For yet another year, the Model 3 is again the best selling EV in the world, holding 12% of the market share. Model Y is not far behind at fourth, behind the Wuling HongGuang Mini EV and Renault Zoe, both compact city EVs. Not only is the Model 3 the best selling EV in the world, it holds that title by a margin of almost 250,000 cars. Seeing as crossover SUVs are dominating the market, it would be reasonable to assume that once Model Y has been in production for a couple years that it will pass Model 3. It is very encouraging to see so many different companies from all over the world enter the EV market and try to take on the Model 3, but it is a tall task and will take a massive ramp in production for others to compete. In addition, it is a big accomplishment for Tesla to hold the top spot with a car that costs so much compared to the $4,000 car in second place.
Tesla’s Giga Press is so innovative because the ability to produce an entire rear casting with one machine eliminates quality issues as well as complexity and time. Tesla has implemented the Giga Press at their Fremont factory as well as in their Shanghai factory. The Model Y is the first vehicle to be built using the Giga Press, but the technology will likely trickle down to all models at some point in the near future. It was also recently reported that Tesla is in the process of taking delivery of and assembling a few of the massive casting machines at the new factory in Austin, Texas. According to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, the Giga Press gives Tesla the ability to do with one machine, what would have previously been done with over 300 robots. Removing the variable of having to perfectly line up many different parts provides for a more consistent chassis and more reliability in the production lines.