Tesla’s latest gigacasting part spotted at Giga Texas is likely intended for its upcoming autonomous vehicle known as the Cybercab, not for an updated Model Y, according to industry watcher Luca Greco, who analyzed recent images shared by drone photographer Joe Tegtmeyer.
Greco points to the “RTTX” label on storage racks — possibly short for “RoboTaxi Texas” — as a clue that this new casting is meant for Tesla’s upcoming purpose-built robotaxi. He says the design shows clear signs of optimization for size, weight, and efficiency, supporting the theory that it’s a new platform.
“The casting is stripped down to the minimum and optimized for minimal material use,” Greco noted. He added that Tesla appears to have omitted the inner wheel arch, allowing for a thinner, stamped sheet instead of a thicker cast section, saving weight and simplifying the gigacasting process.
Greco estimates the part may weigh under 50 kg, lighter than both the Model Y’s rear underbody casting (~60 kg) and similar castings used in smaller Chinese vehicles. The leaner design also has logistical benefits: Tesla can now stack 10 castings per rack, double the capacity used for Model Y parts and well beyond what’s possible with Cybertruck castings.
The part’s design is also structurally different from the Model Y, and Greco believes it’s not a replacement or refresh of existing castings. “A new update so close to the one that just happened is beyond unlikely,” he said.
This same casting design was also previously shared during Tesla’s 2023 Investor Day.
Tesla’s robotaxi network is set to kick off this June in Austin. Let’s wait and see for that to happen. The company’s Q1 earnings are set to release this afternoon.
