Tesla is building a development center: electric future for Treptow-Köpenick!

Tesla is building a development center: electric future for Treptow-Köpenick!

On September 3, 2025, the electric car manufacturer Tesla announced the construction of a new development center in the Treptow-Köpenick district of Berlin. The exact location remains confidential due to Tesla's wishes and the district office did not comment on speculation about possible locations. Intensive and confidential discussions between Tesla and the Berlin authorities began in October 2024.

Among those involved are Senator for Economic Affairs Franziska Giffey, City Councilor for Construction Dr. Claudia Leistner and district mayor Oliver Igel. The district mayor particularly emphasizes the region's good transport connections and the cooperative work with neighboring municipalities. The decision in favor of the Köpenick location is also based on the need for confidentiality, which was crucial to the success of the negotiations.

Function and goals of the development center

The development center will primarily focus on the further development of electric vehicles, battery technologies and charging infrastructure. Tesla is planning a quick construction process. Construction is scheduled to start in 2026, although the center could possibly be put into operation as early as 2027.

Up to 250 engineers and technicians will be employed in the new research and development location. They will work on innovative solutions for electric cars, battery technology and the necessary charging infrastructure. Expansion work has already begun and the first tests in the new center could take place in 2026.

Importance for the region

The double-digit million investments planned for this project underline the economic importance of the project. Oliver Igel described the development center as a great success for Treptow-Köpenick. The economic development agency Berlin Partner sees the decision as an opportunity to further establish Berlin as a location for alternative drives. In the neighboring Gigafactory in Grünheide, Tesla currently produces around 5,000 electric cars per week with around 11,500 employees, which increases the relevance of the Berlin-Brandenburg region, despite fluctuating sales figures in Europe.

These developments are part of a larger plan to promote electromobility in Berlin, which also includes various funding opportunities for companies. Those interested can visit the website www.welmo.de Apply for funding for modules such as advice, vehicle funding or charging infrastructure.