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Tesla Gigafactory Mexico will build the company’s next-gen vehicle

(Credit: Tesla)

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Tesla Gigafactory Mexico will build the company’s next-generation vehicle. During Investor Day 2023, Elon Musk confirmed Gigafactory Mexico’s location and Tesla’s plans for the new production facility.

Just a day before Investor Day 2023, Mexico’s President Andrès Manuel Lopez Obrador announced Tesla’s new gigafactory location in Monterrey.

“There is already an understanding, yes [Tesla is] going to dedicate the investment to Mexico, and the plant is going to be established in Monterrey with a series of commitments to face the problem of water scarcity,” said President Obrador during his press conference. 

Elon Musk confirmed Obrador’s news during Investor Day. The Tesla CEO elaborated that Gigafactory Mexico will focus on building the company’s next-gen vehicle. Tesla adopted a similar strategy for Giga Texas, also known as the company’s Cybertruck factory. While Giga Mexico may focus on Tesla’s next-gen vehicle, it may also build other cars. Giga Texas, for example, also produces Tesla Model Y vehicles. 

Tesla’s Next-Gen Vehicle

During Investor Day 2023, Lars Moravy noted that Tesla’s next-generation platform is not one vehicle and will be used across different segments. Given Tesla’s history, the company may release vehicles using the next-gen platform one by one over time, much like the original Roadster, S3XY lineup, the Semi—and soon the Cybertruck. With that in mind, Tesla may have already teased the segment of the first new vehicle using its next-gen platform. 

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There is only one car that Tesla has already unveiled that has not reached production—the new Roadster. However, in an interview, Tesla’s Design Chief Franz Von Holzhausen stated that the new Roadster is not a priority for the company right now. So, the new Roadster might not be the next-gen vehicle Gigafactory Mexico will be building. 

Tesla’s $25,000 vehicle, unofficially dubbed the “Model 2” or “Model Q” by EV advocates online, has not been unveiled yet. However, Elon Musk and other executive members of the company have mentioned it a few times over the years. A $25,000 electric vehicle would be in high demand, resulting in particular supply needs that Tesla did not have the capacity to provide in the past. 

However, Tesla has grown in many areas, particularly in production, cash flow, and supply chain connections. Since announcing the Semi, for example, Tesla has designed and started manufacturing its own battery cell, solving many constraints. With Tesla’s growth, some obstacles for Model 2 production might have been cleared. 

Currently, Tesla is keeping its mouth tightly zipped regarding the segment and moniker of its next-gen vehicle. But Tesla executives did share some details about the next-gen car during Investor Day 2023. 

Tesla’s next-gen vehicle will obviously use its next-gen platform. Colin Campbell, Tesla’s VP of Powertrain engineering, noted that the company’s new powertrain will be compatible with any battery chemistry. He also stated that Tesla’s next drive train does not use any rare metals. Moving forward, Tesla will also switch from 12V to 48 low-voltage systems. 

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Maria--aka "M"-- is an experienced writer and book editor. She's written about several topics including health, tech, and politics. As a book editor, she's worked with authors who write Sci-Fi, Romance, and Dark Fantasy. M loves hearing from TESLARATI readers. If you have any tips or article ideas, contact her at maria@teslarati.com or via X, @Writer_01001101.

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Tesla Supercharger Diner food menu gets a sneak peek as construction closes out

What are you ordering at the Tesla Diner?

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Credit: BradGoldbergMD | X

The Tesla Supercharger Diner in Los Angeles is nearing completion as construction appears to be winding down significantly. However, the more minor details, such as what the company will serve at its 50s-style diner for food, are starting to be revealed.

Tesla’s Supercharger Diner is set to open soon, seven years after CEO Elon Musk first drafted the idea in a post on X in 2018. Musk has largely come through on most of what he envisioned for the project: the diner, the massive movie screens, and the intended vibe are all present, thanks to the aerial and ground footage shared on social media.

We already know the Diner will be open 24/7, based on decals placed on the front door of the restaurant that were shared earlier this week. We assume that Tesla Optimus will come into play for these long and uninterrupted hours.

The Tesla Diner is basically finished—here’s what it looks like

As far as the food, Tesla does have an email also printed on the front door of the Diner, but we did not receive any response back (yet) about what cuisine it will be offering. We figured it would be nothing fancy and it would be typical diner staples: burgers, fries, wings, milkshakes, etc.

