Tesla Giga Berlin Eyes 2026 Expansion Following Strong Performance
Tesla’s Grünheide facility is positioning for growth in 2026, building on consistent quarterly production increases achieved throughout 2025. Plant manager André Thierig confirmed the factory’s resilient performance to Deutsche Presse-Agentur (DPA), noting Giga Berlin avoided layoffs and production halts despite industry headwinds.
Steady Growth Momentum
Thierig emphasized that the German Gigafactory met all quarterly production targets in 2025: “This gives us a positive outlook for the new year, and we expect further growth.” The plant now supplies over 30 global markets, recently adding Canada to its export destinations due to competitive cost advantages.
Key developments driving expansion:
- Secured initial partial approval for capacity increases
- Preparing documentation for second-stage regulatory approval
- Infrastructure upgrades including relocated Fangschleuse station and new road construction
- Planned battery cell production launch (2027 target: 8 GWh annual capacity)
Industry observer @tslaming highlighted the progress on December 31, 2025:
“GOOD NEWS 🇩🇪 TESLA TARGETS PRODUCTION INCREASE AT GIGAFACTORY BERLIN IN 2026… plans to expand are continuing with first partial approval secured.”
Navigating Market Challenges
While German EV registrations fell 48% industry-wide, Giga Berlin maintained operational stability. “We secured jobs here without production shutdowns or cuts affecting other German industrial sites,” Thierig noted.
The plant manager welcomed Germany’s proposed 2026 EV subsidies for middle/low-income households, while urging swift implementation: “Consumers need clarity on timing and benefits.”
Current Operations
- Workforce: ~11,000 employees
- Production: ~5,000 Model Y vehicles weekly (All variants: Standard, Premium, Performance)
- Strategic Focus: Export-oriented manufacturing with domestic market adaptation
