Author: Chang Yan

In the vast snowfields of Germany, a series of tents are erected overnight.

Despite the seemingly chilly and drafty environment, the scene is bustling with energy and productivity.

This is the Giga Berlin factory of Tesla.

Though Tesla’s recent focus has been on factory construction and deliveries, complaints about the lack of creativity in car manufacturing have persisted. However, when it comes to innovative delivery methods, Tesla once again rises to the occasion – it is not one to back down.

December marks the final push for Tesla to achieve its annual delivery target. With an ambitious goal of 1.5 million vehicles this year, Tesla is throwing caution to the wind in its year-end efforts.

Giga Berlin has taken on the critical role of conquering the European market for Tesla, but the team’s experience is relatively lacking compared to the two major markets of China and the US. For example, the delivery team is understaffed, and the efficiency of transportation is hindered by the incomplete expansion of the train station.

In the US and China, Tesla has explored flexible delivery methods such as delivery trucks, immediate pickups, and 24-hour continuous delivery services.

In Germany, Tesla plans to go even further – if not enough people are coming to the factory, let’s bring the cars to them…

As for the lack of space, Fremont plant has set a precedent. Even Tesla was built in a tent. Why can’t we build a tent specifically for Tesla delivery?

Here, we actually need to explain some background. Some people think that one of the reasons why Tesla is doing this in Germany is because Germany is relatively small. In fact, Giga Berlin is quite far from the city center, and many workers have quit because they think the factory is too far away (like one of my friends).

So this is also a magic of the Tesla brand, suddenly causing a little trouble for everyone, but everyone is willing to do it, and even thinks that going to the factory is like going on a pilgrimage, right?

Of course, Tesla finally learned to give everyone some “material rewards”, or a relatively large amount of cash subsidy, to solve the transportation problem for those who choose to self-pickup at the factory. Or they can get a Tesla home charging pile.

And objectively speaking, the building this time should be called a glass canopy room, which is much better than Fremont’s big open tent in terms of warmth.

These days, Tesla German owners’ forums, Tesla owners who have experienced this new delivery method have shared their own journey experiences.

After finalizing the delivery date, Tesla will send you an email to your account, which will not only clarify your vehicle model but also clarify the following:

1. We suggest you watch and familiarize yourself with our information support videos before vehicle delivery. Through these videos, you will have advanced knowledge about important information regarding your vehicle, providing you with necessary operational knowledge.

2. Due to expected high human traffic during delivery, please arrive on time at your appointment location. Upon arrival, please check in at the reception desk, and receive your license plate and all documents here. Once necessary documents are signed, we will deliver the new vehicle to you, which is estimated to take 15 minutes of your time.

3. We provide shuttle buses directly from the train station to the factory. You can take a train or a tram to the “Erkner” station, where a shuttle bus will be waiting for you, departing every half hour.

Later, I also found three cases with more likes, where I discovered more details:

Case One: At the delivery site, you can take as much time as you want to inspect the car, and no one will urge you to sign. But in my opinion, checking the paint and wheels is enough because damages in other parts can still be claimed later. The charging cable is 7 meters long, and the delivered version does not have ultrasonic sensors, but the rear seats are still the old version, and the cushions are not extended by 3cm. After confirming your signature, the car will be unlocked in Tesla’s APP in seconds, and you can use it freely, including charging.

Case Two: I had never sat in a Model Y or driven a Tesla before, but all important things about the car were calmly explained to me by the staff, and I comfortably set up the car and could ask any questions at any time.

## Case 3: Today I easily picked up my Standard Range Model Y. Upon arrival, it was a bit chaotic as there were no signs and the roads/sidewalks were not prepared. The pickup area was in a temporary glass house. The car was in pristine condition and I couldn’t find any issues. Picking up the car only took a few minutes and I didn’t waste any time waiting. Since I traveled by train, I couldn’t bring my wheels and tires with me, so I couldn’t change the tires on site. I had to make an appointment at Tesla’s service center in Schönfeld and bought a set of winter tires, which were installed there.

Based on these points, convenience and seamless experience are the common features, and there have been no major surprises or delights so far.

The support and enthusiasm of Tesla’s users give Tesla many opportunities to simplify the delivery process. As Tesla continues to enter new markets, these methods can be reused in secondary markets.

However, we still hope that Tesla can come up with more new tricks, preferably something we’ve never seen before.

I heard that a swimming pool is really going to be built above the entrance of Giga Berlin.

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This article is a translation by ChatGPT of a Chinese report from 42HOW. If you have any questions about it, please email bd@42how.com.