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Tesla’s inaugural manufacturing facility in Europe officially opened on March 22, as the automaker looks to ease the pressure off its other factories in USA and China.
Videos of Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s impromptu dance routine at the event have been doing rounds on the internet for quite a while now. The eccentric billionaire’s antics helped to spread the news of the event like wildfire.
The automaker delivered its first German-manufactured cars to thirty clients and their families at their newest 5-billion-euro ($5.5 billion) facility. A historic milestone like that definitely called for some dance moves!
A Breath of Fresh Air
The American EV company had been struggling to stay in line with demand and lengthy delays were reported for Model Ys and certain Model 3s in various parts of the globe.
Tesla even had to temporarily cease production at Shanghai Gigafactory due to the pandemic resurgence in China. It affected production of Chinese-made Model 3 and Model Y cars for a minimum of two days.
Demand for EVs had skyrocketed in Europe. But now Tesla can rely on some production on the continent, instead of shipments all the way from China.
A magnificent drone view of the Berlin Gigafactory (Source)
Countering a Stiff Market
Tesla faces reputable competition from their European counterpart Volkswagen, who have notched up a heavy share of EV sales in Europe, even though it falls somewhat behind Tesla.
Currently, the German-made vehicles will have batteries from China Tesla's Berlin plant is expected to ramp up to 1,000 vehicles per week by the end of April. China will be supplying the 2170 battery for Tesla's vehicles until the better and energy-efficient 4680 is greenlit for Berlin.
The Berlin facility and Tesla’s new battery factory are expected to make 500,000 EVs and 50 Gwh of battery power annually, once it reaches full volume. Analysts and Musk mutually believe that it will surely take a while to reach maximum capacity. Still, the Berlin launch and German vehicle deliveries are a highly positive event for Tesla in the market.
The Highlight
The Model Y performance version has made both its German and European debuts as Musk personally handed over the first 30 vehicles to their owners. The Performance model clocks a top speed of 250 km/h and shoots to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds. The Model Y Performance additionally features aluminum pedals, a carbon-fiber spoiler, lowered suspension, and 21” wheels in the “Übertrubine” design.
According to the automaker, the Berlin plant houses the “most advanced paint shop in the world, enabling unparalleled color complexity and depth.” The inaugural deliveries featured only black and white Model Y Performance models. But Tesla will soon tap into the hidden potentials of their paint shop, with other colors to follow suit in the next months.
Musk also gave a speech in addition to his dance moves for attendees and fans. (Source)
The CEO’s comments
Loud music echoed as 30 clients and their loved ones saw their newest prized possessions through a neon-lit Tesla branded tunnel. They clapped and cheered as Musk joined in the fun, dancing and joking with fans.
"This is a great day for the factory," Musk added, explaining it as "another step in the direction of a sustainable future".
He offered his gratitude to all parties involved in making the long-awaited Berlin plant finally happen. He also reassured people that the automaker will “do the right thing” with the plant.
“Tesla will make sure that this is a gemstone for the area, for Germany, and for the world.”
Musk echoed his vision that electric vehicles, solar/wind power, and energy-efficient batteries are the next step towards solving climate change, and the Gigafactory Berlin is part of that step.
Final Thoughts
Gigafactory Berlin boasts an expected production capacity along with new battery technology that could allow Tesla to zoom past its European competitors. Reaching full capacity might not be in the books too soon, the plant will be a significant factor to boost Tesla's presence in the European EV market.
