In the latest development, Tesla founder Elon Musk has confirmed the location of its second factory outside the US, and it is Berlin. He made this announcement as he received the Golden Steering Wheel award from Bild, Germany’s most popular tabloid newspaper.
Brexit uncertainty!
In an official tweet, Elon Musk said that this plant would build batteries, powertrains, and vehicles, starting with the Model Y. Notably, the facility would be located near the new Berlin airport, and the production is expected to begin in 2021.
According to Musk, Brexit uncertainty played an essential role in the decision to build its first European factory in Germany rather than in the UK. It’s worth mentioning that in April 2019, the UK car production plummeted 45%, where carmakers, including Honda and Ford, have announced factory closure.
“Everyone knows German engineering is outstanding for sure. You know that is part of the reason why we are locating Gigafactory Europe in Germany,” Musk said at the ceremony in Berlin.
Fourth Gigafactory in Berlin!
Having said that, Tesla CEO didn’t provide any details regarding the number of employees or factory size but started listing jobs for the Germany site, including construction, operations, engineering, and manufacturing workers. Tesla will also set up an engineering and design center in the area, Mr. Musk said.
This Gigafactory in Europe will be Tesla’s fourth battery plant. The first is in Reno Nevada, second gigafactory in Buffalo, New York. The third is nearing completion near Shanghai in China.
Gigafactory in Shanghai!
Notably, Elon Musk’s company secured a 212.5-acre plot of land for it’s Chinese Gigafactory 3 near Shanghai last October. Gigafactory 3 is an important milestone for Tesla, considering that China represents the world’s largest auto market.
Tesla has already started trial production in Shanghai and is building full vehicles right from the body to paint to the general assembly. According to the electric car maker, the goal for the Shanghai factory is to make 250,000 cars a year before ramping up to 500,000 units.
Stay tuned to Silicon Canals for more European technology news.
