In an unexpected turn of events, a 250 kg World War II bomb was discovered at Tesla’s Berlin Gigafactory site, where expansion work is currently underway. Scheduled for on-site detonation due to its dangerous condition, this discovery adds a historic twist to the modern electric vehicle manufacturer’s operations. Here’s more on what happened.
Unexpected Discovery Halts Expansion
While expanding the Gigafactory in Berlin, Tesla stumbled upon a relic from the past—a massive unexploded bomb from World War II, weighing about 250 kg. Authorities have deemed the bomb too hazardous to transport and have planned its detonation on-site. The controlled explosion is set for this Saturday, between 7 AM and 3 PM.
Safety Measures and Impact on Production
To ensure safety, a one-kilometer exclusion zone will be established around the site during the detonation, affecting local traffic with two main roads being closed. However, the A10 motorway and the RE1 railway line will remain open. The discovery of the bomb has compelled Tesla to temporarily halt production at the Berlin site for the weekend. Additionally, environmental activists, who have been occupying the forest in protest against the factory’s expansion, have been informed to vacate the area.
Ongoing Challenges and Future Plans
The expansion of Tesla’s Gigafactory in Berlin has faced various challenges, including local opposition to clearing over 100 hectares of forest. The addition of historical ordnance only complicates the situation further. Despite these hurdles, Tesla continues to conduct thorough munitions clearance in the area to facilitate future expansions, aimed at supporting increased vehicle production, particularly of the Model Y.
This historical finding, while temporarily disrupting operations, is not expected to significantly impact Tesla’s long-term goals for the Berlin Gigafactory. What are your thoughts on this historical yet disruptive discovery at Tesla’s expansion site? Share your views in the comments below.
