Which Tesla plants manufacture the Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X, Cybertruck, and Semi?
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Executive summary
Tesla builds its volume cars—Model 3 and Model Y—primarily at Gigafactory Shanghai, Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenburg, Gigafactory Texas, and the original Fremont factory, while higher-end Model S and Model X volumes trace to Fremont (with some global redistribution) and Texas; Semi and Cybertruck production plans are concentrated at Gigafactory Nevada (Semi capacity buildout) and Gigafactory Texas (Cybertruck/next‑gen platform), though timelines and additional sites (Mexico) are in flux [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]. Company statements and industry reporting show four principal vehicle-producing gigafactories (Fremont, Shanghai, Berlin, Texas) handle most models, with specialized truck production and battery expansions at Nevada and planned future capacity in Mexico [6] [1] [3] [2].
1. Four factories now shoulder mainstream car production
Tesla’s passenger-vehicle manufacturing footprint for the Model 3, Model Y, and other mainstream cars centers on four major sites: Fremont, California; Gigafactory Shanghai; Gigafactory Berlin‑Brandenburg; and Gigafactory Texas. Multiple outlets summarize that “every Tesla car starts in one of four major Gigafactories,” and Tesla itself highlights Fremont as the launch point for the Model S while Berlin explicitly produces “hundreds of thousands of Model Y vehicles” [6] [2] [1].
2. Where the Model 3 and Model Y are actually made
Reports and Tesla materials show Model 3 and Model Y production concentrated at Shanghai (a major export hub), Berlin (large Model Y volumes), Texas, and Fremont. Shanghai has become a global export hub and high-volume producer of Model 3/Model Y, Berlin focuses on Model Y and batteries, and Texas and Fremont supply U.S. and regional demand—together forming the backbone of Tesla’s mass-market vehicle output [1] [2] [7] [6].
3. Model S and Model X: legacy lines, still tied to Fremont
The original Model S and Model X began and remain linked to Tesla’s Fremont factory; industry reporting notes Fremont “handled Model S, Model X, and most U.S.” volumes as recently summarized in late‑2025 coverage. That suggests high‑end sedan and SUV production has stayed with the legacy California plant even as volume models spread globally [2] [6].
4. Cybertruck — Texas as the launch pad for next‑gen pickup
Multiple industry accounts tie Cybertruck and Tesla’s next‑gen vehicle platform to Gigafactory Texas. Reporting notes the next‑gen manufacturing system is being deployed at Texas and that the Cybercab/Cybertruck family will use that platform—Texas is identified repeatedly as the primary site for the new product line [4] [5].
5. Semi: Nevada expansion and dedicated capacity
Tesla’s plans for the Semi are tied to Gigafactory Nevada, where a $3.6 billion expansion and a dedicated facility for Semi assembly and new 4680 battery cell capacity were reported. Automotive Manufacturing Solutions describes Nevada as a high‑volume site for motors, batteries, and a dedicated Semi manufacturing facility [3].
6. Mexico and future shifts — capacity vs. assignment
Analysts and Tesla materials show the company prefers to use “existing vehicle production capacity before building new lines,” but Tesla has announced or planned new sites—most notably Gigafactory Mexico—to host future product lines, including next‑gen affordable models. Reporting signals that Mexico was envisioned for next‑gen models or supplemental capacity, but concrete model assignments or start dates remain fluid [8] [3] [9].
7. How to read competing claims and limits in reporting
Sources converge on the same four core car factories but differ on timing and where new vehicles will scale. Tesla’s own updates emphasize using existing capacity before expanding [8], industry outlets emphasize Shanghai’s export role and Berlin’s Model Y volumes [1] [7], and niche coverage points to Texas as the hub for next‑gen/Cybertruck deployment [4]. No single public source in this package provides a definitive, up‑to‑the‑minute model‑assignment map for every factory; available sources do not mention a full, current per‑model, per‑site table.
8. Bottom line — practical takeaways for readers
If you ask “which plants make which Teslas?” use this shorthand from current reporting: Fremont = Model S/X and legacy assembly; Shanghai and Berlin = Model 3/Model Y mass production and exports (Berlin especially Model Y); Texas = next‑gen/Cybertruck and increasing U.S. volume; Nevada = Semi and battery/motor capacity; Mexico = planned future capacity with uncertain model assignment [2] [1] [4] [3] [9]. For precise, model‑by‑model line assignments at a given moment, consult Tesla’s manufacturing page or the company’s quarterly updates—those are the sources Tesla uses to describe capacity and product plans [2] [8].