Tesla kicks out the radar, will launch Tesla Vision in the USA; Tesla Semi deliveries will begin later this year

27 April 2021, 03:24:43

Tesla's Q1 2021 report contains several interesting pieces of information. But first things first - let's talk about production and deliveries. In the first quarter, Tesla has produced just over 180,000 vehicles and delivered nearly 185,000 vehicles. The new Model S and Model X have been "exceptionally well received", with the new equipment installed and tested in Q1 and Tesla in the early stages of ramping production.

In Fremont, Model Y production continued to ramp successfully and is approaching full capacity. In Texas, the factory buildout continues to progress quickly, remaining on track to start production and deliveries late this year. Equipment is being moved into the building and is in the process of commissioning them in certain areas.

Model Y ramp in Shanghai is progressing well. The Shanghai factory is expected to continue to increase quarterly production output through the year. Gigafactory Shanghai will continue to expand further over time. Tesla Semi deliveries will also begin in 2021.

In Europe, the buildout of Gigafactory Berlin is continuing to move forward, with production and deliveries remaining on track for late 2021. Machinery for paint, stamping, castings, etc., continues to be moved into the building. In the meantime, import volumes to Europe will be increased.

Tesla will switch to Tesla Vision in the US market soon. This will be the final variant of what's now the V9 version of FSD City Streets beta. The developers believe that a vision-only system is ultimately all that is needed for full autonomy. Tesla's AI-based software architecture has been increasingly reliant on cameras, to the point where radar is becoming unnecessary earlier than expected. As a result, our FSD team is fully focused on evolving to a vision-based autonomous system.

In Q1, Tesla managed to deal with global chip supply shortage issues by pivoting extremely quickly to new microcontrollers, while simultaneously developing firmware for new chips made by new suppliers.

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