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Tesla’s pilot battery cell production site continues its construction ramp

(Credit: Gabeincal/YouTube)

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In the days leading up to Battery Day, Tesla’s Roadrunner site was cleaned up seemingly in preparation for the event, which involved a visit from some of the company’s shareholders. A recent flyover of the location has now revealed that the pilot battery cell production site is back to its typical busy form, with the facility showing lots of ongoing, visible work.

The observations were recently shared by Tesla enthusiast and drone operator Gabeincal, who has been documenting the progress of the Roadrunner site, which holds the pilot production line of the company’s custom 4680 battery cells. During Battery Day, Tesla executives remarked that the pilot line in Kato Road is expected to hit an annual output of 10 GWh when ramped, or about a quarter of Gigafactory Nevada’s output today.

So far, speculations are high that the pilot line of Tesla’s 4680 cells would be enough to support the production of low-volume vehicles like the Model S Plaid, which is expected to be released late next year. Considering that the work in the Kato Road site appears to have resumed fully, however, there seems to be a fair chance that Tesla’s first 4680 cell-equipped electric car may be released earlier than expected.

Apart from the busy Roadrunner site, the drone operator also observed that the Fremont Factory seems to be in full throttle, with a large number of vehicles being situated in the facility’s holding lots. What’s more, the “Giga Press” machines being set up on the facility’s grounds seem to be nearing operations.

As observed by the drone operator, the first “Giga Press” now has a chimney of sorts, and while there is no sign that the machine is already producing single-piece rear casts for Model Ys that are being produced, the massive unit seems to be nearing deployment. The second “Giga Press” machine, on the other hand, seems to be getting ready as well, though it is still exposed to the elements, unlike its sibling.

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Overall, the activities in the Fremont Factory and the Roadrunner site suggest that Tesla is not letting up this fourth quarter. The electric car maker seems to be intent on pursuing its goal of delivering 500,000 vehicles for 2020, which means that over 180,000 cars have to be handed over to customers this fourth quarter alone. This has never been done by the electric car maker, considering the company’s current initiatives, Tesla may actually have a shot at its self-imposed target.

Watch the recent flyover of Tesla’s Roadrunner site and Fremont Factory in the video below.

Simon is an experienced automotive reporter with a passion for electric cars and clean energy. Fascinated by the world envisioned by Elon Musk, he hopes to make it to Mars (at least as a tourist) someday. For stories or tips--or even to just say a simple hello--send a message to his email, simon@teslarati.com or his handle on X, @ResidentSponge.

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Tesla launches “TeslaVision” video contest to celebrate Model Y deliveries

The program marks a revival of Tesla’s popular Project Loveday initiative back in 2017.

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Credit: Tesla Asia/X

Tesla has announced the TeslaVision Contest, a global video showcase inviting fans and owners to highlight the impact of the company’s vehicles on people. 

The program marks a revival of its Project Loveday initiative in 2017, which was extremely well-received by the electric vehicle community. 

A Contest to Celebrate the New Model Y

As per the TeslaVision contest’s official website, the program is being rolled out to commemorate the launch and deliveries of the new Model Y across all continents. Thus, the contest could be seen as a global celebration and showcase of owners and fans who made Tesla the household brand that it has become today.

Participants are tasked with creating a 90-second or shorter video demonstrating how Tesla vehicles provide “more freedom, more safety, more fun, more convenience.” Submissions must be uploaded to YouTube and shared on X and Instagram with the tag @Tesla and the phrase “TeslaVision contest.” 

Videos must align with Tesla’s mission to accelerate sustainable energy, be suitable for all ages, and avoid references to non-Tesla brands. English text or voice-overs are required, and entrants must relinquish rights to their content for Tesla’s commercial use.

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A Big Prize Awaits

When Tesla launched Project Loveday in 2017, the company noted that the contest’s winner would receive an all-expenses paid invitation to an upcoming Tesla product launch. For TeslaVision, the grand prize is a lot more tangible, with the winner receiving a new Model Y AWD. They will also get an all-expenses-paid trip to Gigafactory Texas. Second and third-place winners will also receive a Giga Texas tour. 

Finalists will be selected based on creativity, originality, relevance to the prompt, and entertainment value. Tesla will shortlist 100 videos, with the top 10 subject to public voting to influence the final judging. The contest is open to legal residents of the United States, Mexico, and Canada, aged 18 or older, with a valid driver’s license and Tesla account. No purchase is necessary, though entries are limited to just one per person. 

