Industrial site - Tesla aims to transform shuttle train into an electric one.
In the US, electric car manufacturer Tesla has declared intentions to change their shuttle train, currently running between Erkner and Berlin-Lichtenberg, to an electric one. The company aims to not only change the train to battery-electric, but also to redesign the connection to its own station at the factory in Gruenheide in a sustainable manner. This includes both the shuttle service to Berlin-Lichtenberg and the one from the railway station at the factory in Erkner.
This shuttle train has been operational since September of last year, providing relief to traffic congestion caused in the area due to the expansion of the factory. The train isn't just limited to Tesla employees as it also allows regular commuters to make use of it. The train has its own station at Berlin-Lichtenberg and another at the factory in Erkner. These two connections are known to be utilized by more than 3,500 individuals each day, as per Tesla.
The electric trains will be incorporated in collaboration with a subsidiary of Siemens Mobility named Smart Train Lease, along with Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn. The train will soon cease operation temporarily before turning into an electric model. The duration for this transition period hasn't been made public yet.
The production facility in Gruenheide was inaugurated by Tesla in March 2022. With an estimated 12,000 employees working there, most of whom commute from Berlin, the company is planning several expansions. These include adding a freight yard and logistic areas, as well as maximizing production on the present site.
