Tesla outlines new EV production methods

Tesla’s next generation EVs will be manufactured using different methods, its 2023 “Investor Day” in Austin, Texas, has heard.

While Tesla chief executive Elon Musk opened the Investor Day without really adding much, other company representatives indicated a “next gen” EV is coming and will be announced later, the EV expected to be made quickly using new production methods.

New factories are expected to be about half the size of Tesla’s present ones but will have similar output.

Assembly will be improved so that each bit is done once, and will balance parallel and in series manufacturing, using less robots and people while reducing lost time and errors.

One microprocessor, for instance, will be able to do the work of four.

The Investor Day heard how production will be improved, 48 Volt electric architecture stepped up, that rare earths won’t be used in Tesla’s next permanent magnet electric motors, and other factors designed to save costs.

Development of autonomous vehicles was also aired during the session on Tesla’s new “Master Plan”, including explaining that AVs can go to other customers rather than sitting idle in carparks.

Nearly all aspects of Tesla production are expected to improve, with smaller electrical components reducing weight and complexity, better data and computers.

“EVs have to be cheaper,” says one representative.

Musk discussed advances with its Optimus humanoid robot, while Tesla supercharging was covered by others.

Tesla also plans a US$5 billion factory employing about 6000 people in Mexico, probably at Nuevo Leon.

Musk says it will supplement output from Tesla’s other factories.

Asked about bidirectional charging, a Tesla representative says that’s a possibility in some vehicles but was not an initial priority.

Musk says a Tesla battery (Powerwall) would power a home anyway with the least inconvenience to others in the household.

The Investor Day is showing on YouTube.