Setback for Elon Musk – this is what happens with the Gigafactory near Berlin. Almost no one wants a hydrogen car: Toyota is now even giving away the failed Mirai

A compromise solution is emerging in the planned expansion of Elon Musk’s Tesla factory in Germany. The municipality of Grünheide presented a revised development plan on its website on Thursday, which now provides for the conservation of approximately 50 hectares of forest – a significant reduction compared to the originally planned 100 hectares of reclamation area.

This move comes after the community’s citizens sent a clear signal against large-scale deforestation three weeks ago. In a so-called ‘citizen decision’, people spoke out against large-scale evictions, which the local government has now apparently taken into account.

Mayor Arne Christiani emphasized in his announcement that this adjustment to the plan was a response to the will of the residents. However, before a final decision is made, the amended development plan must be publicly displayed, followed by a vote by the community representatives.

Efforts to expand the Tesla site will therefore continue, taking into account ecological aspects and public opinion.

When it comes to construction sites, Tesla focuses on logistics and warehousing

The electric car manufacturer made this change possible in the development plan, in which the company postponed the need for space, it announced Thursday evening.

The reduction is possible because Tesla is focusing on the warehousing and logistics areas, as well as production-related support facilities needed for carbon-neutral logistics at the factory, the company said. Service facilities and employee-relevant facilities would no longer be possible with the prioritization. Alternatives should be sought for this. According to previous plans, the electric car manufacturer wanted to build a freight station, warehouses and a daycare center on a site next to the factory site.

Tesla says it no longer needs water for its expansion. The company is prepared to forego water volumes from the first expansion phase – this is being negotiated with the responsible water association Strausberg-Erkner (WSE), it was said. The WSE serves 170,000 people in the association area and also supplies Tesla with up to 1.8 million cubic meters of water annually through a contract.

(t-online/dsc)