The Berlin gigafactory of Tesla, the US EV manufacturer, was hit by suspected sabotage of the power grid supplying the factory with electricity. A suspected arson attack was carried out on a nearby pylon, which collapsed.
Production is expected to be interrupted for several days, according to local authorities. Tesla estimated that it will return to full production by the end of next week.
The Grünheide factory, established in 2022, produces around 6,000 Tesla vehicles every week. It also makes battery cells. The sabotage is expected to cost Tesla more than €100 million ($110 million). The reason for the attack by the left-wing Volcano Group is said to be Tesla’s plans to expand the manufacturing plant. Other environmental groups, for example the Nature Conservation Association of Brandenburg, said the action will damage the attempts to highlight the side-effects of Tesla’s plans.
“We are very deeply concerned about the sabotage,” Tesla representative André Thierig said. This is the second direct action against power supply of the gigafactory. A third attempt was made to sabotage a railway line close to the factory. Tesla said the company is very worried about the safety of its 12,500 Berlin employees.
The Volcano Group said on radical news website Kontrapolis that Tesla brings out extreme vehicles like SUVs, monster trucks and killer machines consuming large amounts of precious raw materials and energy. “A total destruction of the gigafactory and elimination of technology fascists like Elon Musk would be a step towards liberation of mankind,” the group said.
It said the lithium for the batteries comes from toxic mines in Chile and causes “misery and destruction” for the people in the mining areas.
Two thirds of the local population of Grünheide have voted against the expansion plans of Tesla, which will increase production from 500,000 to one million vehicles annually.
Tesla replied that they will reduce environmental impact from the factory by transferring more transport to a new railway station at the site. German politicians from across the political spectrum expressed their support for Tesla and accused the Volcano Group of risking human lives and thousands of jobs.
