Part 11/14:
Tesla’s progress in manufacturing the Cybertruck is remarkable. Despite initial delays—delayed from a planned 2021 start—the company utilized this period to refine its processes amid pandemic-related disruptions. The development involved reinventing manufacturing techniques, notably creating new ultra-strong stainless steel alloys tailored for the vehicle’s innovative design.
Tesla’s pioneering use of giga casting—large-scale aluminum casting—reduces parts complexity and assembly costs. However, this also introduces risks: flaws in giant castings can lead to significant scrap and delays. Nonetheless, Tesla’s engineering team has demonstrated impressive problem-solving ability, including developing proprietary processes like air bending to shape the tough stainless steel.