The vehicle, which was spotted on the plant’s property, appears to be similar to the Model Y L that has not yet launched in North America, and is currently built at Gigafactory Shanghai in China.

Drone pilot Joe Tegtmeyer captured intriguing footage at Tesla’s Giga Texas on March 23, 2026, revealing what appears to be a large, blue plastic-wrapped vehicle body resting inside a wooden shipping crate outdoors.

Well this is interesting at Giga Texas today … what do YOU think this is? pic.twitter.com/U9pLvqbf7L

— Joe Tegtmeyer (@JoeTegtmeyer) March 23, 2026

The mysterious structure, partially unboxed amid construction materials, has sparked widespread speculation among Tesla enthusiasts and analysts. Many are convinced it is the long-rumored Model Y L, the extended-wheelbase variant already popular in China, now arriving in Texas for potential U.S. production.

The images show an elongated silhouette that stands out from standard Model Y bodies. Side-by-side comparisons shared in replies to Tegtmeyer’s post highlight key differences: the rear door extends farther over the wheel arch than on a regular Model Y, and the rear glass appears to run all the way to the spoiler lip without the metal trim seen on shorter versions.

One overlay analysis noted that the visible proportions align precisely with the Chinese-market Model Y L, which measures approximately 4.98 meters long with a 3.04-meter wheelbase, which is about seven inches longer overall than the standard Model Y sold in the U.S.

Model Y L, with a support structure on top, likely for shipping. pic.twitter.com/ET3w46DjpJ

— Owen Sparks (@OwenSparks) March 23, 2026

The vehicle is a bare “body-in-white” shell, typical of prototypes sent abroad for tooling validation and local manufacturing ramp-up. Tesla has already launched the six- and seven-seat Model Y L in China and other markets, where it offers roughly 10% more cargo space and greater family-friendly versatility.

This sighting fits Tesla’s broader strategy. Industry observers expect the company to localize Model Y L production at Giga Texas by mid-2026 to serve American families seeking extra room without stepping up to the larger Cybertruck or a future full-size SUV.

Bringing the design stateside could add tens of thousands of annual deliveries while leveraging existing Model Y lines. People have been adamant that they want the Model Y L in the U.S., especially as Tesla plans to fade the Model X, the company’s most ideal vehicle for large families, out of production in the near future.

Tesla Model Y lineup expansion signals an uncomfortable reality for consumers

While Tesla has made no official comment, the timing, amid Giga Texas expansion and steady Model Y output, suggests the mysterious crate is more than a random prototype.

If confirmed as the Model Y L, it marks another step in Tesla’s effort to refresh its bestselling SUV for global demand. The vehicle would perform exceptionally well in the U.S., and despite the company’s rather mute stance on bringing it to America, this might be the biggest hint to date that it could be on the way.

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It is already building some units on a Pilot line at the Fremont Factory in Northern California, but Tesla is planning to build the vast majority of its Optimus project at Gigafactory Texas.

Tesla Optimus gets its latest job, and it’s not in the company’s factories

It will build one million units per year in Fremont, but CEO Elon Musk said the company would build 10 million units every year in Texas at a new building at Giga Texas.

Musk said:

“I think there could be tens of billions of Optimus robots out there. Um, now obviously it’s very important we pay close attention to safety here. Then a 10 million unit uh per year production line here the I don’t know where we’re going to put the 100 million unit production line. on Mars. Maybe on Mars, I don’t know.”

Evidently, Tesla is ready to begin thinking about the production efforts of Optimus beyond a theoretical standpoint and is starting to prepare for the construction of the manufacturing plant on Giga Texas property.

Drone operator Joe Tegtmeyer recognized Tesla construction crews performing ground leveling and clearing efforts at the plant earlier today:

Giga Texas News!

A brand-new, stand-alone factory is starting construction! This follows the Shareholders meeting & info that a 10-million-per-year @Tesla_Optimus production facility “on the Giga Texas campus” will be built & enter into production in 2027!

Here are some… pic.twitter.com/7ig5DohfOt

— Joe Tegtmeyer (@JoeTegtmeyer) November 10, 2025

Production is still slated for 2027, at least at Gigafactory Texas. As previously mentioned, the company is building some units in Fremont for the time being, at least until subsequent versions of the Optimus project advance.

Tesla has done a great job of advancing Optimus forward, but it also has truly grand expectations for the project.

Musk said it could potentially be the biggest product in the history of the planet, as it will revolutionize the way humans perform tasks, probably eliminating monotonous tasks from everyday life.

