Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory reached a major milestone on December 8, 2025, when it produced its 4 millionth vehicle. The facility, which opened in late 2019, has become Tesla’s largest manufacturing hub globally. The 4 millionth vehicle was a Model Y L six-seat SUV, marking another achievement for the factory that’s transformed electric vehicle production in China.
The Shanghai facility has accelerated its production pace considerably over the years. It took about 32 months to produce the first million vehicles after the factory launched. However, the fourth million units were produced just 14 months after reaching the three-million mark in October 2024. This shows how much more efficient the factory’s become. The facility’s production growth trajectory reflects Tesla’s broader success in reaching record output across all subsequent quarters since the coronavirus disruptions of 2020.
The production line now churns out roughly one vehicle every 30 seconds, with an annual capacity of about one million vehicles. As Tesla’s first wholly foreign-owned automotive manufacturing project in China, the facility represents a significant breakthrough in the company’s international expansion strategy. The factory’s efficiency demonstrates significant contribution to global Tesla vehicle deliveries. Staff members celebrated this remarkable achievement with a commemorative group photo to honor the milestone.
Tesla’s Shanghai production line manufactures one vehicle every 30 seconds, with annual capacity reaching approximately one million vehicles.
November 2025 demonstrated the factory’s strength with impressive output numbers. The facility produced 86,700 vehicles that month, representing a 9.95 percent increase compared to November 2024. Even more impressive, November’s output jumped 40.98 percent from October’s 61,497 units.
October 2025 also marked a record with exports exceeding 35,000 vehicles—the highest monthly export volume in two years.
The Shanghai Gigafactory’s success stems from its advanced infrastructure and local operations. The facility handles four major manufacturing processes: stamping, body assembly, painting, and general assembly. The facility accounts for 50% of Tesla’s worldwide production capacity.
Furthermore, the factory achieves a 95 percent localization rate for its supply chain, meaning most components come from local suppliers. This high localization helps keep costs down and supports competitive pricing in the Chinese market.
Tesla’s Shanghai factory now contributes nearly half of the company’s global electric vehicle deliveries. It serves as the primary export hub for Asia-Pacific and European markets. With the increasing adoption of electric vehicles, Tesla owners are discovering that home charging costs typically add 20-30% to monthly electricity bills while still providing significant savings compared to gasoline vehicles.
The facility has introduced both the Model 3 sedan and Model Y crossover to Chinese consumers, and in February 2025, Tesla launched a Megafactory at the Shanghai site dedicated to energy-storage battery production.
These developments highlight how essential the Shanghai Gigafactory is to Tesla’s worldwide manufacturing strategy and growth plans.