Energy storage systems are now considered critical infrastructure. Western companies have to produce in China for cost reasons and rely on Chinese suppliers. Parallels with the e-car industry are unmistakable.
By Jörn Petring
Tesla, the US electric car manufacturer led by Elon Musk, remains a dominant player in the global automotive market. However, despite its success and global expansion, the company is facing numerous challenges. From production problems to strikes in Germany, there are many current developments surrounding Tesla that are keeping the automotive world on tenterhooks. Elon Musk and his shares in Tesla What percentage of Tesla does Elon Musk own? Elon Musk, the charismatic CEO of Tesla, holds a significant stake in the company. Musk owns around 13% of Tesla shares, making him one of the largest single shareholders. His influence on the company and his decisions, especially via social media platforms such as Twitter, often have a direct impact on Tesla's share price. Tesla's global presence and sales success Which country sells the most Teslas? Tesla is now a global company with production facilities and sales presence on several continents. The country where most Tesla vehicles are sold is the USA, followed by China. China is a particularly important market for Tesla, as the country is keen to promote electric mobility, which benefits Tesla considerably. Why is Tesla losing value? Despite its success, Tesla has recently lost value. There are many reasons for this. On the one hand, there is increasing competition from other car manufacturers who are also entering the electric vehicle market. On the other hand, global economic uncertainties, production delays and delivery problems with the Tesla Model Y have affected investor confidence. Geopolitical tensions, particularly between the US and China, also play a role as they could affect Tesla's business in Asia. Working conditions at Tesla and strikes Another issue that keeps Tesla in the headlines is the working conditions at its factories. Tesla strike in Germany: There were protests and strikes at the Tesla plant in Brandenburg. The workforce demanded better working conditions and fairer pay. These developments raise questions about labor standards at Tesla's global manufacturing facilities, including the Fremont, California plant, where Tesla has also faced allegations of working conditions. Tesla's product range Tesla has a wide range of products that goes beyond electric vehicles. Among the best known are the Tesla Powerpack and the Tesla Megapack. These battery storage solutions are designed to store large amounts of energy and release it when needed. What does a Tesla Megapack do? The Tesla Megapack in particular plays an important role in the energy management industry, as it enables large utilities and industrial facilities to efficiently utilize renewable energy and feed it into the power grid. Another key element in Tesla's infrastructure is the Tesla Supercharger network. This global network of fast-charging stations allows Tesla owners to charge their vehicles quickly and travel longer distances without range concerns. The Supercharger network is one of Tesla's major competitive advantages as it provides owners with significant flexibility and security. Tesla's locations and global expansion Tesla operates several Gigafactories worldwide, including in Fremont, California, and in Austin, Texas. The Tesla factory in Fremont is one of Tesla's oldest and largest production sites. It plays a critical role in the production of the Model S, Model X and Model 3 vehicles. However, the Tesla headquarters and one of the largest production facilities are now located in Austin, Texas. How big is Giga Texas? The so-called Giga Texas is an impressive facility with an area of over 800,000 square meters. What does Tesla do in Austin? The Model Y and the upcoming Cybertruck are produced in Austin. Why did Tesla move to Austin? Tesla moved to Texas to take advantage of more favorable corporate taxes and a more business-friendly environment. How many employees does Tesla have in Austin? Today, thousands of employees work at Giga Texas, making it a central hub in Tesla's global manufacturing strategy. Tesla in China: A key market with challenges How important is China for Tesla? China is an important market for Tesla, not only because of the high sales figures, but also because of the strategic partnerships. The Gigafactory Shanghai is Tesla's first production site outside the USA and produces both for the local market and for export. China is also an important partner in battery supply, especially through the cooperation between Tesla and CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited), one of the world's leading battery manufacturers. The CATL battery plays a crucial role in Tesla's vehicles, especially in the lower-cost models. However, Tesla also faces challenges in the country. Strong Tesla competition in China from local electric vehicle manufacturers and regulatory uncertainties have prompted Tesla to lower prices in China in order to remain competitive. In addition, there have been recalls in China that have affected consumer confidence in Tesla. Tesla in Grünheide: production and problems In Germany, the Gigafactory Grünheide is an important part of Tesla's European strategy. What is Tesla doing in Grünheide? This is mainly where the Model Y and, in future, batteries will be produced. Despite the initial enthusiasm, there are also problems here. There have been production stoppages due to supply bottlenecks and technical challenges. There are also ongoing discussions about the Tesla plant's water consumption, which has led to tensions with the local population. How many people work at Tesla in Brandenburg? Several thousand people currently work at the factory, but full production capacity has not yet been reached. Conclusion and outlook for Tesla's future Tesla remains a dominant player in the global automotive industry, but is facing numerous challenges. Loss of value, production problems, working conditions and increasing competition, particularly in China, present the company with complex tasks. Nevertheless, Tesla remains a pioneer in electromobility thanks to its innovative strength, strong market presence and strategic global orientation. How Tesla masters these challenges will be decisive for the future of the company and the entire industry. The Table.Briefings editorial team reports on the future of the car manufacturer and has all the Tesla news, analyses and background information on this topic.
