Tesla will be clear to start delivering Model Y units produced at its Gigafactory in Austin, Texas, with 4680 battery cells and the automaker’s new structural battery pack as soon as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approves the vehicle for sale — reports Teslarati.
Tesla previously confirmed that operations at Gigafactory Texas would begin with the Model Y and structural battery packs featuring 4680 battery cells, and a January report had the facility pegged to start customer deliveries by the end of Q1 2022.
The EPA told Teslarati that a Certificate of Conformity is the only thing standing between Tesla and deliveries of its Giga Texas-made Model Y vehicles. A Certificate of Conformity is issued by the EPA to approve the introduction of a new car into the stream of commerce.
“Prior to offering a vehicle for sale, all carlines in the Light-duty sector must be certified and Fuel Economy test data representing each model type must be submitted to EPA,” the agency told the publication in a statement.
Tesla has already received a Certificate of Conformity for the 2022 Model Y trims the company plans to produce at Giga Texas.
“EPA can confirm that Tesla has received a Certificate of Conformity for the 2022 Model Y Long Range AWD, Model Y Performance AWD (Test Group NTSLV00.0L2Y) and a Certificate for the Model Y RWD (Test Group NTSLV00.0L1Y),” the agency said.
However, the major changes Tesla is making to the battery packs in Texas-made Model Y units have prompted the EPA to require that the vehicle be separately certified.
In recent weeks, we have seen dozens of Model Y units parked in the lots outside Giga Texas, fresh production units rolling out of the factory, and delivery trucks leaving the site with Model Ys onboard.
During the company’s Q4 2021 Earnings Call last month, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said Giga Texas-made Model Y units will “start delivering after final certification of the vehicle, which should be fairly soon.”
The EPA was unable to provide an accurate timeline for the certification process, but approval should be expected shortly.
