Tesla is settling complaints of violating environmental regulations in the United States and Germany, according to a new financial document, according to foreign media reports.
In the US, the EPA (EPA) filed a complaint against Tesla, who last week failed to prove that he met federal standards for harmful gas pollutants. In particular, EPA is also seeking detailed information on Tesla's handling of the car's "surface coating".
According to previous reports, as Tesla's main car factory in the United States, the Fremont plant has a long history of problems, including fire, improper cleaning and maintenance. Some cars that need to repair paint defects are even repaired in a tent-style "paint hospital" at the factory. Fremont's construction approval shows that Tesla began to significantly improve painting equipment in 2020.
Tesla said in a document on April 28th that the company had "provided all the information requested by EPA and rejected the complaint" and that it did not believe that the lawsuit against EPA would have a "significant adverse impact" on its business.
Tesla is also negotiating with Bay Area Air Quality Management District, the local air quality administration in California, about a previously published violation notice related to "air permits and related compliance at the Fremont plant."
In Germany, the government has fined Tesla 12 million euros ($14.5 million) for failing to provide public notice and failing to properly fulfill its obligation to recycle old batteries from customers. German law requires carmakers that sell electric cars to recycle batteries and dispose of them in an environmentally sustainable way.
"this is mainly related to administrative requirements, but Tesla has been recycling the battery pack," Tesla wrote in the document. " Tesla has rejected the complaint and said the issue will not have a significant impact on the company's business. For Tesla, it is important to have a positive government relationship in Germany, as the company is building its first European factory in Gr ü nheide.
Tesla has informed the local government that it wants approval to build and operate a cell plant in Berlin, according to a public statement issued on April 27. Prior to this, Tesla received approval to build an automobile factory, but not the battery factory. Tesla executives said at the earnings conference on April 26 that Tesla expected the Berlin plant to start initial limited production this year and mass production in 2022, without revealing how the adjustments approved by the factory would affect the commissioning date.
Tesla's share price fell slightly in early trading on April 28th.
