​Tesla Motors is still far from full production capacity at its new plant near Berlin, but it is in the midst of a massive production ramp-up with the goal of increasing the number of cars produced each week fivefold by early 2023. summer months, writes the German publication Automobilwoche.

Tesla produced an average of 1,000 Model Y cars at a plant near Berlin and wants to reach 5,000 cars per week in the first months of 2023, writes the German press agency DPA with reference to Automotive News.

The goal is to produce 10,000 cars a week, or 500,000 a year, as part of a plan to reach an annual production of 2 million Tesla units, including plants in the US and China.

Series production near Berlin began in March after several delays caused by Tesla NOT receiving all the necessary environmental permits. Tesla also wants to build a battery factory.

The company aims to significantly reduce the average amount of water used in the manufacture of each vehicle, with a goal of 40% less than the automotive industry average.

The pledges come amid criticism of the company by many environmental organizations on the grounds that it will use large amounts of water and local communities could suffer because of this very high consumption. There are fears that the plant could affect the water supply in the region.

Investments in Tesla’s first European megafactory totaled $5 billion.

It was difficult for Tesla Motors to obtain permits and it was not easy to comply with German law, which is strict in many areas. For example, one question related to chemicals in the manufacturing process and waste water management.

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