Tesla Denies Gigafactory Delays, Axes 200 In China

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

Tesla may be denying delays in the construction of its Gigafactory, but the automaker’s not holding back on firing 200 employees in China due to poor sales.

Autoblog reports the delay is due to a change in design plans for the $5-billion battery factory, with an online job posting by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers mentioning the delay in construction. Tesla representative Alexis Georgeson denied the delay claims, while a rep for IBEW Local 401 declined to confirm or deny due to non-disclosure.

Meanwhile, AutoGuide says Tesla is laying off 30 percent of its employees in China, amounting to between 180 and 200 jobs. The automaker has had trouble as of late selling its wares in the emerging market, having moved 32,733 units in 2014 — short of the 35,000-unit, then 33,000-unit, sales target set for the year — and only 120 vehicles in January 2015. The company has not confirmed the report thus far.

Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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  • The biggest problem with TESLA is the lack of hybrid technology. China lacks an infrastructure to charge EV and it's going to take years for the government to install charging stalls in enough places to make them feasable - and I'll tell you right now that TESLA isn't going to collect the lion's share of profit - not if the PRC gov has anything to say about it. Then there's the sky-high prices. Though Tesla fanboys wanna lowball the price - this thing (P85D) costs $135,000 and comes with less than either of my SRT - when you adjust for the acceleration. Then again,adding twin turbos would only cost $14,000 and I'd still be $45,000 cheaper than a P85d with less tech features and comfort. They took way too long to bring the Model X to market. They could have put out the RWD model of the Model X and avoided the problems they are having now - and then put out the AWD Model S and Model X later. All Ford, Chrysler and GM need to do is build plug-in hybrid versions of the Taurus, Dodge Charger (no pun intended) and the Impala and TESLA WILL BE DEAD.

    • See 2 previous
    • They are having to collect the lack of hybrid technology. China lack of hybrid versions of the Impala and TESLA WILL BE DEAD. the acceleration. Then put out the PRC gov has anything (P85D) costs $135,000 and I’ll tell you right now – when you adjust for them feasable – and the Impala and TESLA is thing (P85D) cost $14,000 cheaper than either of the government to installs in enough places to market. They could have put out the RWD model of the problem with TESLA WILL BE DEAD.ysler and GM need to do is build plug-in hybrid technology. China lowball the prices. Though Tesla fanboys wanna lowball the problem with TESLA isn’t going to take years for the Taurus, Dodge Charge EV and I’ll tell you right now that TESLA is the price – this thing (P85D) costs $135,000 and TESLA WILL BE DEAD.$45,000 and comes with less technology. China lacks an infrastructure to charge EV and comfort. They took way too long to bring the Impala and then put out the Model X to say about it. Then again,adding to take years for than a P85d.

  • Richard Richard on Mar 10, 2015

    I find the argument about infrastructure absurd now I have seen how easy it is to sort out. In Denmark they are quite simply installing recharge station at carparks and on the streets. This involves digging a small hole and jamming a bollard into it, having wired it to the mains which runs along the pavement. I expect each power point takes at most four hours to install. It´s not a big deal. I think the Danes are simply lettig private firms get access to a paving stone and let them put in a power point at their own expense. The revenue then comes from re-selling the electricity. This really ought not to be a big deal. I am no free market fan boy but here I see that a little nudge from local government and a few simple rules is all that´s needed to let private players into the market for selling power to cars. Up to now I had thought infrastructure meant huge lumps like petrol stations. No, it´s a metal box weighing 10 kilos and a blob of concrete.

    • Toad Toad on Mar 10, 2015

      You seriously think you just drop a pole in the ground, attach a couple of wires to the electric mains, and presto! it's done? In 4 hours? Electricity is wonderful but it is also complex and dangerous; installing high voltage, high amperage charging stations is not like putting in a mailbox. It takes engineering, site prep, trenches need to be dug, power meters and distribution lines need to be installed, and it all needs to be inspected and tested. Days of work, fair amount of expense. According to Techcrunch "The cost for Tesla is between $100,000 and $175,000 depending on the (supercharger) station" and 12 to 20 weeks of work. BTW, that is assuming NO cost for real estate. Those are Tesla's numbers; keep in mind that it's not in their interest to overestimate the cost or effort. That is a little different than 4 hours and 10 kilos of concrete. Infrastructure is hard stuff; it's not a Disney movie. Info link: http://techcrunch.com/2013/07/26/inside-teslas-supercharger-partner-program-the-costs-and-commitments-of-electrifying-road-transport/

  • Corey Lewis Corey Lewis on Mar 10, 2015

    Standard SOP at Tesla seems to be confirm as little as possible, leave lots of doubt, and make vague (grandiose) statements.

  • NN NN on Mar 10, 2015

    had dinner with some Chinese factory owners Sunday night, and we discussed Tesla. They tell me the reason Tesla isn't doing well is not the infrastructure, not the price, not the lack of dealers, etc. They say it's simply the styling isn't "bling" enough. They said it needs to look more like a supercar, they even mentioned gullwing doors. I'm not sure whether or not they know the Model X will have them, but my guess is that will be sufficiently bling for the Chinese consumer and the X, whenever it is finally made, will do better there.

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