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Earlier this month, Tesla launched the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y “Standard,” their release of what it calls its affordable models. They are priced under $40,000, and although there was some noise surrounding the skepticism that they’re actually “affordable,” it appears things have been moving in the right direction.

The vehicles are being built at Tesla Gigafactory Texas in Austin, and there are plenty of units being built at the factory, based on a recent flyover by drone operator and plant observer Joe Tegtmeyer:

News: the @Tesla Model Y Standard production is well underway at Giga Texas today!

This consistent with what I was told to expect during the unveiling day last week!

The outbound lot had many Premium Model Y’s and @cybertruck too!

More coming soon! pic.twitter.com/WU489QKPLB

— Joe Tegtmeyer (@JoeTegtmeyer) October 16, 2025

The new Standard Tesla models are technically the company’s response to losing the $7,500 EV tax credit, which significantly impacts any company manufacturing electric vehicles.

However, it seems the loss of the credit is impacting others much more than it is Tesla.

As General Motors and Ford are scaling back their EV efforts because it is beginning to hurt their checkbooks, Tesla is moving forward with its roadmap to catalyze annual growth from a delivery perspective. While GM, Ford, and Stellantis are all known for their vehicles, Tesla is known for its prowess as a car company, an AI company, and a Robotics entity.

Elon Musk was right all along about Tesla’s rivals and EV subsidies

Tesla should have other vehicles coming in the next few years, especially as the Cybercab is evidently moving along with its preliminary processes, like crash testing and overall operational assessment.

It has been spotted at the Fremont Factory several times over the past couple of weeks, hinting that the vehicle could begin production sometime next year.

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Cybercab castings galore

As per longtime drone operator Joe Tegtmeyer, who has been chronicling the developments around the Giga Texas complex for several years now, the electric vehicle maker seems to be gathering hundreds of Cybercab castings around the factory. 

Based on observations from industry watchers, the drone operator appears to have captured images of about 180 front and 180 rear Cybercab castings in his recent photos.

Considering the number of castings that were spotted around Giga Texas, it would appear that Tesla may indeed be preparing for the vehicle’s start of trial production sometime later this year. Interestingly enough, large numbers of Cybercab castings have been spotted around the Giga Texas complex in the past few months.

Cybercab production

The Cybercab is expected to be Tesla’s first vehicle that will adopt the company’s “unboxed” process. As per Tesla’s previous update letters, volume production of the Cybercab should start in 2026. So far, prototypes of the Cybercab have been spotted testing around Giga Texas, and expectations are high that the vehicle’s initial trial production should start this year. 

With the start of Tesla’s dedicated Robotaxi service around Austin, it might only be a matter of time before the Cybercab starts being tested on public roads as well. When this happens, it would be very difficult to deny the fact that Tesla really does have a safe, working autonomous driving system, and it has the perfect vehicle for it, too.

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Tesla’s ecological paradise near Giga Texas moves forward with detailed plans submitted to Travis County.

Tesla’s sprawling outdoor space, long teased by CEO Elon Musk, will have walking and biking trails, a riverfront boardwalk, fishing areas, a playground, and an orchard. According to the Travis County report obtained by Bloomberg, Tesla’s ecological paradise near Giga Texas will also have a sports complex with tennis courts, a baseball field, and a soccer pitch.

As per the Travis County submission, Tesla’s riverfront eco-park is estimated to benefit roughly 20,000 households in the area, weaving Tesla’s presence deeper into the local community. Tesla’s $5 billion-plus investment in Gigafactory Texas has already outpaced job creation goals, employing 21,191 workers in 2024—about half of whom call the county home.

However, not everyone is sold on Tesla’s vision for its ecological paradise. Austin environmental advocate Paul DiFiore, who reviewed earlier 2022 drafts, noted a shift in focus.

“The expectation of significant acreage of restoration or ‘ecological uplift’ at various places on the property appears to be gone, in favor of recreation opportunities along the riverfront, which provide far less conservation value. And with basically no community input or engagement along the way,” DiFiore said

Despite the critique, Tesla’s eco-park underscores its efforts toward community-focused projects. The initiative could set a new benchmark for corporate-backed public spaces as Giga Texas expands, even as it navigates local skepticism.

The City of Austin approved Tesla’s ecological paradise for Giga Texas in October 2022. At the time, Musk noted that work on Tesla’s eco-park would not start until Giga Texas was financially “on its feet.”

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Tesla stocks climbed after U.S. President Donald Trump announced tariffs on imported cars and auto parts, standing out in the United States auto industry.

