A new set of images and videos were recently leaked online showing that the Tesla Model 3 has already entered the production phase. The leaked details reveal that the big T is now making the necessary preparations for the trial production runs of the Tesla Model 3 in Gigafactory 3. Additionally, robots and manufacturing equipment are also being installed in the company's expansive factory in Shanghai, China.
The leaked images revealing the recent activities in Tesla's Gigafactory 3 was shared on the Chinese social networking site Weibo by electric vehicle enthusiast named Battery King. The images also show a section of the massive plant that was almost complete although it seems that the walls and floors of some areas are still bare concrete. The installation equipment and types of machinery seemed ongoing while the lightings are already finished.
Significantly, the leaked photos reveal images of a couple of partly-built Tesla Model 3 in the assembly line. We have no information if the panels of the two sedans were made on-site or if the electric vehicles were only assembled from shipped components. But, it still goes to show that Gigafactory 3 is now operational and seems to be starting trial assemblies for the Tesla Model 3.
JUST IN: here are new images of what #GF3 looks like inside. It seems the Model 3 assembly line is near completion. Are the two Model 3s being assembled for a trial run? Incredible accomplishment so far considering GF3 construction began less than 9 months ago. Photo credit: 电池王 pic.twitter.com/q0Y5iu6jLc — RayTesla️️ (@ray4tesla) August 26, 2019
Meanwhile, the leaked video shows the space in the Gigafactory 3 that appears to be free despite the fact that the assembly line of Tesla Model 3 is in place. Although the leaked video and images only show a part of the expansive factory, it only proves that Gigafactory 3 is capable of producing more Tesla Model 3 vehicles once it started to go online. According to analyst Adam Jonas, Tesla's Gigafactory 3 is expected to produce between 35,000 and 40,000 Tesla Model 3 units next year. The analyst also predicts that the expansive China factory will increase its annual production to 60,000 units in 2021. In other words, Gigafactory 3 is expected to produce between 673 and 679 units per week in 2020 and. 1,150 units in 2021. The Gigafactory 3 is expected to go live as early as September. Pictures taken by drones show that the massive infrastructure is already taking shape and apparently nearing completion in the next few weeks.
GF3 leaked video inside pic.twitter.com/K1mcBG6yke — Kelvin Yang (@KelvinYang7) August 26, 2019
At the Gigafactory groundbreaking ceremony, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said that the trial production of Tesla Model 3 could start in the Shanghai-based site at the end of 2019. But, given the speed of the site's buildout and also the test production runs already on the way, the CEO's estimate might be too conservative.
