Members of the climate protection group Letzte Generation have Tesla Center Hamburg-Wandsbek by pouring orange paint over the Cybertruck on display. The aim of the action was to draw attention to the problem of climate change and the way wealthy sections of the population are dealing with the climate crisis.
Background to the action
The Last Generation protest was directed against the Cybertruck, which is currently being shown as a one-off on a tour of Germany. The activists poured orange paint over the vehicle on Saturday morning and published a video of the action on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). In a statement, the group described the Cybertruck as a symbol of the "super-rich's approach to global warming".
Reactions and investigations
The State Criminal Police Office (LKA) is now investigating the two activists involved, aged 21 and 55, for damage to property. They face a fine. So far there is no information about arrests or criminal consequences.
Significance of the Cybertruck
The Cybertruck from Tesla, the Tesla Center in Wandsbek, has been the subject of debate ever since it was unveiled by Elon Musk. With a length of 5.68 meters and a weight of 3.1 tons, the electric vehicle is larger than conventional cars and is therefore criticized for not contributing to sustainable mobility. The model has not yet been registered in Europe.
Protest despite electric drive
Although the Cybertruck is an all-electric vehicle, activists criticize that its size and weight are at odds with the goals of the climate movement. The Last Generation declared that the vehicle stands for the wasteful use of the planet's resources by the rich.
Context and further developments
The action in Hamburg is part of a series of protests by the Last Generation, which has attracted attention in recent months. The group has increasingly focused on disrupting politicians' appearances and individual actions, having previously been known primarily for street blockades.
Cybertruck and its future
Tesla has started delivering the Cybertruck at the end of 2023, and Elon Musk has promised an annual production of around 250,000 vehicles. In the USA, where pick-ups are an important vehicle category, demand for electric pick-ups is still limited. By June 2024 Tesla just under 12,000 Cybertrucks had been delivered.
