There’s been a lot of questions circulating on whether Tesla Model Y’s second-row rear seats can recline, but we now learn that it does, plus much more than we expected.
Tesla Model Y is, by many accounts, similar to its first mass-market sedan: the Model 3. With 75% of its design derived from Model 3, Tesla’s first all-electric crossover also seats five adults, with a seven-seat option coming later, but boasts a 15% improvement in rear legroom and a whopping 440% improvement in cargo space. In addition, Tesla has implemented several highly sought after improvements to Model Y, including adjustable rear seats.
Despite not being highlighted in the Tesla’s Owner’s Manual, Model Y rear seats can, in fact, recline to three separate positions by way of a button that’s located inside the upper seat adjustment latch for each outboard rear seat. Tesla owner and YouTuber Tesla Raj details this in his in-depth video review of the Model Y.
“One unique feature of the Model Y is that the rear seats actually recline. Not only do they fold down, they recline,” notes Raj in his demonstration of the three recline positions.
Tesla Model Y rear seat adjustment (Credit: Tesla Raj via YouTube)
Depressing the button inside the rear seat adjustment latch will activate the motorized latching mechanism and recline the seat to the next available position. Pressing the button one time again will recline the rear seat once more. Rear passengers can also hold down the button to recline from the first available upright position to the lowest recline setting.
Model Y rear seats are spring-loaded and can incline by following the reverse procedure. When fully reclined, passengers can tap the button inside the rear seat adjustment latch to incline one position or depress the button to raise the seat to the most upright position.
Model Y Middle Rear Seat
The rear center seat in the Model Y also doubles as an armrest for rear-seat passengers when partially folded down. Inside the armrest are cupholders.
Unique to the Tesla Model Y when compared to Model 3 is a cargo passthrough. Model Y’s middle rear seat can be folded completely down to create a passthrough for stowing sporting equipment like skis and other long cargo. Lowering the middle rear seat can be achieved by pulling on the latch that’s located on the back of the middle seat.
Tesla Model Y middle rear seat adjustment (Credit: Tesla Raj via YouTube) (Credit: Tesla Raj via YouTube)
Being able to fold down Model Y’s rear middle seat adds a nice convenience to the crossover’s utility, however, one can’t overlook the support post that protrudes from the left rear passenger seat.
“I will call out that there’s nubbin’ that sticks out. It’s not retractable. It’s always there. Kinda’ comes in the way if you’re using the passthrough,” points out Raj in his hands-on review of the Model Y.
All-in-all, the spaciousness of Tesla Model Y’s rear seat and the trunk is an undeniable strength of the company’s first mass-market crossover. Priced competitively around $50,000 to start, Model Y catapults itself into the crossover market to become a catalyst that will spark an industry-wide change to electrification among one of legacy auto’s most lucrative category.
Check out Tesla Raj’s in-depth review of the Tesla Model Y below.
Here’s how Tesla Model Y rear seats can recline and passthrough for long cargo
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Tesla owners can now play their favorite PC games on the touchscreen of their Model 3, Model S, or Model X using the Rainway app.
Rainway chief executive Andrew Sampson shared on Twitter the news and reminded Tesla owners that they can only play games while safely parked or else the game will fail to play.
“Our community is full of amazing people who have been pinging @elonmusk about us being in the Tesla entertainment center for over a year now. I’m bringing this energy. I still want to build a native app though,” Sampson wrote.
According to Sampson, the project is still considered experimental and they are still working on some issues such as gamepad issues. The Rainway technology relies on the Pulsar engine that can capture gameplay seamlessly in real-time and encode it in full high definition to a video stream in a matter of milliseconds. The Pulsar Engine, according to Rainway, was engineered to allow ultra-low-delay game streaming. It makes use of modern APIs such as DirectX 12 for better performance and power efficiency.
Rainway is free to download and install, and Tesla owners just need to visit play.rainway.com using the browser on their vehicle and plug in a controller. According to Sampson, he was personally able to try popular game titles such as Crysis, Doom, and Halo inside a Tesla.
The integration of apps such as Rainway further expands the fun factor of Tesla vehicles already known for having one of the best, if not, the best in-car infotainment system. The Tesla Arcade also features popular games such as Cuphead, Beach Buggy, Star Dew Valley, Lost Backgammon, among others. While there are virtual controls on the touchscreen of the vehicle one can use to play the games, Beach Buggy takes the experience to another level as can be controlled using the steering wheel of the vehicle. Tesla owners can also use wired USB PlayStation 4 and Xbox One controllers.
