Automobile Vehicle - Probe into the Tesla assault continues as no conclusion found.
A few months after an attack on the power supply of American electric car company, Tesla, investigations are still going on. The Federal Prosecutor's Office at the Federal Court of Justice announced that the main suspicion of membership in a terrorist group, constitutionally-hostile sabotage, and arson is still intact. They couldn't provide any time estimates for when the process would conclude.
Unknown individuals set fire to a power line on March 5, which is part of Tesla's power supply. This incident led to a power outage that stopped car production for several days. The Tesla plant was not the only one affected, as an Edeka distribution center experienced complications with fresh goods in Berlin and Brandenburg. The leftist-extremist "Vulcan Group" claimed responsibility for the incident. The Federal Prosecutor took over the investigation a short while after the incident occurred. The expenses for reinstating the power supply for Tesla's factory are approximately one million euros according to the regional power supplier, Edison.
Increasing oppositions against Tesla
Tesla is facing more opposition. Established about two years ago, Tesla's sole factory in Europe, under Tesla CEO Elon Musk is located in Grünheide. During the construction period, concerns were raised by environmentalists and residents. However, this year, protests have escalated. Since late February, activists have been camping in the forest nearby the plant, objecting to a wider expansion of the factory site. They are rejecting the plan to remove trees to build a freight yard and logistics areas.
In a town survey in Grünheide, most people were against this expansion. The development plan was subsequently altered, setting aside less woodland for clearance. Municipal representatives from the 9,000-resident town eventually passed a favorable vote for the expansion. In May, environmental activists tried to invade the Tesla site during protest days that were prevented by the police. There were confrontations.
Musk remains determined for expansion
In a factory visit in the middle of March, Tesla CEO Musk stated he would carry on with the planned expansion of his site despite the attack on the power supply and the ongoing protests.
Tesla intends to fully halt production at their Grünheide plant for five days in June. Tesla explained the planned shutdown is due to advances in their production facilities to boost efficiency and optimize availability and production times.
