Brandenburg gives Tesla a grace period

Brandenburg gives Tesla a grace period

The US electric car manufacturer Tesla has received a five-day longer period from Brandenburg for the required security deposit of 100 million euros to continue building the factory in Grünheide near Berlin. A fundamental agreement had been reached between the approval authority and Tesla Germany, the Ministry of the Environment announced on Friday evening. "The confirmation from the Tesla parent company is still pending. According to the extension notice from the State Environment Agency, the agreement should be concluded by January 20, 2020." The environmental approval for the entire construction is missing so far, which is why Tesla is building through early approvals. The 100 million euros are necessary as security for possible dismantling costs. In December, the company had not deposited the performance by the December 17 deadline. Therefore, the work was initially suspended, but then, according to the ministry, Brandenburg agreed with Tesla on a longer period until January 15. In a letter of comfort, Tesla guaranteed the country security for all early permits for construction work. The construction of Tesla's first European electric car factory has progressed very quickly so far. The US electric car manufacturer aims to start production in July 2021. In the first phase, around 500,000 vehicles are to be produced in Grünheide per year. Conservationists and residents fear the negative consequences of the settlement, among other things because of the water consumption and because part of the construction site is in a water protection area.