Gaming inside a Tesla is a great way to kill time while juicing up one’s vehicle or while on Camp Mode. Elon Musk is also looking to boost the list of games on the Tesla Arcade, and from time to time asks Tesla owners if they are looking forward to adding specific titles such as one time when he held a poll to get the pulse about “The Witcher” game.
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The Tesla Model Y and Model 3 are both designed to cater to the mass market. Both vehicles share 75% of their parts since they’re optimized for quick production. But even vehicles that are three-quarters similar have key differences, some of which were revealed in the recently-released Tesla Model Y Owner’s Manual.
From their tow eye hooks to their speakers to their wheel configuration, the Model Y and Model 3 feature subtle differences that make them distinct from each other. Here are 12 of these key differences, as outlined by Tesla owner-enthusiast Tesla Raj in a recent video.
We’ve highlighted some of the key differentiators below.
Tow Eye Hook
Tesla has added a second tow eye hook to the back of the Model Y for added convenience when towing the vehicle from either end.
In times when a Tesla Model Y may need to be transported on a flatbed truck, the vehicle can be placed in Transport Mode and winched by way of a tow eye hook and onto the back of a flatbed truck while its wheels remain free-rolling.
Compared to the Tesla Model 3, which is equipped with a tow eye hook only in the front of the vehicle, Model Y has a cover on the right side of the rear bumper to conceal the second tow eye. This can be seen in the vehicle’s diagram in the Model Y Owner’s Manual.
Tesla Model Y frunk tow eye (Credit: Ben Sullins)
Emergency Door Release Handles
The Tesla Model 3 met some criticism when it was produced with emergency release handles only available on the front doors. Tesla addressed the issue in Model Y by adding emergency release handles on all doors. The Model Y rear emergency release handle is located under a flap inside the bottom of the rear door pocket.
Emergency release handles are only required in situations where the vehicle does not have power. “In the unlikely situation that Model Y has no power, these electrically-powered buttons at the top of the door handles no longer work. However, the doors are equipped with mechanical releases so that you can still open them,” notes Tesla in its Model Y Owner’s Manual.
Tesla Model Y emergency door release (Credit: Tesla)
Tesla Model Y rear door emergency release (Source image: Eweaver1983271 via Reddit)
Trunk Space, Rear Seats, and Legroom
No surprises, but the trunk space for Model Y is drastically larger than that of the Model 3. Factoring in Model Y’s taller hatchback design versus Model 3’s traditional trunk and the difference in cargo space becomes obvious. Model Y boasts a massive 68 cubic feet of cargo volume compared to 15 cubic feet for Model 3.
The rear seats of the Model 3 and Model Y are also quite different in the way that the all-electric sedan’s fold 60/40. Model Y, on the other hand, has three seats, all of which could be folded down individually. The Model 3’s rear seats can also be folded down only through the rear, while the Model Y provides two ways to fold down its second-row seats and includes a center passthrough when the middle seat is folded down.
Model Y has two switches on the left side of the trunk that gives owners ease of access to the second-row seats directly from the trunk. Activating the switch will fold-down each corresponding rear seat.
The Model Y seats appear to be the same design as the Model 3, however, are mounted on risers for better legroom and overall comfort than Model 3. Rear seat legroom in the Model Y is improved over Model 3 by roughly 15%, although it looks like some of it was borrowed from the 2% reduction in front legroom when compared to Model 3. The headroom between Model Y and Model 3 is relatively the same and differ only by 1-2%.
Tesla Model Y vs Model 3 Leg Room
Front: Model Y – 41.8 in (1,063 mm) vs Model 3 – 42.7 in. (1,085 mm)
Rear: Model Y – 40.5 in (1,029) vs Model 3 – 35.2 in (894 mm)
Tesla Model Y trunk (Credit: Eweaver1983271 via Reddit)
Tesla Model Y rear seat fold down levers (Credit: Tesla)
Tesla Model Y rear door emergency release (Source image: Eweaver1983271 via Reddit)
Wiring System and Heat Pump
Arguably the most notable difference between the Model Y and Model 3 in terms of core design improvement is the wiring system and heat management. Tesla added a heat pump to the Model Y, which could help the all-electric crossover maximize its range during winters. In addition and as pointed out by TeslaRaj in his video, the diagram for Model Y appears to show a single track for wiring as opposed to Model 3 which has two.