According to pictures taken by @Tesla_lighting_, which were shared by Not a Tesla App, the food will be just that: quick and affordable meals that diners do well. It’s nothing crazy, just typical staples you’d find at any diner, just with a Tesla twist:

As the food menu is finalized, we will be sure to share any details Tesla provides, including a full list of what will be served and its prices.

Additionally, the entire property appears to be nearing its final construction stages, and it seems it may even be nearing completion. The movie screens are already up and showing videos of things like SpaceX launches.

There are many cars already using the Superchargers at the restaurant, and employees inside the facility look to be putting the finishing touches on the interior.

It’s almost reminiscent of a Tesla version of a Buc-ee’s, a southern staple convenience store that offers much more than a traditional gas station. Of course, Tesla’s version is futuristic and more catered to the company’s image, but the idea is the same.

It’s a one-stop shop for anything you’d need to recharge as a Tesla owner. Los Angeles building permits have not yet revealed the date for the restaurant’s initial operation, but Tesla may have its eye on a target date that will likely be announced during next week’s Earnings Call.

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News

Tesla’s longer Model Y did not scale back requests for this vehicle type from fans

Tesla fans are happy with the new Model Y, but they’re still vocal about the need for something else.

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Credit: AlwinArt/Twitter

Tesla launched a slightly longer version of the Model Y all-electric crossover in China, and with it being extremely likely that the vehicle will make its way to other markets, including the United States, fans are still looking for something more.

The new Model Y L in China boasts a slightly larger wheelbase than its original version, giving slightly more interior room with a sixth seat, thanks to a third row.

Tesla exec hints at useful and potentially killer Model Y L feature

Tesla has said throughout the past year that it would focus on developing its affordable, compact models, which were set to begin production in the first half of the year. The company has not indicated whether it met that timeline or not, but many are hoping to see unveilings of those designs potentially during the Q3 earnings call.

However, the modifications to the Model Y, which have not yet been officially announced for any markets outside of China, still don’t seem to be what owners and fans are looking forward to. Instead, they are hoping for something larger.

A few months ago, I reported on the overall consensus within the Tesla community that the company needs a full-size SUV, minivan, or even a cargo van that would be ideal for camping or business use.

Tesla is missing one type of vehicle in its lineup and fans want it fast

That mentality still seems very present amongst fans and owners, who state that a full-size SUV with enough seating for a larger family, more capability in terms of cargo space for camping or business operation, and something to compete with gas cars like the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, or electric ones like the Volkswagen ID.BUZZ.

We asked the question on X, and Tesla fans were nearly unanimously in support of a larger SUV or minivan-type vehicle for the company’s lineup:

Here’s what some of the respondents said:

Tesla is certainly aware that many of its owners would like the company to develop something larger that competes with the large SUVs on the market.

However, it has not stated that anything like that is in the current plans for future vehicles, as it has made a concerted effort to develop Robotaxi alongside the affordable, compact models that it claims are in development.

It has already unveiled the Robovan, a people-mover that can seat up to 20 passengers in a lounge-like interior.

The Robovan will be completely driverless, so it’s unlikely we will see it before the release of a fully autonomous Full Self-Driving suite from Tesla.

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Energy

Tesla launches first Virtual Power Plant in UK – get paid to use solar

Tesla has launched its first-ever Virtual Power Plant program in the United Kingdom.

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Credit: Tesla Energy | X

Tesla has launched its first-ever Virtual Power Plant program in the United Kingdom. This feature enables users of solar panels and energy storage systems to sell their excess energy back to the grid.

Tesla is utilizing Octopus Energy, a British renewable energy company that operates in multiple markets, including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States, as the provider for the VPP launch in the region.

The company states that those who enroll in the program can earn up to £300 per month.

Tesla has operated several VPP programs worldwide, most notably in California, Texas, Connecticut, and the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. This is not the first time Tesla has operated a VPP outside the United States, as there are programs in Australia, Japan, and New Zealand.

This is its first in the UK:

Tesla is not the only company that is working with Octopus Energy in the UK for the VPP, as it joins SolarEdge, GivEnergy, and Enphase as other companies that utilize the Octopus platform for their project operations.

It has been six years since Tesla launched its first VPP, as it started its first in Australia back in 2019. In 2024, Tesla paid out over $10 million to those participating in the program.

Tesla VPP program in California hits new capacity milestone

Participating in the VPP program that Tesla offers not only provides enrolled individuals with the opportunity to earn money, but it also contributes to grid stabilization by supporting local energy grids.

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