Tesla applies to expand Shanghai plant, add pouch battery cell output

Tesla Inc (TSLA.O) has applied for regulatory clearance to expand its Shanghai plant and to begin producing for the first time pouch-type battery cells, albeit in small numbers.

An undated public notice said the potential expansion would give the Shanghai Gigafactory the capacity to produce 1.75 million powertrain units annually, up from 1.25 million currently.

It was not clear from the notice, posted on the website of the district where the factory is located, whether Tesla is committed to moving ahead with the expansion or is only seeking approval for potential, future capacity.

Tesla did not respond to a request for comment.

The automaker is also looking for clearance to produce pouch-type battery cells, the notice said, adding that a trial production line would have initial annual capacity to make 20,000-amp-hours of cells, equivalent to the power in a single Model Y battery pack.

This report’s information was first seen on REUTERS; to read more, click this link.