MIC Model 3

Tesla Giga 3 Shanghai Resumes Normal Operation Amid Ongoing Expansion

Tesla Giga 3 Shanghai has resumed normal operation for MIC Model 3 production and factory expansion. The EV tech company's China-based facility seems to have picked up right where it left off. Tesla China seems eager to make up for lost time. 

Based on one of Giga 3's resident drone operators, Jason Yang, the hustle and bustle of Tesla's Shanghai factory has resumed. In Yang's most recent video, multiple supply trucks can be seen parked at the delivery bays of Giga Shanghai's general assembly building. 

Supply trucks can be seen coming and going, efficiently delivering the parts for the locally-made Model 3 Standard Range Plus. Many more containers can be seen throughout the Giga 3 lots as well. Although the exact contents of the containers remain unknown, it can be speculated that they are filled with necessary supplies either for Tesla's China-made sedan or Giga Shanghai's expansion. 

Speaking of expansion, Giga 3's battery facility--otherwise known as Phase 1.5---looks nearly complete. Its outer shell seems to be finished, at least. Battery packs and powertrains will be assembled in Phase 1.5. CATL and LG Chem are supplying battery cells for the MIC Model 3. LG Chem resumed battery cell supplies for the MIC Model 3 on February 12, 2020.

Back in November 2019, Gigafactory Shanghai's final form was hinted in a teaser image. The pictured depicted at least three more buildings that are around the same size than Phase 1 of GF3. 

One of the buildings or Phase 2, could be allotted for Tesla's MIC Model Y assembly line in China. Production on Tesla's locally-made crossover SUV is poised to start by 2021. 

The EV tech company hasn't announced the purpose of the remaining two buildings depicted in the Giga Shanghai teaser image. However, Elon Musk recently tweeted that international orders for Tesla's Solar Roof could start later this year and localized production will eventually happen. Gigafactory 3's extra two buildings could house the local production for Tesla's Solar Roof. 

Overall, Tesla Giga 3 Shanghai seems to be back in full working order and ready to continue MIC Model 3 deliveries. Multiple car carriers have been spotted on the factory's ground filled with Tesla's locally-produced sedan, ready to transport the vehicles to delivery centers nationwide. Tesla stores will reopen their doors on February 17, officially ending the company's extended break in China.

Featured Image Credit: Jason Yang/YouTube

About the Author

Claribelle Deveza

Claribelle Deveza

Longtime writer and news/book editor. Writing about Tesla allows me to contribute something good to the world, while doing something I love.

Follow me on X

Reading next

Tesla Accessories