Tesla Gigafactory 4’s layout scheme hints that the automaker plans to keep the GA4 tent template first adopted by the company in 2018. Elon Musk’s “big tent” in Fremont for the assembly of the Model 3 initially shocked analysts, investors, and the like. It was unconventional for a car manufacturer to build premium cars inside a semi-permanent outdoor space. However, the knowledge Tesla gained from GA4 tent has proven to be valuable, considering that the automaker seems to be using it for its factories overseas.
Tesla enthusiasts and @Gf4Tesla, @gigafactory_4, and @EmilSenkel trudged through the GF4 forest to map out all the markers placed on the ground for the factory’s construction. Each marker was labeled to show where each part of Gigafactory 4 would be built.
360 degree Video of assumed #GF4 building.
— Gigafactory4 (@gigafactory_4) December 23, 2019
HQ: https://t.co/z5CuR5RRI3
GEO Data: https://t.co/cBUPGEwwbd pic.twitter.com/SV5Kx3NH3L
After finding each marker, they mapped out where each part of GF4 would be onto a Google Earth picture of Grünheide (Mark), the municipality in the Oder-Spree district where Gigafactory 4 will be built. A 360-degree clip made by @gigfactory_4 was also released.
Based on the excellent on-the-field work these Tesla enthusiasts did, the Gigafactory in Brandenburg will have a similar set up to Gigafactory 3 in Shanghai. GF3 in China is set up in a straight line, reminiscent of Tesla’s GA4 tent in Fremont. Elon Musk referred to it as the big tent.
The Fremont factory's tent received some attention because it was an unconventional place for a car manufacturer to build vehicles, especially premium cars. It was an open-air temporary structure for Tesla’s Model 3 production to meet Musk’s 5,000 a week output, reported Business Insider.
Amazing work by Tesla team. Built entire new general assembly line in 3 weeks w minimal resources. Love u guys so much! Pic of 1st Model 3 dual motor performance coming off the line … pic.twitter.com/Xr55P3fmGd
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 16, 2018
Tesla had clearly used the knowledge it gained from the GA4 tent and upgraded them to make Gigafactory 3. Even though GF3 looks more like a traditional facility for a car manufacturer, its foundation and overall template seems similar to the GA4 tent. And Gigafactory 4 may be adopting the template as well.
For Gigafactory 3, parts pass through delivery bays found on one side of the long structure. Then, the assembly line starts on one end and goes straight through to the other end of the long building until the all-electric car is finished being assembled.
Many questioned the reasoning behind Tesla’s GA4 tent, but its effects have rippled through reaching Gigafactory 3 and now Gigafactory 4. An automaker’s assembly line efficiency can significantly affect its sales and distribution numbers.
(1926) Ford Model T - Assembly Line pic.twitter.com/DEe6RC39yF
— Just Stuff (@StuffYep) October 25, 2014
For example, Ford’s Model T sales hit its stride after the automaker’s founder created an innovative assembly line for mass production. According to History, Ford’s Model T assembly line kept getting refined until the car manufacturer could build a car in just 2 hours and 30 minutes—quite a feat for its time. The efficiency of Ford’s assembly line allowed the company to make the Model T more affordable, which greatly affected the sales and distribution numbers of the legendary vehicle.
Tesla seemed to have found its stride with the Model 3 after the GA4 tent, too. After the semi-permanent structure was built the all-electric sedan's build quality was better and now Model 3 deliveries are on time.
Featured Image Credit: @Gf4Tesla/Twitter
About the Author
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.
