Tesla establishes a research facility in Berlin-Köpenick
Tesla to Establish New European Research and Development Center in Berlin-Köpenick
Tesla has announced the establishment of a new European research and development center in Berlin-Köpenick, Germany. The center, which is expected to grow to around 250 employees in the coming years, will focus on material research, vehicle development, and powertrain development.
Initially, around 130 engineers will move to Köpenick from the plant in Grünheide and smaller Berlin locations. These engineers will be joined by additional employees as the center expands. Tesla currently employs around 2,000 engineers and technicians in Germany at various locations.
The facility in Berlin-Köpenick was chosen due to its spacious area, good energy supply, and location between Berlin and Grünheide. The center will be located in an old factory with an area of around 20,000 square meters. Construction work on the facility is expected to begin once the permits are granted, with the full relocation of Tesla's research and development center to Berlin-Köpenick expected in 2026, although initial technical trials might begin in 2025.
Tesla manager Lars Moravy announced the establishment of the center, stating that the first technical tests in Köpenick are expected to occur in 2026. Moravy also highlighted the important role that Germany has played in the refreshing of the Tesla models S and X.
More than three dozen locations were considered for the new European research and development center, with one of the important locations being Prüm in Rhineland-Palatinate, where Tesla acquired the supplier Grohmann.
The European research and development center in Berlin-Köpenick was already announced by Tesla, and construction of a new factory in Berlin was previously announced. Tesla has applied for permits for the renovation of the facility in Berlin-Köpenick.
In the coming years, the center is expected to grow to around 250 employees, with initial moves occurring in 2026. The center will focus on advancing Tesla's technology and innovation in Europe.
