Tesla set to unveil significant Research and Development facility adjacent to Giga Berlin in 2026
Tesla to Establish Major R&D Center in Berlin-Köpenick
Tesla has announced plans to open a new research and development (R&D) center in Berlin-Köpenick, marking a significant expansion of the company's operations in the region. The news was reported by rbb24.
The new center, which is expected to open in 2026, will serve as a major hub for engineering and innovation in Europe. Tesla's engineering VP, Lars Moravy, made the announcement this week.
Initially, the new center will employ around 130 engineers and technicians, with many of the initial employees transferring from Giga Berlin and other local Tesla sites. Over time, staffing at the new center is expected to grow to 250.
Berlin's Senator for Economic Affairs, Franziska Giffey, described the project as a "lighthouse" for international research and development. Giga Berlin, located nearby, has recently achieved major milestones, including the production of its 100,000th refreshed Model Y, the start of production for the new Model Y Performance, and the demonstration of self-driving vehicles off the production line.
The location of the new R&D center was a key factor in its selection, due to Berlin's academic resources. Tesla aims to tap into academic talent and foster local research partnerships by locating the new R&D center near Berlin's universities.
The new Tesla R&D center in Berlin-Köpenick will focus on materials research, vehicle design, battery development, and charging infrastructure. The company is reportedly investing a high double-digit million sum into the project for converting a vacant factory site.
Local leaders highlighted that Berlin had been competing with other European regions for Tesla's selection since late 2024. The expansion of Tesla's operations in Berlin underscores its growing commitment to the region, despite recent headwinds in sales.
The new R&D center is expected to be one of Tesla's largest in the region. The additional people involved will be about 250 engineers at the new R&D facility in Berlin-Köpenick, including approximately 130 employees transferred from Grünheide or smaller Berlin offices, with local recruitment planned to reach full capacity by its 2026 opening.
The new Tesla R&D center will be located between downtown Berlin and Tesla's Giga Berlin factory in Grünheide. This strategic placement will allow Tesla to leverage the city's academic resources and establish strong partnerships with local research institutions.
The announcement of the new Tesla R&D center is a testament to Berlin's continued central role in Tesla's innovation strategy in Europe. The city's combination of academic resources, industrial capabilities, and forward-thinking policies make it an ideal location for cutting-edge research and development.
