Reduced repair costs discovered in Tesla Gigacasting study
Tesla's Gigacasting Technology Revolutionises Collision Repairs and Vehicle Production
Tesla's innovative approach to vehicle manufacturing, known as gigacasting, is making waves in the automotive industry. A recent study by Thatcham Research has revealed that this technology offers significant cost advantages in both partial and full repairs, potentially setting a new industry benchmark for cost savings and efficiency.
The study compared the cost of collision repairs on the Tesla Model Y, which relies on gigacasting structures, with the Tesla Model 3, which has a conventional multi-part steel body. The findings showed that partial repairs on the Model Y's rear gigacast save nearly $3,000 compared to similar repairs on the Model 3. Even full replacements of gigacast sections in a Model Y see cost savings compared to a Model 3.
This cost-effective approach is made possible by Tesla's "gigacast sectioning" approach, which allows damaged portions of the casting to be replaced without scrapping the entire piece. This reduces the complexity for repair shops and surprises for insurers, making collision repairs easier and more affordable.
The study's findings are particularly significant for Tesla's global production operations, which are expanding. Giga Berlin, Tesla's German factory, has started production of the new Model Y Performance and has produced 100,000 refreshed Model Y vehicles. The new Model Y L, a three-row, six-seat variant, has also been launched in China, further demonstrating Tesla's increasing reliance on gigacasting in its design philosophy.
The new Model Y L in China also leverages gigacasting manufacturing innovations. The savings in Tesla's collision repairs are attributed to this groundbreaking technology, and it is expected that the findings may prompt insurers and repair shops to rethink their assumptions about Tesla's gigacasting technology.
Lars Moravy, the Tesla engineer involved in the development of the Cybertruck, explained that using large structural castings facilitates vehicle manufacturing and repairs. This streamlines vehicle production, reducing the complexity for repair shops and insurers, and potentially setting a new standard for the industry.
In conclusion, Tesla's gigacasting technology is revolutionising the automotive industry by offering cost advantages in collision repairs and streamlining vehicle production. The future of automotive manufacturing could well be shaped by this innovative technology.