Teslarati will explore both of these points in detail in an upcoming story.
Wheel Size and Specifications
The Tesla Model Y’s wheels are 9.5 inches wide, which are slightly larger than the Model 3’s 8.5-inch wheels. It should be noted that the Model Y Performance comes with a staggered wheel setup, with the front wheels being 9.5 inches and the rear wheels being 10.5 inches wide.
Tesla Model Y wheel specifications (Credit: Tesla)
Rear Speakers
Both the Tesla Model 3 and the Tesla Model Y are fitted with a suite of premium speakers that provide a great listening experience for owners. They do have differences in the way that the Model 3’s rear speakers are located on a shelf behind the rear seats, while the Model Y has its rear speakers on the trunk hatch.
Tesla Model Y trunk speakers (Credit: Eweaver1983271 via Imgur)
Both the Tesla Model 3 and the Model Y come with coat hangers, though the all-electric sedan’s is located on the crossbar that goes between the B pillars. The Model Y, with its seamless glass roof, has its coat hangers in the second row.
Inductive Phone Charger
The Tesla Model Y is equipped with a wireless charging pad, as well as USB-A and USB-C slots. On the other hand, the Model 3 is fitted with wired charging options and a dual USB-A slot. Owners would likely appreciate the Model Y’s wireless charging features, as most flagship and midrange mobile devices today come standard with wireless charging. See Tesla Model Y wireless phone charger.
Rear USB ports
The USB ports of the Model 3 and Model Y in the second row are also different. The Model 3 is fitted with two USB-A ports, while the Model Y is equipped with two USB-C ports. Considering that the two vehicles share 75% of their parts, it would not be surprising if Tesla ends up equipping the Model 3 with USB-C ports in the future.
Tesla notes in the Model Y Owner’s Manual that the rear USB ports are for charging devices and do not communicate with the vehicle like the front USB ports that can be used for recording via TeslaCam.
Tesla Model Y rear USB ports (Credit: Josh Welsh via YouTube)
Power Liftgate
The Model Y is equipped with a power liftgate, which provides owners an automatic and convenient way to open and close the vehicle’s rear hatch by way of the center touchscreen or Tesla mobile app. This feature is not present in the Model 3, which is one of the reasons why aftermarket power truck mods became quite popular in the Tesla community.
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A recent Tesla update appears to be hinting at the potential rollout of features that would allow one of the company’s electric cars to stop automatically when they encounter stoplights and stop signs. These features, provided that they are released soon, would be a valuable step for Tesla’s efforts at rolling out inner-city driving systems for its vehicles.
The potential stoplight and stop sign features were shared by the Tesla community’s resident hacker, @greentheonly, who was able to do a brief dive into the electric car maker’s 2020.12 update. The update is pretty nondescript, as its release notes were entirely identical to the 20.8 update. But hidden within its code are icons that strongly hint at the company’s efforts at introducing automatic stopping features.
oh, forgot to add the icons these are apparently aimed for display when the stopping will be activated? pic.twitter.com/jZMSOl1vEm
The new icons found in the recent update showed a stop sign, a red stoplight, and a warning. It remains to be seen what these icons will specifically represent, though @greentheonly mentioned that the icons would likely be displayed when a Tesla activates its automatic stopping feature.
The capability to stop when encountering stop signs and stop lights is an invaluable function for Tesla’s Full Self-Driving suite, which is aimed at allowing vehicles to travel through inner-city streets without driver input. Tesla’s FSD order page specifically refers to the feature, stating that the ability to “recognize and respond to traffic lights and stop signs” is coming later this year. The inclusion of these new icons, then, suggests that Tesla has gathered enough data from its fleet that its neural networks are now recognizing and learning how to react when encountering stop signs and stoplights.
Not true. I’ve confirmed w/Tesla that MCU1s will run FSD, just differently than MCU2s.
THERE WILL BE NO FREE MCU UPGRADE. This rumor was based on old info, when Engineering was still exploring options. https://t.co/iLc6zuME8z
Apart from the new icons for automatic stopping, 2020.12 also included what appeared to be preparations to display FSD visuals on vehicles equipped with Tesla’s older infotainment systems. This bodes well for cars that are equipped with the company’s older MCU1, some of which in vehicles whose owners have purchased the Full Self-Driving suite. Ultimately, the new visuals will likely be a welcome update for owners who do not wish to pay $2,500 for an MCU2 retrofit, as their electric vehicles will still display updated visualizations with the rollout of new FSD features.
