Tesla to expand Giga Berlin in 2024

Tesla is currently putting the brakes on the planned Gigafactory in Mexico due to the unclear outlook. At the German Gigafactory in Grünheide, however, the company is sticking to its expansion targets: expansion work is due to start in a few months.

Tesla wants to start expanding its factory in Grünheide in the first half of 2024, as representatives of the electric car manufacturer announced on the sidelines of a public debate on the expansion plans, according to RBB. First, the already existing factory building is to be modernised and a water recycling plant built. In the coming years, among other things, a second production hall and a battery recycling plant are planned, according to an RBB report.

Tesla reportedly plans to double production capacity in Grünheide from 500,000 units to one million electric cars per year and, according to Brandenburg’s environment ministry, also plans to “increase battery storage production capacity from the current 50 gigawatt-hours per year to 100 gigawatt-hours per year in the future”. The latter also includes the production of battery cells.

The plans for the expansion of the factory were put on public display, and as a result more than 1,000 objections were received against the project. Most of the concerns from local residents and environmental organisations relate to the factory’s water consumption and other environmental impacts.

These objections are currently still being discussed between the residents, authorities and Tesla – in this context, the statement about the time schedule was also made. As RBB writes, the water issue has been concluded in the discussion in the meantime. Currently, the noise pollution of the plant is being discussed. Before the authorities can approve the Tesla plans, the debate must first be evaluated.

rbb24.de (in German)