Elon Musk and Telsa Motors have been shopping around the US looking for the ideal location for the Gigafactory - Tesla and Panasonic's massive lithium ion battery manufacturing venture. Congratulations to the state of Nevada for winning the site selection. It's an exciting manufacturing plant (the world's largest lithium ion production facility) during an exciting time in the life of Tesla Motors - The company's stock was just given a $400 target price by market analysts. Stifel Nicolaus analyst James Albertine compared investors’ enthusiasm for Tesla stock with a “freight train.”
“While there are no fewer than a half-a-dozen other key concerns we share with industry purists, the reality is, these issues simply do not matter with respect to Tesla’s stock,” Albertine wrote in a letter to clients. “Tesla sentiment is like a freight train, in our view, benefiting from a well manicured growth story that has caught the eye of a much broader investor base relative to most auto stocks.”
The stock reached $290 per share yesterday, following upbeat second-quarter results. The electric car maker is on target to achieving an annual rate of production of 100,000 cars by the end of next year, doubling its current rate. More inroads are being made in China which are also contributing to the string of records.
The Gigafactory is an important step in the company's growth path as it prepares to mass-produce a $35,000 model by 2107. The facility looks like it will reach 50 GWh in annual battery production by 2020, which is enough to power 500,000 of Tesla's cars. Nevada, while offering a $1.25 billion tax incentive package, will be gaining significant capital investment and around 6,500 jobs. Governor Sandoval said at the announcement that the agreement will add up to $100 billion to Nevada's economy over the next 20 years. Check out the full Gigafactory Press Release below.
CARSON CITY, NV – Governor Brian Sandoval and Elon Musk, Chairman and CEO of Tesla Motors, announced today that Nevada has been selected as the official site for the Tesla Gigafactory.
“This is great news for Nevada. Tesla will build the world’s largest and most advanced battery factory in Nevada which means nearly one hundred billion dollars in economic impact to the Silver State over the next twenty years. I am grateful that Elon Musk and Tesla saw the promise in Nevada. These 21st century pioneers, fueled with innovation and desire, are emboldened by the promise of Nevada to change the world. Nevada is ready to lead,” stated Governor Brian Sandoval.
“I would like to recognize the leadership of Governor Sandoval and the Nevada Legislature for partnering with Tesla to bring the Gigafactory to the state. The Gigafactory is an important step in advancing the cause of sustainable transportation and will enable the mass production of compelling electric vehicles for decades to come. Together with Panasonic and other partners, we look forward to realizing the full potential of this project,” said Elon Musk, Chairman and CEO of Tesla Motors.
“On behalf of the State of Nevada, I would like to acknowledge this monumental day and provide my initial support. This is a significant opportunity to make a major stride to improve our statewide economy. I look forward to receiving the necessary information so the Legislature can meet and take necessary action to support this major industry coming to Nevada,“ stated Speaker Marilyn Kirkpatrick.