X

Tesla will spend up to $12B on EV and battery production in coming years

With two new production facilities on the horizon and battery projects in the works, Tesla has a lot to spend cash on.

2018 Tesla Model 3 Performance
Enlarge Image
2018 Tesla Model 3 Performance

That's $12 billion with a B, folks.

Nick Miotke/Roadshow

We know has big plans for electric car production and battery projects in the coming years, but the price tag to go along with them could top $12 billion. According to Tesla's 10-Q filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, the automaker plans to spend anywhere between $4.5 billion and $6 billion in the next two fiscal years. Yes, those figures come with a big "B" on them. No one said building production plants was cheap, and Tesla has two of them under construction — one in Berlin, Germany and another in Austin, Texas.

The massive sums of money will not only go toward facility production, but eventual vehicle production as well. Tesla explicitly notes the capital expenditures will be a tad fluid as various projects' priorities come into play. It also accounts for "adjustments" to existing products. At the same time, the company is still working to ramp up Model Y and Solar Roof production, and new battery cell technologies remain on the horizon as well.

Crucially, amid all of this, the report says, "We expect our ability to be self-funding to continue as long as macroeconomic factors support current trends in our sales." In layman's terms, as long as people keep buying Teslas, the company won't need to raise more money. But, we've heard similar comments from CEO Elon Musk in the past, only to see Tesla move to raise more cash. The report also declares Tesla made just a smidge under $5 billion with its common stock split back in September, which the automaker said seriously strengthened its liquidity.

Come 2022, Tesla could look a whole lot different. Its Gigafactories in Berlin and Austin should be online, both producing the Model Y SUV. The former will build the highly anticipated Cybertruck as well. Curiously, the documents show the upcoming next-generation and Semi are still not assigned a production facility, but look for the Semi to take priority, in light of leaked communications from Musk readying his team to bring the vehicle to mass production next year.

Tesla Cybertruck is like nothing else, and it'll be built in Austin

See all photos
Watch this: GMC Hummer EV vs. Tesla Cybertruck: Which all-electric pickup reigns supreme?
Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.
Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.

Article updated on October 26, 2020 at 12:41 PM PDT

Our Experts

Written by 
Sean Szymkowski
CNET staff -- not advertisers, partners or business interests -- determine how we review the products and services we cover. If you buy through our links, we may get paid. Reviews ethics statement
Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.
Why You Can Trust CNET
174175176177178179180+
Experts Interviewed
030405060708091011121314+
Companies Reviewed
108109110111112113+
Products Reviewed

We thoroughly evaluate each company and product we review and ensure our stories meet our high editorial standards.