Gigafactory Berlin: How Tesla Is Winning Over Local Residents

After being refused to expand its German factory in Berlin, Tesla continues its charm offensive to achieve its goals.

The setback is significant, but Tesla is no stranger to setbacks in its history. It is also typical of very powerful companies to face high resistance along their path. Thus, residents near the Tesla Gigafactory in Berlin, Germany, where the Model Y is produced for the European continent, recently opposed its expansion by 170 hectares.

This would have meant further clearing of the forest (100 hectares) and increasing nuisances. A thorn in Tesla’s side, which wishes to increase production rates there, perhaps relocate the production of the Model 3, and especially install its future city car under 25,000 euros.

Free energy?

Therefore, to strengthen its acceptance campaign, Tesla equipped the parking lot of its factory with 500 recharging stations. These provide free energy… and are open to the public. Not exclusively to its employees.

In a way, the largest charging zone in the world. In the photo, you can see some Tesla Wall Connectors (535 euros including tax in France) capable of charging up to 22 kW on three-phase networks. Enough to recover “up to 71 km of range per hour,” according to Tesla’s marketing. Useful when coming to work because the gentle recharge doesn’t stress the battery too much.

Note that if these stations are not set up to deliver direct current but alternating current, then a Tesla’s built-in charger will limit charging to 11 kW.

Will the residents be receptive to this demonstration of Tesla’s affection? Only time will tell.

ALL TESLA NEWS