Tesla is facing an unusual security problem in the US, and it is happening before many of its batteries even make it onto the road. According to an investigation by WIRED, multiple truckloads of Tesla batteries have allegedly been stolen directly from the company’s Nevada Gigafactory, highlighting a growing wave of organised cargo theft targeting high-value technology shipments.
Cargo theft is becoming a serious problem for Tesla
The report claims that at least nine major suspected cargo thefts took place at Tesla’s Nevada battery factory in January alone. Investigators say the issue is much larger than those incidents, with authorities tracking at least 17 cargo theft cases involving Tesla and other businesses in Nevada’s Storey County this year.
Storey County Sheriff’s Detective Sam Hatley described the situation as “an epidemic,” suggesting the recorded cases likely represent only a fraction of the total number of thefts. Industry researchers estimate cargo theft losses in the US have nearly doubled between 2022 and 2024, costing businesses close to $18 million every day. Electronic components and batteries have become especially attractive targets because of their high resale value.
The investigation also reveals that some of the early thefts exploited weaknesses in transport verification procedures. Authorities believe organised groups took advantage of fake identities, illegitimate freight carriers, and gaps in logistics security to collect shipments before legitimate transport companies arrived.
Tesla has reportedly responded by tightening security at its Nevada Gigafactory, including stricter driver identity verification at facility gates. Investigators say the changes have reduced the frequency of successful theft attempts.
Powerwall batteries, GPS trackers and multiple arrests
One of the biggest incidents reportedly involved two trailers carrying Tesla Powerwall residential battery systems worth more than $475,000 each. The trailers were allegedly collected by an illegitimate logistics company before later being recovered hundreds of miles away, although the cargo had already disappeared.
Investigators also uncovered several additional cases involving trailers carrying roughly half a million dollars’ worth of Powerwall batteries. In some instances, GPS trackers helped authorities locate stolen trailers, while detectives even installed their own tracking devices in an effort to catch suspects returning for abandoned cargo.
The investigation eventually led to the arrest of three suspects following another attempted theft in late January. Prosecutors allege the group travelled from California using forged commercial driver’s licences to collect Tesla shipments.
The report also notes that lawmakers are beginning to respond to the broader rise in cargo theft. A bipartisan bill recently passed the US House of Representatives aims to strengthen enforcement against organised retail and cargo theft while improving coordination between law enforcement agencies.
For Tesla, the incidents underline that protecting electric vehicle batteries no longer ends at the factory floor. Increasingly, securing the supply chain has become just as important as building the batteries themselves.