Tesla is currently in a full-press initiative to roll out more features for its Full Self-Driving suite. While Elon Musk’s goal of rolling out a “feature complete” version of FSD before the end of 2019 was not met, the company seems to be on track to make a lot of headway this year. With automatic stopping features seemingly coming soon, mentions of “reverse summon,” and the multitude of other refinements being introduced to Autopilot, Tesla’s inner-city driving capabilities may be within reach sooner than expected.
Tesla’s new traffic light icons in Autopilot code hints at automatic stopping to come
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Tesla has rolled out a new incentive for customers of its Solar program that includes two free months on any subscription.
A look at Tesla’s online configurator, which gives customers the option to choose from four different sizes of solar systems, reveals a new message under its subscription program that reads “Includes 2 free months.”
The subscription service enables solar customers to reap the benefits of having solar panels installed at their homes but without the upfront costs.
The two free months of service enables customers to save upwards of $500 on a 15.12 kW system.
Tesla offers the following sizes for its solar system:
The new incentive bodes well for Tesla who’s coming off of a strong showing in solar production in Q4 2019. The company reported 54 MW of solar deployment in the final quarter of 2019, or 26% in growth compared to the quarter prior. The subscription service was a significant contributor to the growth of Tesla’s solar program. “Where offered, subscription solar has grown significantly in Q4. With a monthly subscription that can generate income from the first month of usage, there is no reason not to have solar panels installed.”
One member of Tesla’s solar subscription program, Carolyn Donlin, voiced her content with the ability to simply pay a small monthly fee to power her home through solar energy. In a blog post on Tesla’s website, Donlin writes about her decision to commit to a solar program after buying a Model 3 sedan.
“The Tesla team made going solar a smooth, effortless experience. Never once did I feel oversold as the energy specialists ensured I would receive the best system to accommodate my needs while making sure our home’s aesthetics wouldn’t change. I was thrilled to convert my roof into a power system,” said Donlin.
Tesla unveiled the Solar Subscription program to reduce the cost of entry for those interested in powering their homes via solar energy.
Typically, buying solar panels carries an average cost of between $18,000 and $20,000 for a typical 2,500 square foot home, the average size of a house in the United States. It usually takes eight years to break even after purchasing a full solar system for a home. Tesla’s Solar Subscription allows those involved to immediately begin generating income from their panels through a small monthly rental fee, instead of a large initial payment to buy a system outright.
Currently, Tesla’s Solar Subscription program is available in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New Mexico.
Tesla is giving Solar subscription customers two free months as part of a new incentive
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Tesla Model Y will come standard with a wireless inductive phone charger as seen in the newly published Model Y Owner’s Manual.
The inclusion of the wireless charging will be a welcomed addition for owners of Tesla owners who have historically resorted to buying it as an optional upgrade from the company’s online shop or an aftermarket manufacturer.
The latest detail, first revealed in an Instagram video highlighting Model Y’s power liftgate, corroborates earlier snapshots taken of the Model Y center console that clearly shows a wireless phone charger in the center console.
Tesla Model Y Wireless Phone Charger (Source: u/aflatness | Imgur)
Tesla Model Y Wireless Phone Charger (Source: u/aflatness | Imgur)
Tesla Model Y Front Port – USB-C, USB-A (Source: Tesla Model Y Facebook group)
Tesla’s inductive phone charger for Model Y can charge Qi-enabled phones at up to 15W of power. The Owner’s Manual for Model Y indicates that the wireless charger can support two phones at once, although power will be split.
Model Y’s center console has a USB-C and a USB-A as its front ports. This comes in addition to the two USB-C connectors found near the rear passenger cabin air vents.
In comparison, the Model 3 originally came with a wired phone docking system but eventually, Tesla decided to offer its own Model 3 Wireless Phone Charger for $125. The Qi-enabled wireless charger has a non-slip surface and is very easy to install. It can also accommodate two smartphones on its tray. Prior to the Tesla-made wireless phone charger, there were popular aftermarket options from brands such as Nomad and Jeda.
Tesla Model Y includes a wireless phone charger as standard feature
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A video showing a Tesla Model 3 towing a 550-pound trailer recently provided a glimpse at how real world range is affected when the all-electric sedan pulls heavy items.
