STORY: Exploring Tesla's Shanghai gigafactory with Chinese vlogger
DATELINE: July 18, 2023
LENGTH: 00:03:43
LOCATION: SHANGHAI, China
CATEGORY: ECONOMY
 
SHOTLIST:
1. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): UNCLE AI, Chinese vlogger
 
STORYLINE:
 
SOUNDBITE (Chinese): UNCLE AI, Chinese vlogger
"Hello everyone, I'm Uncle AI. New energy vehicles have been gaining popularity in recent years, and if we don't go and check out companies that manufacture cars, wouldn't it be inappropriate? Today, I'm here to introduce a gigafactory that covers an area of more than 800,000 square meters. It only took less than a year to build this factory from vacant land. 
What does the gigafactory, capable of producing a white Model Y every 45 seconds, actually look like? Shanghai Tesla gigafactory, let's go. 
The process of manufacturing a car from scratch requires careful steps, but it's not as complicated as it seems. The general steps can be summarized as stamping, casting, welding, painting, electrical work, and final assembly. 
Let's break it down. The first step is stamping. The process is almost entirely automated. 
The second step is casting. The factory will press out the corresponding components for whatever model the customer orders. The dimensions of these 3D components are continuously monitored and scanned, leaving no room for even the slightest deviation. Each component comes with a unique identification number, similar to an ID card, ensuring precise control. So, where do these components go?
The third step is welding. Once your car configuration is confirmed, the system automatically generates all the production elements and transfers them to this stage. The precise riveting of the car's all-aluminum body is just the basic operation. The welding heat and depth are precise, resulting in improved quality. Industrial robots handle the process with full automation, eliminating errors. Thanks to technology, emissions and waste have been significantly reduced, making it more environmentally friendly.
The fifth step is the crucial one: the battery. Think about how the energy blocks in Transformers are created. From the selection and preparation of raw materials to the production, assembly, and testing of battery electrodes, strict control and monitoring are maintained throughout the entire process. It's all about precision and meticulousness. The battery pack's design enhances heat dissipation, lowers the center of gravity, and improves stability while driving.
All these components come together in the sixth step, the final assembly workshop. A white Model Y rolls off the production line every 45 seconds, leaving you in awe of Tesla's speed. In August 2022, in less than three years, the factory reached the milestone of producing its one-millionth vehicle. The speed at which Tesla went from zero to one million vehicles left many people astonished and made them realize the incredible vitality of this industrial forest empowered by technological advancements. Perhaps the story could end here. The title would be 'In the world of Kung Fu, speed defines the winner.' But some of you must be curious: How did Tesla's Shanghai gigafactory succeed? What made it possible?
With these questions, I visited the Lingang Group, the former Lingang management committee, and other entities that had deep connections with Tesla seven years ago. I met with several leaders who were involved in the project and had in-depth conversations with employees in the Tesla factory. Gradually, the answer became clear: it was the fertile soil of Shanghai that nurtured this industrial forest, and it was the business environment of the Yangtze River Delta that allowed this miracle to flourish. Rather than attributing the success solely to Tesla's speed, it's more accurate to say it was the speed of Shanghai or even the speed of China. Supportive policies, the availability of high-end talent, a complete supply chain of surrounding industries, and market potential... all these factors played a role."
 
Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Shanghai, China.
(XHTV)