Gary Zhou 
Key Points
- 🚀 Tesla has formally requested approval from local German authorities for expanding Giga Berlin.
- đźš— The company aims to double production capacity to 1 million cars per year and achieve 100-gigawatt hours of battery production at the plant.
- 🏠Modifications planned includethe construction of a battery cell testing lab, water recycling system expansion, and changes to existing areas like the press shop and paint shop.
- đź“… The initial phase of changes is expected to be operational by the first half of 2024.
- 🛢️ Tesla plans to recycle water to achieve higher vehicle production levels without using additional water capacity.
- ⛏️ The proposed expansion may face opposition from local citizens, with a deadline for objections until mid-September.
Tesla formally requests approval for Giga Berlin expansion with ambitious plans
Tesla has submitted an official request to local German authorities seeking approval for the expansion and updates to Giga Berlin. Application documents published by the regional environment ministry and water authority hint at extensive modifications planned by Tesla for the facility.
The electric automaker aims to double its production capacity at Giga Berlin to 1 million cars per year and achieve 100-gigawatt hours of battery production, surpassing Volkswagen’s Wolfsburg facility, which has a capacity of 800,000 vehicles.
The initial phase of changes outlined in Tesla’s application includes the construction of a battery cell testing lab, the expansion of water recycling systems, and various modifications to existing areas like Giga Berlin’s press shop and paint shop. The expected completion of these modifications is slated for the first half of 2024.
While Giga Berlin is one of Tesla’s most advanced vehicle factories, it has faced significant opposition from local groups. With the proposed expansion, Tesla may encounter opposition once again. Local citizens have until mid-September to file objections to the proposed changes.
Tesla has committed not to use any additional water capacity despite doubling Giga Berlin’s output. Instead, the company plans to recycle the 1.4 million cubic meters of water it is currently licensed to use to meet higher vehicle production levels. Currently, Tesla’s production rate in Grunheide stands at about 5,000 cars per week, a number likely to increase with the planned expansion.
As part of its environmental efforts, Tesla intends to incorporate hybrid cooling towers, remove quench tanks from its casting process, and implement cascade rinsing systems in the paint shop and battery can wash process. Rainwater will be captured, recycled, and utilized for cooling manufacturing equipment, while condensed water produced by the plant’s air conditioning system will be used in the cooling towers, further reducing water consumption.
