Tesla-Renovation - Planned expansion of Tesla factory is delayed
Planned expansion of Tesla's US electric vehicle factory in Gruenheide near Berlin is delayed. The first part of the permit is expected for fall 2024, according to the Landesumweltamt, who spoke to the German Press Agency regarding a "Tagesspiegel" report. Tesla is sticking to its mid- to long-term expansion plans for the Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenburg, a spokesperson for the company said in response to a query. "We are confident that, despite current delays, the next expansion steps can be initiated in coordination with the state government and the authorities as soon as possible."
Tesla aims to expand production and develop its only European electric car factory site. The goal is to double the targeted production of 500,000 cars per year to one million. The half million cars have not been achieved yet. For the expansion, Tesla applied for an environmental permit in several parts from the state of Brandenburg. The Landesumweltamt granted preliminary approval for initial works. According to the authority, high-quality documentation is required for a solid testing basis.
New schedule for expansion
Tesla factory manager André Thierig had hoped that the permit for the first stage of expansion would be granted between January and March of this year. It was initially planned for February, with the first-year-half 2024 inauguration, "Tagesspiegel" reports, citing meeting minutes from a task force of Brandenburg's Minister-President Dietmar Woidke (SPD). Tesla and the relevant authorities have agreed on a new schedule, according to which a decision on a first partial permit is expected in the fall.
Tesla: No exceptional situation
The delay falls within a period of changing framework conditions. In April, the company announced the elimination of 400 jobs for the Brandenburg plant. The global planned job cuts at Tesla due to the market slump for electric cars also affect hundreds of jobs in Gruenheide.
The automaker can now begin construction on individual projects. This includes a logistics area for new cars, new staircases, and buildings for future office-, break- and sanitary areas. A new production hall, which Tesla plans, is not yet part of the initial works and expansion stage.
Parallel to the expansion, the company is planning an extension, which is met with protests because forest clearing would be required. On a new site, a freight terminal and logistics areas are planned to be built. After a citizen survey showed a majority against the extension, the plans were scaled down to minimize forest clearing.
- The delay in Tesla's planned expansion of its electric vehicle factory in Greenheide, Germany, affects the development in the Electroindustry and the Automobile industry.
- Despite the delay in obtaining the first part of the permit, Tesla remains committed to its mid- to long-term expansion plans for the Tesla Factory in Brandenburg.
- The German Press Agency reported that Tesla aims to develop its only European electric car factory site in Greenheide, with the goal of doubling its annual production capacity to one million cars.
- Tesla Factory manager Andre Thierig had initially hoped for a permit decision in the first half of 2024, but a new schedule has been agreed upon, with a decision expected in the fall.
- The Tesla Factory's expansion includes construction on individual projects, such as a logistics area for new cars, new staircases, and buildings for future office and sanitary areas.
- Protests have arisen due to Tesla's plans for an extension, which requires forest clearing in another location, with a new freight terminal and logistics areas planned for the new site.
