into the short list, and Nevada ultimately won the competition. The Gigafactory 1 is therefore also known as the Giga Nevada. There is also the Gigafactory 2 in New York, but that one focuses solely on solar panel production. The Gigafactory 3 opened a few months ago in China, and the Gigafactory 4 should launch production in Europe in 2021.
The Cybertruck counts among the most anticipated vehicles of the marque. The assembly should begin late next year, and the controversial design is not final yet. The company claims that the starting price of U.S. $39,900 is final, though. There will be three main versions of the truck to choose among, distinguished by their engine count (1 – 3), top speed (110 – 130 mph, or 177 – 209 km/h), and driving range (250 – 500 miles, or 402 – 805 kilometers).