Automaker stocks tanked after President Trump slapped 25% tariffs on foreign autos and parts. Tesla slightly dodged the tariff blow thanks to local production. Its gigafactories in China and Germany don’t supply Tesla vehicles to the United States market. The company builds all U.S.-sold EVs in Fremont, California, or at Giga Austin in Texas.

TD Cowen analyst Itay Michaeli sees the American EV automaker as a winner in Trump’s tariffs games.

“Tesla [is] a relative beneficiary given [its] 100% U.S. production footprint, substantial U.S. sourcing, and with Model Y competing in a midsize crossover segment where close to ~50% of vehicles could be subject to tariffs,” Michaeli wrote on Thursday.

Rivian and Lucid also make all vehicles sold in the United States domestically. Ford hits 77% U.S. production, while Stellantis sits at 57%. Nissan and GM each clock in at 52%.

Trump’s 25% tariff on non-U.S.-made vehicles kicks in next week, on April 2, 2025. Elon Musk confirmed that Trump’s tariff will still affect Tesla, despite its plants in America.

Musk posted on X about tariff impacts. He said foreign-sourced parts will drive up costs. It’s not a small hit. Tesla warned of this in a letter to the U.S. Trade Representative. “Certain parts and components are difficult or impossible to source within the United States,” the letter stated, even with “aggressive localization.”

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John Murphy of Bank of America popped his price target on Tesla to $400 from $350 this week, and it was all due to the incredible visit he and other analysts had at the company’s factory located just outside of Austin.

Murphy said in a note to investors this week that the visit proved Tesla is in a position to grow in the coming years with various facets of its business, along with other things that are in the pipeline for years after.

Credit: Tesla

He wrote:

“The trip gave us increased confidence that TSLA is well-positioned to grow in 2025+ with its core EV business and launch of its robotaxi offering, and longer-term from its investments in Optimus.”

It is no secret that Tesla delivery figures have been underwhelming this year, but we all expected it because the company said it would have a “notably lower” growth rate this year as it moves toward the release of its next-gen platform.

However, it has a lot of other projects in the works, including Robotaxi, its strong energy business, and Optimus, its humanoid robot. Tesla also has plans to release a low-cost EV in the first half of 2025.

There is a lot leaning on the completion of Full Self-Driving and the prospect of autonomy in the coming years as well. Murphy took a ride in Cybertruck and Model Y with Full Self-Driving capability and said he was impressed by the suite’s ability to adapt to everything from “abnormal road conditions” to turns against difficult traffic patterns:

“The Cybertruck and Model Y we rode in…drove seamlessly to a charging station several miles away despite abnormal road conditions, traveling on roads under construction and taking a tough left turn against traffic.”

Tesla is trading at around $372 just after 10:00 a.m. on the East Coast.

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Please email me with questions and comments at joey@teslarati.com. I’d love to chat! You can also reach me on Twitter @KlenderJoey, or if you have news tips, you can email us at tips@teslarati.com

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On Monday, Nara Lokesh, the Minister of Human Resources Development for Andhra Pradesh, announced in a post on X that he met with Tesla CFO Vaibhav Taneja to discuss building an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing facility in the state. Lokesh said he let Taneja know of the Anantapur district as a good option, noting that the state is aiming to reach a target of achieving 72GW of renewable energy production by 2029.

Check out the full post from Lokesh below, as translated into English:

I visited the Tesla headquarters in Austin. I explained to Tesla CFO Vaibhav Taneja the possibilities and advantages of investing in Andhra Pradesh in the field of manufacturing electric vehicles internationally. Under the leadership of visionary leader Chandrababu, we have aimed to achieve 72 gigawatts of renewable energy production in AP by 2029, and we have sought the help and support of top global companies like Tesla to achieve our goal. I informed that Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh will be a strategic location for setting up of Tesla EV manufacturing and battery product units.

Tesla India investment in limbo

Tesla’s history of rumored EV sales, manufacturing in India

Rumors of Tesla’s entry into India—both regarding the company’s eventual launch of EV sales in the country and whispers of a potential manufacturing facility—have circulated widely for years, but so far it doesn’t seem like there are any concrete plans to follow up on these hopes.

Since at least 2021, Tesla has attempted to garner reduced import duties on its EVs, effectively allowing it to sell its vehicles in the country at the highest profit margin possible. Elon Musk later went on to say that it would be “quite likely” that Tesla could build a factory in India, once the company is able to succeed with imported vehicles.

Rumors of Tesla launching EV sales in India and those of a Gigafactory in the country haven’t slowed down in the many months between then and now, though talks on the subject seem to have largely halted throughout this year.

