Electric cars have become more popular over the years, with Tesla producing some of the most sought-after models. CEO Elon Musk has been enjoying the success of his company but is presented with the challenge of increasing production.
He is halting production at the Gigafactory Berlin to appease prospective customers to expand the facilities while eyeing an extra shift for the workers.
Rising gasoline prices have prompted people to seek alternatives to gasoline-powered vehicles, leading to increased demand for Tesla electric vehicles.
As a result, the company is currently upping production to meet customer demand.
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Tesla’s factories have always worked hard. With the ramps of Gigafactory Berlin and Gigafactory Texas having some of the largest ramps, they have significantly contributed to the production even though operations have only recently begun.
The Berlin plant is making positive progress with its 2,170 cells, which have been enabling a battery infrastructure that Tesla has grown accustomed to. Gigafactory Berlin also recorded an impressive production rate of 1,000 model cars per week last month.
Meanwhile, the Texas plant has been relatively inconsistent due to difficulties in increasing the production of the 4,680 battery cells and structural battery pack. However, the factory managed to rally and significantly increased production in the last week of June, thanks to Tesla’s move to build the Model Y Long Range with 2,170 cells at the factory.
Tesla expects its Berlin factory to catch up, which will reportedly close for more than two weeks while receiving an update on the venue’s space. German publication Bild reported that Tesla will temporarily shut down until facilities improve.
“Tesla therefore wants to interrupt operation for two weeks starting next Monday,” wrote Bild. “It is unclear how many of the 4,500 employees will be sent on vacation and how many technicians will remain to convert production.”
Bild also reports that Tesla is establishing a third shift and will maintain the production of electric motors at the factory instead of waiting for the imports from Gigafactory Shanghai.
“According to employees, after the break-in production, work should be carried out in three instead of two shifts,” the publication elaborated. “In addition, Tesla could then start manufacturing the drive in a neighboring hall.”
Despite the improved factory space, Berlin faces the challenge of finding employees.
Tesla has struggled to hire and retain employees for months, with wages as the primary concern. Local union IG Metall nearly got involved, but Tesla raised wages by 6% to address concerns.
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