New Tesla gigacasting process pitched to cut manufacturing costs but critics raise concerns over part reliability and high repair costs

[Redaktion]

Tesla's disruptive gigacasting process is undergoing an overhaul that may enable the EV maker to cast the underbody of its vehicles as one cohesive part, rather than hundreds of parts. Reducing the BOM cost should reduce production costs significantly, but there are concerns about repair costs and part failures. mobilit

https://www.notebookcheck.net/New-Tesla-gigacasting-process-pitched-to-cut-manufacturing-costs-but-critics-raise-concerns-over-part-reliability-and-high-repair-costs.751015.0.html

[DantePierttyr]

The most expensive part of EVs is the battery. They cannot evolve this crucial point.

[Pix]

The most expensive part of EVs is the battery. They cannot evolve this crucial point.

While true for the very short future, the body's cost is not trivial, and when trying to hit a particular price point not orders of magnitude lower than existing models every bit counts. Likewise, the battery is not a "fixed" cost between models. Different battery sizes with different material costs can make a large difference, especially in a comparison between a Model X Extended Range and something like a Model 3 with the standard range battery. New chemistries and electrolyte configurations (Sodium-Ion batteries, Solid State batteries, etc.) are also on the horizon for many battery suppliers and are even making early production appearances in some smaller brands' EVs.

[ArsLoginName]

Agree with Pix. Costs can always come down on a new technology. Remember when hybrids cost $10k more than a standard ICE? Battery sizes for hybrids haven't changed but yet overall system cost has come down significantly to the point where it is about $1500 more for the hybrid model compared to the non-hybrid.

As alluded to in the article, if Tesla can make this happen, yes, it will lower the initial cost/sale price. But due to extra costs associated in replacing such a large component in any significant accident, the insurance for that car will be substantially higher. For the consumer who buys this vehicle, it will probably be a marginal total cost savings. Save $5k upfront to only pay $500-$1000 more per year in car insurance.