Tesla production has hit record levels

Tesla delivered 310,048 vehicles in the first three months of 2022, a record quarter for the company with figures 68 per cent higher than over the same period a year ago. Yikes.

Of those, 295,324 were either the Model 3 or Model Y, while the Model S and Model X combined only accounted for the remaining 14,724.

This is in spite of production issues in Shanghai - the base of Tesla’s third so-called ‘Gigafactories’ - where a rise in Covid-19 cases has forced the factory to shut down.

“This was an *exceptionally* difficult quarter due to supply chain interruptions & China zero Covid policy,” tweeted Elon Musk. “Outstanding work by Tesla team & key suppliers saved the day.”

Not bad for a company that has consistently delayed the expansion of its line-up. Earlier this year we heard yet again there’d be no Roadster or Cybertruck, despite the cars being revealed more than four and two years ago respectively.

Meanwhile the firm’s Semi truck was unveiled back in 2017, but thus far hasn’t emerged.

Still, as Lotus boss Matt Windle explained to TG this week, if you want the niche, interesting stuff, “we’ve got to make money”. And after posting profits of £4.2 billion last year, Tesla is certainly doing that. What’s next for the electric car firm?