More recently, Musk was expected to visit India in April, though he later delayed the visit citing heavy obligations with Tesla at the time. Just days later, Musk went on to visit China, eliciting some negative reactions from government officials in the country.

“Such is the lack of faith in the Modi govt’s regulatory policies, that big businesses are turning to China over India repeatedly,” wrote Shama Mohamed, the national spokesperson for Modi’s opposition Congress party.

The visit hasn’t been rescheduled as of yet at this point, and it’s not clear if or when it will be. In June, however, Musk tagged India Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a post, saying that he was “looking forward to [his] companies doing exciting work in India.”

Previous reports from local outlets this year suggested that three other states were frontrunners for a potential facility, though no apparent motion has been made on Tesla’s EVs getting import taxes lowered, allowing it to start sales in the state. Interestingly, the three states did not include Andhra Pradesh.

In any case, it’s unlikely that we’ll see any tangible news on the subject until the two parties can come to an agreement on Tesla imports, as Musk has previously stated, so it’s probably not time for those in the country to get their hopes up just yet.

Tesla keen on three states for India expansion — if it ever happens

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As per Musk, the Tesla investors’ votes in favor of Proposals Three and Four in the 2024 Annual Stockholders Meeting have passed the “Guaranteed Win” mark. Thus, while the 2024 Cyber Roundup is still a few hours away, it appears that Tesla shareholders have already made their voices known with regards to the ratification of Elon Musk’s 2018 compensation plan and Tesla’s proposed reincorporation to Texas. 

Gov. Abbott congratulated Musk for getting the pay that he was promised back in 2018. “Congrats Elon on getting the pay you were promised and on your new incorporation in Texas. Welcome to a state that has neither a personal nor a corporate income tax,” the Texas Governor wrote in his post on X. 

Congrats Elon on getting the pay you were promised and on your new incorporation in Texas.

Welcome to a state that has neither a personal nor a corporate income tax. https://t.co/HOKd9oOcFA

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) June 13, 2024

Musk seemed to appreciate the official’s warm welcome, as he responded with a short “Thank you” to the Governor’s well-wishes. Amidst the interaction between the Texas Governor and the CEO, Tesla enthusiasts are now calling for the Lone Star state to finally allow the EV maker’s direct sales model. Others have also speculated that X might soon call Texas home as well. 

Thank you

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 13, 2024

It should be noted that Musk’s 2018 CEO Performance Award had already been approved by TSLA shareholders back in 2018, but in late January, a Delaware Judge rescinded the compensation plan. In her Opinion, the Delaware Judge noted that Musk’s pay package was “unfair” and that the process for determining the package was “deeply flawed.”

Interestingly enough, the legal complaint against Musk’s pay package was filed by Richard Tornetta, a thrash metal drummer and Tesla shareholder who held nine shares in 2018, and whose legal team is currently requesting over 29 million TSLA shares — worth over $5 billion today — to be granted as their fee for the case. Such a fee would translate to a rate of over $200,000 an hour.

Don’t hesitate to contact us with news tips. Just send a message to simon@teslarati.com to give us a heads up.

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The company made its announcement through a post on X, along with a collage of team members at Giga Texas who contributed to the goal:

Congrats 4680 Cell Manufacturing team on building their 50 millionth battery cell at Giga Texas! pic.twitter.com/zMhzAOghLi

— Tesla (@Tesla) June 5, 2024

Tesla’s 4680 production has increased significantly as it is building the battery cells for electric vehicles manufactured at Giga Texas, along with other factories. In a year, Tesla has managed to produce 40 million battery cells, just under a million a week over the past year.

The last time Tesla announced a major milestone for 4680 battery production at Giga Texas was one year ago, in June 2023, when it announced the production of 10 million cells.

Tesla has maintained that the 4680 cell is an “important” part of its plans and would be a major piece of its growing EV production efforts. Tesla is set to see just a tiny bit of growth in terms of year-over-year vehicle production in 2024 due to it being “between two waves of growth.”

However, it plans to grow out of that phase through the production of vehicles that will equip the next-generation platform, starting with Tesla Robotaxi. CEO Elon Musk said that the vehicle will be unveiled on August 8.

In its Q1 Earnings Call, Tesla said that its 4680 ramp “continued successfully” through the first three months of the year. Additionally, the cell’s production ramp is ahead of the Cybertruck ramp. As a result of the increased production, costs dropped.

I’d love to hear from you! If you have any comments, concerns, or questions, please email me at joey@teslarati.com. You can also reach me on Twitter @KlenderJoey, or if you have news tips, you can email us at tips@teslarati.com.

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