The most recent aerial drone video footage of the massive Tesla Gigafactory 3 in Shanghai reveals the unbelievable progress construction has made in only seven months.
Since work on the first overseas factory of Tesla Inc. began in January, the assembly building where Tesla will build its electric vehicles (EVs) is almost complete. Engineers have begun installing production and other necessary equipment inside this building.
The drone video of Gigafactory 3 was posted to YouTube on July 19 by Tesla enthusiast Jason Yang. Also a drone operator, Yang has been following construction progress at Gigafactory 3 since January.
Quite noticeable in the new footage was the completion of the assembly building's roof, which now appears to be complete. Many parts of the factory have already been painted white, giving Gigafactory 3's general assembly building the clean and minimalist Tesla look.
The new video also shows the doors are now being installed in the bays at the sides of Gigafactory. Installation of the general assembly building's windows is almost finished.
Party Secretary Li Qian of the Shanghai city government visited the factory on July 19 and instructed Lingang Development & Construction Commission to wholeheartedly support the project.
Earlier this month, Ma Chunlei, Deputy Secretary-General of Shanghai Municipal People's Government and Director of Shanghai Development and Reform Commission, visited the mammoth factory.
Ma also the initial production capacity for Gigafactory 3 will be some 150,000 Model 3s annually. He made no mention of Model Y production numbers, however.
Ma said construction of Gigafactory has gone on smoothly and confirmed the installation of production equipment had already begun.
"The relevant authorities told me that they would start production at the end of this year, and then gradually climb to the production capacity of about 3,000 vehicles per week," said Ma.
"I believe that at the end of this year and early next year, every one may see or buy in Shanghai, China. Production of new energy vehicles from Tesla Model 3," he added.
The speed of Gigafactory 3's construction has been amazingly swift given the immense size and complexity of the facility. Construction of the massive general assembly building is expected to be completed in a few months.
Tesla announced the deal to build Gigafactory 3 with the Shanghai municipal government only in October 2018. Groundbreaking for the plant, which was attended by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, took place in January. A few weeks ago, Musk said Gigafactory 3 will begin producing Tesla cars by November.
