Tesla Motors acknowledged last week that it has broken ground on a potential site for its massive gigafactory near Reno, Nevada but would continue evaluating options in four other Southwestern states. Phase one, construction of the Superpad, is complete.
CEO Elon Musk also told analysts that states are expected to provide roughly 10 percent of the factory s $4 to $5 billion total price tag. New Mexico is out today with statements saying the $400 to $500 million cost is worth it.
Lance Gilman, one of three owners of the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center, remains bullish about Nevada s chances.
I do not believe there are any other sites that have broken ground, said Gilman in a phone interview. If it were a horse race, Nevada is already half way around the track. They could start pouring concrete if they want.
Gilman says he s not involved in negotiations at the state level, which is being led by Governor Brian Sandoval s Office of Economic Development. The Reno Gazette-Journal has written a lot of strong stories about the impact of the gigafactory on northern Nevada s construction industry.
I have no idea where they are in terms of deliberations with state leadership, said Gilman. But I do know that whenever Tesla decides to pull the trigger, we are ready.
Image courtesy of the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center.
