Mysterious Covered Tesla Vehicles Spotted During Drone Flyover at Giga Texas

A recent drone flyover at Tesla’s Giga Texas facility has sparked intrigue among electric vehicle (EV) enthusiasts, capturing footage of two mysterious covered Tesla vehicles undergoing road tests. Shared on social media by longtime Giga Texas observer Joe Tegtmeyer, the video offers a rare glimpse into Tesla’s ongoing development efforts as the company ramps up production of affordable EVs in 2025.

The Drone Flyover Discovery

Joe Tegtmeyer, a dedicated chronicler of Giga Texas activities, conducted the drone flyover to follow a new Tesla Model Y on its autonomous drive from the factory to the west end-of-line facility.

In a post on X, he noted, “I was asked to follow a Model Y driving autonomously out of Giga Texas & along its full path to the W End-of-Line facility, so here you go!”

The video, which spans a 1.5-mile (2.3-kilometer) route, captured more than just the Model Y—it revealed two partially covered vehicles, accompanied by a Tesla Cybertruck, navigating the factory’s staging lot. These vehicles, while shaped like the Model Y, had their front and rear ends fully concealed, fueling speculation about Tesla’s next moves.

What Are These Mystery Teslas?

The covered vehicles have drawn attention from the EV community, with many speculating they could be test units for either a new Model Y Performance or Tesla’s much-anticipated affordable car. The Model Y Performance, a top-tier variant of Tesla’s popular all-electric crossover, has yet to be released in 2025, and the coverings align with how Tesla typically tests high-performance models before launch. Historically, Tesla concealed Model 3 Performance units in a similar manner prior to their debut.

Alternatively, the vehicles might be prototypes of Tesla’s forthcoming affordable EV. During the Q1 2025 earnings call, Tesla VP of Vehicle Engineering Lars Moravy hinted at this possibility, stating, “models that come out in the next months we will built, on our lines and will resemble, in form and shape, the cars we currently make.”

Given that Tesla’s affordable models are expected to share platforms with the Model Y, the resemblance in shape supports this theory. Joe’s footage also highlights the vehicles’ autonomous capabilities, as the 5-minute, 44-second video showcases their navigation through a busy environment with pedestrians, construction equipment, and other vehicles.

Implications for Tesla’s Production Timeline

The sighting underscores Tesla’s aggressive push to expand its lineup in 2025. Giga Texas, a key production hub, is central to these efforts, with its 1.4-mile (2.3-kilometer) internal road network providing a controlled environment for testing autonomous driving systems like Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) Unsupervised. The presence of a Cybertruck in the video, exiting the factory’s Cybertruck tunnel, further demonstrates Tesla’s focus on scaling production across multiple models simultaneously.

For EV enthusiasts, this development signals that Tesla may be closer to unveiling either a refreshed Model Y Performance or its affordable car, both of which could broaden the company’s market reach. The affordable EV, in particular, is expected to leverage Tesla’s existing manufacturing efficiencies, potentially lowering costs for consumers while maintaining the performance standards Tesla is known for.

What’s Next for Tesla and Drone Observers?

Joe Tegtmeyer’s drone footage not only highlights the evolving role of drones in monitoring industrial developments but also provides EV enthusiasts with a front-row seat to Tesla’s innovations. As Tesla continues to test and refine its vehicles at Giga Texas, more drone flyovers could reveal additional details about the company’s plans. For now, the EV community eagerly awaits official confirmation on whether these mysterious Teslas are a performance upgrade or the affordable car Tesla has promised to deliver.

Photo courtesy of Joe Tegtmeyer / Serious Callers Only / X