Arsonists Leave Tesla’s German Factory Without Electricity, Causing Potential $1 Billion in Damages
In a shocking act of sabotage, arsonists known as the Volcano Group targeted Tesla’s German factory, leaving it without electricity and causing damages that could reach a staggering $1 billion. The incident not only affected the factory but also left over 60,000 residents in Brandenburg and parts of Berlin without power. This incident raises concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to vandals, saboteurs, and criminals.
The Volcano Group, in a statement sent to the media, claimed responsibility for the attack and expressed their motive. They referred to Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk as “Elend” Musk, using a wordplay that means “misery” in German. The group stated that the destruction of the Gigafactory and the removal of “technofascists” like Musk would contribute to liberation from the patriarchy.
The economic impact of the production stoppage and subsequent ramp-up is estimated to be in the “high hundreds of millions” of euros by Andre Thierig, the plant’s senior director. With approximately 1,000 vehicles unable to be built each day, the losses for Tesla are substantial. The German factory is responsible for manufacturing the Model Y crossover for most European left-hand drive markets, including Germany.
The attack targeted a high-voltage power mast near Tesla’s factory in Grünheide. By setting it ablaze, the perpetrators severed the lines between the mast and the local substation, disrupting the factory’s electricity supply. This caused backup systems to fail and resulted in the evacuation of all 12,500 employees. Repairing the damage could take several days, leaving production halted for an extended period.
The identity of the arsonists remains unknown, and they have managed to evade arrest thus far. Despite Elon Musk referring to them as the “dumbest eco-terrorists on Earth,” their method of operation seems calculated. They strike infrequently, targeting remote locations and setting fire to electronic cables that control various critical infrastructures, including telecommunication, trains, and manufacturing plants.
The Federal Association for the Protection of Critical Infrastructures (BSKI) in Germany has raised concerns about the lack of protection for these vulnerable targets. BSKI vice chairman Hans-Walter Borries suggests using drones to monitor and safeguard these objects, comparing their importance to that of military installations.
This incident adds to the list of challenges faced by Tesla’s European factory in Grünheide. Previously, the Volcano Group had already targeted the factory’s power supply during the construction phase. Despite the ongoing threats, Brandenburg industries minister Jörg Steinbach expressed support for Tesla and vowed to prevent further attacks. He even went as far as suggesting that the crime shared certain characteristics with terrorism.
The factory has also faced opposition from local residents who voted against its expansion in a non-binding referendum. Some protesters have resorted to camping in the woods to hinder any clearing attempts. Additionally, a report by Stern revealed that Tesla has been polluting the water supply with harmful levels of phosphorus and nitrogen compounds, exceeding legal limits. These issues, along with previous disruptions caused by attacks on shipping routes, have posed significant challenges for Tesla’s operations in Europe.
While the production stoppage is undoubtedly a setback for Tesla, there may be a silver lining. The halt in production could help reduce inventories of unsold Teslas in Europe without the need for further price incentives. However, it remains to be seen how these incidents will impact the future expansion of the Grünheide factory.
In conclusion, the arson attack on Tesla’s German factory has caused significant damages and raised concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure. The identity of the perpetrators remains unknown, and their method of operation indicates a calculated approach. The incident adds to the challenges faced by Tesla’s European factory, including opposition from local residents and environmental concerns. Despite the setbacks, the production stoppage may have a positive impact on reducing unsold inventory. However, the long-term implications for the factory’s expansion remain uncertain.
