Recent images of Tesla’s Gigafactory 3 from local Chinese media have provided what could only be described as the most stunning images yet of the upcoming electric car production facility. Taken on June 24, 2019, the pictures of the site show Gigafactory 3’s complete, increasingly finished factory shell being framed by a clear Shanghai sunset.
The visually impressive images were shared online by Chinese media group 100rd.com, which paid a visit to the factory this Monday. Fortunately for the group, the usually cloudy weather in the area cleared up, allowing them to snap a number of photographs showcasing Gigafactory 3 in some (literally) flattering light.
Based on the recently-captured images, even some sections of Gigafactory 3’s outer wall that were previously left open appear to have been closed off. This makes it incredibly difficult for the Tesla community’s resident drone operators to acquire images of the work being done within the facility’s interior. With all the general assembly building’s walls fully completed, Gigafactory 3’s exterior also looks more complete than ever.
The continued refinement of Gigafactory 3’s factory shell suggests that the facility will continue to get built at a record-setting pace. Recent rumors, for example, have noted that the first few assembly line equipment are already being installed in some sections of the expansive facility, with some machines already being prepared for pre-setting adjustments. If these rumors prove accurate, Elon Musk’s target of producing the Model 3 on-site in Gigafactory 3 by the end of December becomes a very realistic idea.
To help prepare for the start of Gigafactory 3’s vehicle production operations, construction has recently started to build a substation southwest of the general assembly building. This facility, which reportedly costs $12 million to construct, will be tasked with providing power to the site. Just like the massive general assembly building, the progress of the power facility’s buildout has been incredibly rapid. Employees from ABB, a company that makes electrical substations, were spotted among Gigafactory 3’s workers recently as well.
Following the completion of the Phase 1 buildout in May, Gigafactory 3 underwent ground hardening in June. These steps are set to be followed by pipeline communication, equipment stationing, equipment commissioning, and of course, trial production runs of the Tesla Model 3. Barring any unexpected delays, Gigafactory 3 could very well start initial electric car production sometime in September.