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Starlink India launch gains traction with telecom license approval  

Starlink just secured its telecom license in India! High-speed satellite internet could go live in 2 months.

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(Credit: Starlink)

Starlink India’s launch cleared a key regulatory hurdle after securing a long-awaited license from the country’s telecom ministry. Starlink’s license approval in India paves the way for commercial operations to begin, marking a significant milestone after a three-year wait.

The Department of Telecommunications granted Starlink a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) license, enabling it to roll out its high-speed internet service. Local reports hinted that Starlink plans to launch its services within the next two months. Starlink India’s services are expected to be priced at ₹3,000 per month for unlimited data. Starlink service would require a ₹33,000 hardware kit, including a dish and router.

“Starlink is finally ready to enter the Indian market,” sources familiar with the rollout plans confirmed, noting a one-month free trial for new users.

Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellite network promises low-latency, high-speed internet that is ideal for rural India, border areas, and hilly terrains. With over 7,000 satellites in orbit and millions of global users, Starlink aims to bridge India’s digital divide, especially in areas with limited traditional broadband.

Starlink has forged distribution partnerships with Indian telecom giants Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel to streamline deployment and retail logistics. However, the company still awaits spectrum allocation and final clearances from India’s space regulator, IN-SPACe, and national security agencies before its full launch, expected before August 2025.

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India’s satellite internet market is becoming increasingly competitive, with Starlink joining rivals like OneWeb and Jio Satellite Communications. While Starlink positions itself as a premium offering, its entry has sparked debate among domestic telecom operators over spectrum pricing.

Local reports noted that other players in the industry have raised concerns over the lower regulatory fees proposed for satellite firms compared to terrestrial operators, highlighting tensions in the sector.

Starlink India’s launch represents a transformative step toward expanding internet access in one of the world’s largest markets. Starlink could redefine connectivity for millions in underserved regions by leveraging its advanced satellite technology and strategic partnerships. As the company navigates remaining regulatory steps, its timely rollout could set a new standard for satellite internet in India, intensifying competition and driving innovation in the telecom landscape.

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xAI supercomputer faces pushback from Memphis politicians

Local leaders in Memphis warn Elon Musk’s xAI hub could pollute local communities, despite Tesla Megapacks now stabilizing power.

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(Credit: xAI)

xAI’s supercomputer in Memphis faces pushback from local leaders and environmental groups over concerns about air pollution despite its promise of economic growth.

xAI’s Memphis facility was touted as the world’s largest supercomputer. It has sparked opposition from the NAACP, Sierra Club, and Mississippi Democratic Party Chairman Cheikh Taylor.

State Rep. Taylor spoke at a Southaven church press conference recently, arguing that the xAI facility in Memphis, Tennessee, would disproportionately harm black residents in north Mississippi.

“In the State of Mississippi, the goal is to separate Republicans and Democrats on race alone. So, if you’re a Democrat in this state, you probably look like me,” Taylor said.

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He also criticized prioritizing economic gains over environmental health, asking, “Can you trust Elon Musk to tell the truth?”

Tennessee State Rep. Justin J. Pearson echoed these concerns, linking the opposition to a broader fight against pollution. “The paltry money xAI has dangled in front of our short-sighted leaders is not worth the cost of breathing dirty and–in some cases–deadly air,” Pearson said.

These local leaders and environmental groups are urging local governments and the Environmental Protection Agency to deny xAI’s air permit applications for 45 to 90 methane gas turbines in the Memphis and Southaven areas.

xAI has not directly addressed the criticism but has taken steps to power its Colossus supercomputer sustainably. Last month, the Greater Memphis Chamber announced that Tesla Megapack batteries would stabilize the facility’s power, with a new 150-megawatt electric substation completing its first construction phase.

“The temporary natural gas turbines that were being used to power the Phase I GPUs prior to grid connection are now being demobilized and will be removed from the site over the next two months,” shared the Chamber.

An additional 160+ Megapacks were delivered to xAI’s Memphis facility for the Colossus 2 data center within the same month.

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Announced in June 2024, the xAI facility was hailed by Greater Memphis Chamber CEO Ted Townsend as the largest capital investment by a new-to-market company in Memphis history. Despite its economic promise, environmental concerns continue to fuel opposition, highlighting tensions between technological innovation and community health in the Deep South’s emerging AI hub.

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