Tesla may call Fremont factory staff back to work this week

The company initially resisted government orders to stop work, and it’s not hard to understand why. A shutdown means lost deliveries and revenue (Credit Suisse estimates a $300 million cash burn per week), and it’s doubtful Tesla will come close to matching its lofty production numbers of recent months with Fremont idle for at least one month this quarter. A quick return to production might help it salvage the quarter. As with other factory restarts, though, the question is whether or not Tesla might be returning too soon — any COVID-19 infections at its factory could be just as disruptive as a government-ordered closure.