Who Makes Tesla Car Bodies?
Tesla’s Body Manufacturing Process
Tesla’s car bodies are made using a process called stamping. This process involves using large presses to shape sheets of metal into the desired form. The presses exert a tremendous amount of force, which causes the metal to deform and take on the desired shape.
Tesla uses a variety of different stamping presses, each of which is designed to create a specific part of the car body. The largest press, which is used to create the roof panel, exerts a force of over 1,000 tons.
Once the metal has been stamped into the desired shape, it is welded together to form the complete car body. Tesla uses a variety of different welding techniques, including spot welding, MIG welding, and laser welding.
Spot welding is the most common type of welding used in the automotive industry. It involves using two electrodes to create a small weld pool between two pieces of metal. The weld pool then solidifies, creating a strong bond between the two pieces of metal.
MIG welding is another type of welding that is commonly used in the automotive industry. It involves using a continuously fed wire electrode to create a weld pool. The weld pool then solidifies, creating a strong bond between the two pieces of metal.
Laser welding is a more recent type of welding that is becoming increasingly popular in the automotive industry. It involves using a laser to create a weld pool. The laser beam melts the metal, creating a strong bond between the two pieces of metal.
Tesla’s Body Suppliers
Tesla does not manufacture all of its own car bodies. Instead, it relies on a number of different suppliers to manufacture different parts of the car body.
The largest supplier of Tesla car bodies is the Chinese company Giga Shanghai. Giga Shanghai manufactures the bodies for the Model 3 and Model Y.
Other suppliers of Tesla car bodies include:
* Martinrea International: Martinrea supplies the bodies for the Model S and Model X.
* Stamping Alliance: Stamping Alliance supplies the bodies for the Cybertruck.
* ThyssenKrupp: ThyssenKrupp supplies the steel for Tesla’s car bodies.
Tesla’s Future Plans for Body Manufacturing
Tesla is currently planning to build a new body manufacturing plant in Austin, Texas. The new plant is expected to be operational in 2023.
The new plant will be used to manufacture the bodies for the Cybertruck. Tesla is also planning to use the new plant to manufacture the bodies for other future models.
Tesla’s new body manufacturing plant is a sign of the company’s growing commitment to vertical integration. Vertical integration is the process of owning and controlling all of the different steps in the production process.
By vertically integrating, Tesla can reduce its costs and improve its quality control. Tesla can also be more responsive to changes in the market.
Conclusion
Tesla is a world leader in the electric vehicle industry. The company’s car bodies are made using a combination of stamping and welding techniques. Tesla relies on a number of different suppliers to manufacture different parts of the car body. Tesla is currently planning to build a new body manufacturing plant in Austin, Texas. The new plant is expected to be operational in 2023.