Tesla is to open up a battery production plant in Germany “within five to six years”, according to the carmaker’s CEO Elon Musk.
In an interview with German magazine Der Spiegel Musk called for more effort in the development of batteries in Germany and criticised the German automotive industry for the lack of technological commitment despite “fulfilling all qualifications for it.”
Daimler announced last week that it will halt the production of its battery plant for electric vehicles (EV), the only EV battery manufacturing facility in Germany, because the production is too expensive. Musk said that large-scale production of batteries could lead to overall lower prices for EV.
Musk also said that Tesla is discussing a collaboration with BMW over battery technology, charging stations and the production of carbon fibre reinforced car body parts.
BMW uses carbon fibres to make reinforced passenger cell parts for its i3 electric hatchback and i8 plug-in hybrid sports car.
Recently, Daimler and Toyota sold their shares in Tesla, but announced to continue business operations with the US firm. Toyota sold the shares for $640m and Daimler made $780m profit from the sale.
Tesla is currently building its $5 billion lithium-ion battery plant in Nevada, US.