Tesla's Berlin plant has been thrust into chaos as production grinds to a halt following a suspected arson attack at a nearby substation. According to CNBC, the incident in the Gosen-Neu Zittau area has disrupted operations at the Gruenheide factory, leaving parts of the city without power. 

The severity of the situation prompted the dispatch of bomb disposal units to the site, indicating the gravity of the situation.

While investigations are underway, Brandenburg police, in collaboration with local authorities, are diligently probing the incident to identify those responsible. 

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Suspects of Arson Attacks

This latest development comes amid ongoing challenges facing Tesla's expansion plans for its Gruenheide plant, located southeast of the German capital, as previously reported by VCPost. 

This is after plans to clear nearby trees to accommodate the plant's expansion were thwarted after locals voted against the proposal. This makes it a challenge for Tesla to achieve its ambitious goal of doubling its capacity to 100 gigawatt hours of battery production and manufacturing 1 million cars per year.

Interestingly, the timing of the incident coincides with an ongoing protest staged by environmental activists, who have occupied a forest near Tesla's Gruenheide plant. Erecting treehouses and staging demonstrations, the activists have intensified their opposition to Tesla's operations, reflecting growing tensions between the company and local stakeholders.

Tesla's ambition is not without protest, and this Berlin incident is not the first. In 2021, far-left activists claimed responsibility for a fire at Tesla's Gruenheide site during its construction phase. 

Now, the 2021 case and the recent arson attack have also sparked concerns from investors regarding the security measures in place around Tesla's facilities.

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