Stop setback for Tesla in Berlin

The expansion project of Tesla’s Berlin Gigafactory has been overwhelmingly rejected by local residents in a vote.

Vox Populi Vox Dei, but Tesla can rest assured given that this vote organized by local authorities is non-binding. More of a survey than an official vote, it nonetheless poses an obstacle for Tesla.

The American manufacturer plans to expand its facilities at its Berlin suburb Gigafactory by 170 hectares. This expansion includes, besides modernizing existing facilities, building a water recycling plant. So far, everything is fine since these projects align with more environmentally friendly production. However, the sticking point is the second phase of work, which involves a second production plant, followed later by a battery recycling plant. Recycling still raises fears, and the risk of accidental pollution, no matter how minimal, is never to be entirely ruled out and fuels concerns.

The overall image of Tesla at stake

To compensate, there is of course the company nursery, modernization of traffic lanes with doubling the capacity of the main access road, and… a noisy new freight station. All this is surrounded by 100 hectares of forest to be cleared for concrete. This has sparked firm opposition. Tesla’s image in Germany is also tarnished by repeated social conflicts. No more to say, the shot of schnaps is full!

Residents of Grünheide have strongly emphasized the environmental impact of this project and the well-being of the community overall. 3,499 residents voted against the expansion, while 1,882 voted in favor.

Since it is only a consultation, Tesla, already owner of the land, does not need residents’ approval to proceed with its project, provided it obtains the necessary permits. However, without voter approval, subsidies are unlikely. It is hard to imagine public authorities releasing funding for a project rejected by voters.

The main issue with Tesla Giga Berlin’s expansion project is that it would double the factory’s production capacity to 1 million units per year. Tesla needs this expansion to meet its goals, so it will likely launch a counterattack. Good communication and offering some perks to residents should help overcome the opposition.

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