Just recently we reported that Tesla could put battery production in the Gigafactory Grünheide on hold for the time being and that no battery production should start in Germany in the next few years. Increased funding offers on the US market were given as the reason, so that manufacturing in the USA would have top priority. According to some reports, Tesla leaked that battery production should also start in Germany, despite the high subsidies in the USA. However, slight delays are to be expected. Current plans from President Joe Biden's administration include a $7,500 tax credit for US citizens who buy locally made electric vehicles with a US-made battery. Of course, Tesla also wants to benefit from this promotion on the domestic market.
As Brandenburg's Economics Minister Jörg Steinbach now confirms on Twitter, there will continue to be Tesla battery production in the Gigafactory Grünheide. Tesla boss Elon Musk announced the world's largest battery production at the Grünheide site with the plans at the time. According to current reports, this could change for the time being.
"The commitment in Grünheide remains unchanged, especially with regard to expansion plans for automobile production," wrote Steinbach on Twitter< after a conversation with Tesla representatives in the USA t14>. The battery factory will also be completed, the SPD politician explained. However, the plans will probably be adjusted: "Internal process modifications and prioritization" would be pending - "But the factory is coming," says Steinbach.
Talked to @Tesla in Washington today. The commitment in #Grünheide remains unchanged, especially with regard to expansion plans for automobile production. The battery factory is completed. Internal process modifications and prioritization are pending. But the factory is coming.
— Jörg Steinbach (@joergstb) September 21, 2022
In the last few days, Tesla has already announced to partners in the region of the German factory that it will continue to rely on battery production in Germany. However, because of the prospect of comprehensive funding, priority will initially be given to the USA. Ideally, both battery factories would be ramped up as quickly as possible, Tesla has mediated. Systems already installed in Grünheide should therefore not be dismantled. However, the expansion of capacities in the USA should also be accelerated with personnel from the German location.
