Gigafactory Nevada

Battery cells, Powerwall, and Semi production in the Nevada desert.

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Summary

Tesla’s first Gigafactory — battery cells, Powerwall, and Semi production on the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center east of Sparks.

Background

Announced in 2014 as a Tesla–Panasonic cell plant in the Nevada desert. Empty sagebrush became the company’s battery hub: 18650/2170 cells, later 4680 work, Powerwall, and Semi assembly. Megapack production later moved to Lathrop. From the air the site is a huge rectangular factory with rail, parking, and ongoing energy-side expansion.

Timeline

Sep 2014

Nevada site announced

Tesla and Panasonic pick Storey County for the first Gigafactory.
2015

Steel and first buildings

The first factory blocks go up on empty desert.
Jul 2016

Grand opening

Official opening; Panasonic cell production is already underway.
Nov 2016

Construction still visible

Aerial construction update after the opening event.

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Aug 2017

Factory still growing

Aerial of continued build-out a year after opening.

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Apr 2018

Scaling the battery plant

Aerial of the largest battery factory then in operation.

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2020+

4680 cell work

Tesla starts 4680 development and early production work at Nevada.
Aug 2021

Operating plant aerial

Public flyover of the working factory on Electric Avenue.

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2022

Megapack work shifts

Megapack assembly moves toward Lathrop; Nevada keeps cells, Powerwall, and Semi.
Dec 2022

First Semi deliveries

First customer Semis leave Gigafactory Nevada.
Sep 2023

Busy operations

Aerial of lots, trailers, and the main halls in use.

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May 2024

Energy expansion visible

“Big energy” build-out shows from the air on Electric Avenue.

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Nov 2024

Latest public aerial

Another Electric Avenue flyover of the operating campus.

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