Now that Tesla’s new Gigafactory in Berlin, Germany, is operating at full throttle and delivering Model Ys, Tesla can gradually ween off its reliance on imports to meet European demand.
Previously, all of Tesla’s orders in Europe were satisfied by vehicles imported from Giga Shanghai in China.
There are, however, some differences between the vehicles being manufactured by Tesla in Germany, and those being assembled in China. Berlin-made cars are even due to get three exclusive new paint options.
In a recently published YouTube video, the automotive enthusiasts at Nico PQ – cars & rebuilds compare a new Model Y Performance assembled at Giga Berlin (the 22nd customer delivery, actually) to a Model Y Long Range from Shanghai, taking a look at the differences.
Some of the differences the YouTuber noted included heated windshield wiper areas on the Berlin-made Model Y, as well as different wiper water nozzles. The German Model Y also had an issue with one of the doors not closing all the way, but that resolved itself over the first few days.
Panel fitment was pretty similar on both units, with neither being delivered with any panel gaps.
Check out the full video comparison below–notice the German Model Y also includes an autograph from Elon Musk on its center console, which likely is due to being one of the first deliveries from Giga Berlin:
Localized production in Europe has especially been saving Tesla’s bacon as of late, given that operations at Giga Shanghai have been suspended due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak in China. Production at Giga Shanghai was supposed to start back up on Monday, but Tesla has reportedly postponed plans to reopen.
Tesla is now gearing up to bring its American Gigafactory in Austin, Texas, online, with the ‘Cyber Rodeo’ opening party at the facility scheduled for Thursday, April 7.
