Tesla's Shanghai Gigafactory started construction in the Lingang industrial zone on Jan. 7, 2019. Phase I of the plant will have an annual production capacity of 250,000 pure electric vehicles, including the Model 3 series.

It took only half a year for construction of the gigafactory to begin after signing the settlement in Lingang. Elon Musk, Tesla's co-founder and CEO, has been amazed by the speed of decision and action of Shanghai when talking about cooperation with the city. He attributed the success to the sound business environment of Shanghai, adding that it was also a demonstration of the city's determination and practical operation to open up.

Tesla's Shanghai Gigafactory will be built to a leading international manufacturing industry model in terms of innovation, efficiency, technology and environmental protection, said Musk at the groundbreaking ceremony.

The plant integrates research and development, production and sales functions. When it is fully operational, its annual output will gradually increase to 500,000 pure electric vehicles.