Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, has recently tweeted an image simulation of what the Tesla gigafactory in Grünheide, Brandenburg will look like. The new factory is expected to produce 500.000 electric vehicles per year after its completion in 2021.
The simulated image – which received 60.000 likes in just an hour – features a rectangular, 740-metre-long factory hall with Tesla lettering over the entrance. There are two water surfaces visible along the building, one in front of the entrance, and another on the roof terrace.
The plan for the development also includes a smaller factory hall for the production of engines and drive trains, as well as a U-shaped vibrating test track between both halls, through which every new car will pass before being signed off for delivery. Along with the image of this sleek factory, Musk tweeted the words “Giga Berlin”, highlighting the proximity of this new factory to the city of Berlin.
After environmental concerns caused major delays, it seems that Tesla will finally be able to begin building the foundation of its factory. The state environment ministry in Potsdam announced on Tuesday that it has given approval for the foundation and work above the aquifer, as well as earthworks and structural works.
However, since the company revised building plans earlier this month, the new environment approval process has not yet been completed. This means that any construction Tesla does beforehand is at “their own risk” – despite there being an overall positive forecast.
In the case that Tesla does not receive environmental approval, they would have to completely dismantle any progress they’ve made – at their own expense. This is no small matter, since the company has already deforested and cleared out a large area for its project.