Germany's top prosecutor has taken charge of the investigation into an alleged arson attack on the power supply of Tesla's electric car plant near Berlin. The incident led to a production halt at the Gruenheide facility and forced the evacuation of workers after a suspected act of arson caused a power outage.
Authorities suspect a potential link to a terrorist organization, prompting the involvement of the federal prosecutor's office in Germany. The disruption not only affected Tesla's operations but also impacted tens of thousands of residents, hospitals, nursing homes, and a major logistics center for a German grocery chain.
The state of Brandenburg, where the plant is situated, reported that unidentified individuals are believed to have intentionally set fire to a high-voltage transmission line on a power pylon. A far-left group, the Volcano Group, claimed responsibility for the fire in a letter, citing grievances over working conditions at Tesla and calling for the destruction of the gigafactory.
While power has been restored for residents, Tesla remains without electricity, with estimated damages reaching millions. It is anticipated that it may take until the end of the following week for Tesla to regain power.
Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, condemned the incident, labeling the perpetrators as 'dumb eco-terrorists' and expressing frustration over the disruption to electric vehicle production. The power outage coincided with ongoing environmental protests near the plant, where activists have been demonstrating against Tesla's expansion plans.
Tesla's factory, which opened in March 2022, has been a focal point of competition with German automakers. The company's proposed expansion, including a freight depot and warehouses, has faced opposition from environmentalists and local groups concerned about deforestation and potential impacts on the area's water supply.
Despite a rejection of Tesla's plans in a nonbinding vote by residents, the company's expansion still requires approval from local authorities. The incident underscores the challenges faced by Tesla in balancing its growth ambitions with environmental and community concerns.
Currently, approximately 12,500 individuals are employed at the Tesla plant, highlighting the significance of the facility in the region's economy and the broader electric vehicle industry.
