Greg Abbott, Texas Governor, is reportedly in talks with Tesla’s chief executive, Elon Musk, regarding the potential move of Tesla’s EV assembly plant to Texas.
This comes along the heels of Musk intending to move the company’s headquarters to either Nevada or Texas, as officials specified that its U.S. vehicle plant in California could not reopen as a precautionary measure during the COVID-19 lockdown.
The Governor of Texas has reportedly stated that the region is a perfect fit for the EV manufacturer. He did not offer more details regarding his conversation with Musk. Tesla also declined to immediately respond to request for comments.
Musk recently stated that employees would restart the limited production at its factory in Fremont, following the announcement by California Governor Gavin Newsom, stating that the state manufacturers would be allowed to resume their operations. However, Alameda County officials clarified that the lockdown measures have not been eased or lifted and the plant could not reopen yet. U.S. President Donald Trump also suggested the reopening of Tesla in California.
The operation resumption at its factory was made in defiance of the order from the county, with Musk facing potential legal backlash for the move. There is a long-standing relationship between Musk and Texas. For example, a spacecraft manufacturer founded by Musk, SpaceX, has a launch site in the state’s southern tip near the Boca Chica village.
Richard Cortez, who is the top executive in Hidalgo County, located to the west of the launch site of SpaceX, has reportedly urged Musk to consider the county for Tesla’s factory. He expressed his belief that several automotive plants situated in the region could possibly help meet the needs of the EV maker.
In addition to a vehicle factory in California, the company also has a battery factory in Sparks, Nevada as well as a plant in Buffalo, New York, which manufactures solar panels and other storage and energy generation products.
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