Gigafactory Operations, Tesla Factory In Berlin Still Has Environmental Permit Constraints

Tesla car factory, Gigafactory in Berlin. (photo; youtube screenshot)

JAKARTA – Several Tesla Model Y vehicles have been spotted at the Berlin Gigafactory. Production is expected to start daily, but official environmental approval is still uncertain.

Over the past year, Tesla has experienced a lot of red tape trying to get approval to start production at the Berlin Gigafactory, a giant new car factory located near Berlin in Brandenburg.

Recently, environmental groups have managed to secure an extension of the public comment period for the project, delaying approval for another month. The new term ended last month, and Tesla was rumored to be on the verge of approval, but that hasn't happened yet.

The German Environment Ministry has now confirmed that it is still reviewing the comments and that Tesla does not appear to have completed all the documentation required for approval.

“After the online consultation is complete, the statements made will continue to be examined. In addition, documents from the authorities and Tesla developers are still waiting," said a source at the Ministry via Tagesspiegel, who was also quoted by Electrek.

Brandenburg's Minister of Environment, Axel Vogel, called for similar comments about some of the missing documents, or reports, to issue official approval.

“In order to be able to apply this legally, it is also necessary to have an appropriate report available. Unfortunately, not all reports are available in this quality," Vogel said.

While several government officials commented on the project, none was willing to put forward a deadline for environmental approval of the Gigafactory's operations.

Meanwhile, Tesla seems to be making headway at the factory with several Model Y bodies and even the vehicle in full view over the flyover via drone recently.

The footage from the drone also sees some leftovers coming out of the factory, which could also be an indication that some production work is in progress.

Tesla had targeted to start production of the Model Y at the factory by the end of the year, but time is running out to meet that target.