Tesla is seeking approval to extend its factory near Berlin, with plans to expand its battery cell production and make other modifications. This indicates that Tesla is still focused on scaling up its operations in Germany, despite recent efforts to prioritize expansion in the United States. The company held a question-and-answer session to address local concerns about the expansion. Application documents published by the local environment ministry and water authority reveal the extensive changes Tesla plans to make at the EV and battery plant.
According to the documents, Tesla intends to produce lithium-ion cells for electric cars and energy storage systems worldwide. The expansion will include cell testing, new areas for mixing materials, and all other processes and components necessary for the production of anodes and cathodes. In February of this year, Tesla announced its plans to assemble battery modules and produce electrodes at its German plant. However, it had not yet begun doing so due to its focus on cell production in the United States, which benefits from subsidies offered under the Inflation Reduction Act. It is unclear whether cell production in Germany has progressed since then.
Tesla’s ultimate goal is to double its capacity to 100 gigawatt hours of battery production and 1 million cars per year, surpassing Volkswagen’s capacity at its Wolfsburg headquarters. Currently, Tesla produces around 5,000 cars per week in Grunheide, but it has not provided a timeline for increasing output. The modifications outlined in the application, which are the first of three stages of changes, are expected to become operational in the first half of 2024. These modifications include extensions and changes to existing parts of the facility, such as water recycling, the press shop, and the paint shop, as well as the construction of new elements like a material storage facility.
Tesla has faced significant delays in the opening of its German plant due to objections from local citizens, primarily related to environmental impact and water usage. Locals have until mid-September to file objections to the latest proposals. As part of the expansion plans, Tesla has committed to not using any additional water capacity and instead recycling the 1.4 million cubic meters of water it is licensed to use.
In conclusion, Tesla is actively pursuing the expansion of its factory near Berlin, with a focus on battery cell production and other modifications. The company aims to increase its capacity and become a major player in the electric vehicle market. However, it continues to face challenges and delays due to objections from local citizens.
