Tesla secures 90% output from new Arizona solar-storage plant

Elon Musk stated his companies could eventually manufacture semiconductors more efficiently than rivals, though it may take several years. The Terrafab chip factory, a joint venture involving Tesla, SpaceX, and Intel, will require a $15 billion investment. Tesla reported stronger-than-expected Q3 vehicle deliveries of 486,532 units and plans to spend $25 billion on expansion.

Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature may soon be approved in the EU, but German regulators require a name change to 'Tesla Assisted Driving,' citing the current name as misleading. While technical and liability issues remain, Minister Steffen Bilger aims for swift approval. FSD is already approved in eight European countries, with an EU-wide vote expected by December. Tesla has faced similar criticism in the US over the feature's name.

Waymo raised $5 billion in debt, its first loan, from diverse lenders, adding to $16 billion in equity raised earlier. This signals growth plans and investor confidence. Comparisons in Las Vegas show Waymo's robotaxi service is cheaper and more efficient than Amazon-backed Zoox's. Uber faces challenges with multiple autonomous partners, while Tesla's robotaxi operations are limited by safety concerns. Autonomous trucking gained regulatory approval, advancing the industry.

Tesla has voluntarily renamed its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system to Tesla Assisted Driving in Europe following consultations with the German government. The change comes after regulatory concerns that the original name was misleading, as the system still requires driver attention. Tesla has also obtained German support for FSD's market access, despite earlier criticisms of EU regulations.

Tesla has agreed to buy 90% of the output from the Project Sterling solar-and-storage complex in Arizona, developed by ContourGlobal. The facility, starting construction, will have 509 MW solar capacity and 360 MW battery storage, supplying 1 TWh/year to Tesla. It is set to operate from 2028, connecting to the Western Area Power Administration grid and the California ISO market.

ContourGlobal is building a 450-MW solar farm with 360-MW battery storage in Arizona, expected to start operating in 2028. Tesla has a long-term power purchase agreement for 90% of its output, around 1 TWh annually. The project will cover 2,000 acres and use lithium iron phosphate batteries. Sterling will connect to California's grid and is ContourGlobal's largest renewable asset.