Tesla in France, an announcement imminent?

The Minister of Economy, Bruno Le Maire, stated during his appearance on LCI’s set that “there is good hope that Elon Musk will make an investment in France”. 

This is a story that will never see its end. For months, the question has been asked: Will Elon Musk establish his next Tesla factory in France? The answer is, we don’t know. However, Bruno Le Maire announced “that several options are on the table”.

Is it a yes or a no?  

Asked about the potential presence or absence of a Tesla factory in France, the Minister of Economy, Bruno Le Maire, clarified that “it will be Elon Musk’s decision”, regarding his presence or not in France, “he knows he is welcome in France”. We still do not know if the CEO of the American company will build his next European factory in France. 

Is Spain still in the race? 

One week ago, the Spanish media, Economia Digital, announced that Tesla no longer wanted to build its factory in the country. This is due to a data leak suggesting the potential presence or absence of Tesla in Spain. This potentially leaves a chance for the French government.

Elon Musk in nearly constant contact with France 

Two weeks ago, Tesla’s president Elon Musk was in France for the Vivatech show, where he took the opportunity to meet with President Emmanuel Macron. During this visit, the French leader tried to convince the American giant to set up in France, yes, but where? 

Northern France, as a dream location

During the interview, the Minister of Economy cited the example of the Dunkirk basin as a potential site for Tesla in France. However, there is a problem: “One obstacle is land. One of the major difficulties we will face in France is to offer viable land with railway or maritime access to transport goods, with decarbonized electricity and sufficient power to run the factory: these lands that meet all these conditions are few and will become very rare, very expensive, and very hard to find”. 

We are getting even closer to a potential agreement between Tesla and France, but nothing has been signed yet.

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