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Tesla Gigafactory coming to Reno, Nevada with $1.2 billion in tax incentives

You want details on the Gigafactory? You got 'em. At least the preliminary ones. At an event with Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval this afternoon, Tesla Motors announced that its first Gigafactory will be built outside Reno. As was leaked yesterday and confirmed by unnamed state officials today, the plant will be where Tesla will make a big statement not only about EVs but also the power of Nevada to further that particular fight. The incentive package is worth $1.2 billion over 20 years. Tesla CEO Elon Musk, speaking in Carson City, said that Nevada did not offer the biggest incentive package, but that, "This is not just about the incentives. [Nevada is a] really get things done state. That was a really important part of the decision," according to the Reno Gazette-Journal. That said, the incentive package is still more than twice what Musk originally said would be needed. The state worked out a deal with the automaker that will be wordh $1.2 billion over 20 years and should basically let Tesla operate tax-free for ten years, the RGJ reports. That will not surprise some people. The RGJ breaks down the numbers this way: $725 million for a 20-year 100 percent sales tax abatement $332 million for a 10-year 100 percent property tax abatement $120 million in transferable tax credits $75 million in transferable tax credits worth $12,500 per job times 6,000 jobs). $27 million for a 10-year, 100 percent modified business tax abatement $8 million in discounted electricity rates for eight years The Gigafactory is Tesla's answer to the question of how it will be able to make a $35,000 EV that will be able to over 200 miles on a charge. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has said that a 30-percent decrease in cost for the batteries is "probably conservative at this point." The Reno Gigafactory could be in operation by late 2016. Tesla is partnering with Panasonic on the plant. The governor thanked Senator Harry Reid, who he said played an important role. Whether the Reno announcement is the first of many remains to be seen. For now, the other states that wanted the plant, like California and Arizona, remain hopeful. Tesla's official statement and a short local news report on yesterday's rumors are available below. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Recharge Wrap-up: Digital Giant video lights up Tesla Model S, GM uses wind power in Mexico

General Motors will use a 34-megawatt wind farm to power its facilities in Mexico. Upon completion of the wind farm's construction, GM will be sourcing 12 percent of the energy for all of its North American operations from renewable sources. Currently, GM uses 104 megawatts of renewable energy, with goal of 120 megawatts by 2020, and the new wind farm deal helps the automotive group achieve its goal several years early. Most of the energy from the wind project will power GM's Toluca Complex. "Once online, we'll evaluate the project to better understand how we can expand the use of wind power," says GM's renewable energy manager, Rob Threlkeld. Read more from GM. The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) supports readoption of California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard, but sees room for improvement. The advanced biofuel trade organization said it is "generally supportive" of the law, but feels that some of the requirements get in the way of producers doing their job. "BIO and its members are concerned that the intensified reporting requirements under the readoption plan could be particularly burdensome in time and cost to small and new low-carbon fuel producers," says BIO's Brent Erickson. "CARB should make every effort to ensure that the new reporting (and other) requirements under the plan do not inadvertently discourage small producers or innovation." Read more in the press release below. The Tesla Model S is the subject of a new video from Digital Giant. Called "Lightdrive," the video uses the newest video technology to show off what is arguably the world's favorite EV. The filmmakers "harnessed the freedoms gifted by the latest state of the art cameras, camera cars, drones and bespoke technologies to create a piece that we hope appeals to the sci-fi junky and car enthusiast alike." Digital Giant calls the Model S the "obvious choice" for making such a video. "Tesla is not only a brand we identify with on all levels, it is a case of automotive fiction meeting science fact, and to drive one is to understand that the game has changed." See the video above and read more at Gas2. BIO Urges California to Readopt the Low Carbon Fuel Standard, With Changes BIO expresses concerns on reporting requirements and compliance curve Washington, D.C. (Feb.

Is Tesla Motors becoming a Republican darling?

The general political attitudes taken by the left and right in the US are, sadly, divided on the issue of fuel efficient vehicles. Broadly speaking, Republicans dislike the whole idea (even going to absurd extremes like Newt Gingrich saying that inflating your tires helps Big Oil) while Democrats are in favor. The stereotype even gets in the way of people thinking that the DOE's Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) loan program is an Obama Administration creation. It's not, and was started under President Bush in 2008. The political divide has been particularly strong when it came to Tesla Motors. Most readers probably remember when Republican Presidential contender Mitt Romney attacked the automaker during a debate with President Obama. New Jersey governor Chris Christie has been fighting Tesla's moves in his state as well. But, wait, is there a change in the air? The San Francisco Chronicle's David Baker has written an interesting story that looks at some positive statements from prominent Republicans recently, for example when Bill O'Reilly said everyone should get behind Tesla or when Texas governor Rick Perry said he supports the EV automaker selling directly to customers. Baker has an interesting take on this shift and what it might mean for upcoming elections. We recommend you head over to SFGate to read the whole thing. Here's a teaser: Some Democrats doubt, however, that the GOP as a whole will embrace Tesla and clean tech anytime soon. Wade Randlett, a Silicon Valley executive and major Democratic fundraiser, noted the Republican Party's deep ties to the oil industry - the companies most threatened by electric cars. Read the whole article.