Alex Roy

Production and Activity: Giga Texas remains a hive of activity, with production ramps continuing into Q2 2025. Drone footage and observer posts on X from late March indicate a significant uptick in Model Y production, with numerous units spotted exiting the factory. Cybertrucks are also on the move, some still sporting blue plastic around their side rails, suggesting ongoing testing or final assembly tweaks. The outbound lot was reportedly emptied over the weekend of March 29-30, only to see new production quickly replenish it by March 31, signaling robust output as Tesla closes out Q1 and kicks off Q2.

Construction Updates: Expansion efforts are accelerating. Construction on the north end of the site, dubbed the "Central Campus Support facilities" or "Cortex 2.0," is progressing rapidly. By late March, footing excavation, rebar cage assembly, and auger pile work were underway, with concrete footings expected soon. A new Welcome Center is also in the early stages, with site prep visible near the northwest side. Meanwhile, the Megapack 2 project—a battery storage facility—is rising, with equipment mounts being installed, tied to a reported new megafactory near Houston (announced in early March via Electrek) that could create 1,500 jobs.

Cybercab Testing: Tesla’s autonomous Cybercab robotaxis are increasingly active at Giga Texas. Multiple units, some with steering wheels (despite their driverless design), have been spotted testing around the factory grounds since February. This aligns with Elon Musk’s January claim of launching “autonomous ride-hailing for money” by June 2025 in Austin, leveraging Texas’ lax autonomous vehicle regulations.

Incidents and Scrutiny: The site hasn’t been without challenges. On March 30, a nationwide "Tesla Takedown" protest saw vandalism and violence against Tesla properties, including Giga Texas. Local Rep. Greg Casar condemned the acts but defended peaceful protest rights, while Rep. Randy Weber called it “thuggery.” Earlier, a February 6 fire involving an 18-wheeler trailer at the factory was quickly contained, and a worker’s death in August 2024 (from electrocution) continues to draw attention, with Casar pushing OSHA for transparency amid an ongoing investigation.

Strategic Moves: Musk revealed during a March 20 Tesla All Hands call that he’s purchased land south of Giga Texas—currently a horse-riding school—for future expansion, though specifics remain vague. Posts on X suggest this could tie into long-term plans for the 2,500-acre site, which already spans over 10 million square feet of factory floor.

Overall, Giga Texas is bustling with production (Model Y, Cybertruck, and 4680 cells), testing next-gen vehicles like the Cybercab, and expanding its footprint, all while navigating safety and public perception hurdles. The site’s role as Tesla’s global HQ and a hub for innovation (e.g., the Cortex supercomputing cluster) keeps it in the spotlight as Musk doubles down on Texas operations. For the very latest, ongoing X posts from observers like Joe Tegtmeyer offer real-time snapshots, though they’re anecdotal and not fully verified. 

   Vessev is a pioneering marine technology company based in Auckland, New Zealand, focused on revolutionizing water transport with sustainable, high-performance solutions. Founded in 2018 by Max Olson as Seachange, and later rebranded to Vessev, the company is driven by a mission to "propel a more liveable world" through innovative electric hydrofoiling vessels. These boats lift above the waves using advanced hydrofoil technology—adapted from New Zealand’s America’s Cup legacy—reducing energy consumption by up to 95% compared to traditional boats. This efficiency translates to lower operational costs, cleaner air and water, and a smoother, quieter ride for passengers.
   Led by CEO Eric Laakmann, a former Apple Watch engineering lead, and CTO Max Olson, Vessev combines expertise in marine engineering, vehicle electrification, and robotics. Their flagship product, the VS-9, is a 9-meter (29.3-foot) electric hydrofoiling ferry that seats 10 passengers and cruises at 25 knots with a 50-nautical-mile range. In a world-first milestone, the VS-9, named Kermadec, entered commercial service on January 29, 2025, with Fullers360, New Zealand’s largest ferry operator, offering tourism trips across Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour. Certified by Maritime New Zealand, it’s the first commercially operated electric hydrofoiling tourism vessel globally, marking a leap in sustainable marine transport.
    Vessev’s ethos—“engineered for safety, built to last, and impact through performance”—shines through in the VS-9’s design. Its carbon-fiber build, panoramic windows, and ergonomic interior prioritize comfort and durability, while its ability to “fly” over waves ensures stability in rough conditions. Priced at around US$620,000, it’s a premium investment, but the long-term savings and environmental benefits appeal to operators like Fullers360, which aims to be fully electric or hydrogen-powered by 2040.
    The company isn’t stopping at the VS-9. They’re developing the VS-18, a 100-passenger version, signaling ambitions to scale their tech for broader commuter and commercial use. Backed by investors like Icehouse Ventures and Blackbird Ventures, Vessev has raised NZ$3.6 million to date, with plans for further funding to fuel expansion. Rooted in New Zealand’s rich maritime innovation history, Vessev is positioning itself as a global leader—think the “Tesla of boats”—aiming to transform how we move on water, one hydrofoil at a time.

Royal Enfield's first foray into electric mobility happen with the Flying Flea C6. We've finally been able to see it in the flesh and get a peek at the technology baked into it as well as the design philosophy. Dinshaw Magol tells you a little about Royal Enfield's first EV.