The real-world Model 3 towing test was conducted by Ben Sullins of the Teslanomics YouTube channel. Ben’s channel is known for reviews and lifestyle videos with electric vehicles, and this time he decided to clarify the many questions EV owners have about the real-world effect on range when towing with the Model 3.
Sullins’ Tesla Model 3 is officially rated with 325 miles of range, but his real-world average efficiency of about 78% usually meant that his vehicle is only able to travel about 253 miles per charge. It is essential to keep in mind that the range of an electric vehicle depends on several variables, including driving style, weather, climate control within the vehicle’s cabin, and weight inside the car. When more features of the vehicle are in use, the battery is going to be under more stress. More use of vehicle features will inevitably decrease the range.
The trailer used in the test is a converted World War II work truck or jeep that weighs 550 lbs. The trailer was stacked with an outdoor fold-out tent and its necessary rack for use that weighs an additional 200 extra pounds, making the total weight of the trailer about 750 lbs. Sullins’ total trip covered 26.7 miles of both inner-city streets and freeways both ways. This gives the test more validity as drivers likely use a combination of highways and city streets when towing a trailer.
Sullins noted that his total energy usage during the test was 12 kilowatt-hours (kWh), and his vehicle showed an average consumption of 448 Watt-hours per mile (Wh/mile). This energy output differs from his normal driving efficiency, as his car showed an average consumption of 320 Wh/mi when it traversed the same route without a trailer.
Credit: YouTube | Teslanomics with Ben Sullins
These figures suggest that the additional weight from the trailer resulted in a 40% loss in range, which translates to a 49% efficiency rate. With this in mind, Sullins noted that with the 750-lb WWII trailer, his Model 3 would have a total real-world range of 160 miles. This is ample for the casual weekend camping trip, but likely challenging for inter-state long-distance travel.
As the Teslanomics host emphasized, there are many variables involved when it comes to electric vehicles and their efficiency. The Tesla Model 3 in the video, for example, seemed to be equipped with Turbine Wheels, which are larger and not specifically designed for the Model 3. The average speed of the vehicle during the trip also played a factor in the Model 3’s efficiency while towing. As noted by commenters on Sullins’ video, electric car towing veterans from countries such as Norway usually travel at about 55 mph when they are pulling heavy loads to help maximize range.
Credit: YouTube | Teslanomics with Ben Sullins
While this decrease in range is expected and inconvenient, there are plenty of precautions Tesla drivers can take to avoid the troubles that come with towing. Luckily, Superchargers are readily available, and Tesla has worked diligently to increase the presence of charging stations across the world.
If a trailer or other item that needs to be towed is attached to a Tesla, expect decreases in range and plan by stopping at Superchargers on the way. Tesla’s in-car trip planning software will get drivers to their destinations in the most efficient way possible, even if the vehicle is towing a heavy trailer.
Watch Ben Sullins’ video on the Model 3’s range when towing a 750-lb trailer below.
Tesla Model 3 takes on World War II-era trailer in range efficiency towing test
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It is no secret that Tesla is ahead of everyone in the electric vehicle race, and other manufacturers will likely be playing catch up with the Elon Musk-headed company for years to come. This is something that was admitted recently by a Volkswagen board member, who stated that Tesla has a 10-year headstart in the electric vehicle race, according to Reuters.
“Tesla is an impressive manufacturer,” Volkswagen’s electromobility board member Thomas Ulbrich said.
Tesla’s industry dominance did not come overnight. It has been a 17-year long journey that has included many triumphs and failures, all of which have contributed to the company’s ability to establish itself as an industry leader in sustainable transportation and energy.
Despite Tesla’s trials and tribulations and its current lead, however, Volkswagen believes it can eventually catch up to Tesla’s current state of dominance with the right strategy. “It is a motivator for us. Tesla has ten years more experience. But we are very quick in catching up,” Ulbrich added.
While Tesla may not have been the first company to produce an electric vehicle, it is the first company to enter the competitive automotive market with a strategy that exclusively involves battery-powered cars. Tesla has pretty much disrupted the entire automotive industry, and with the acquisitions of battery technology companies like Maxwell and Hibar, as well as a serious push towards autonomy, Tesla remains a leader in the EV sector.
As the Silicon Valley-based company saturated the United States and entered other markets with the Model 3, its most disruptive sedan yet, Tesla is beginning to make a measurable impact on established automakers. Volkswagen is one of them.
In 2019, VW announced its plans to begin a massive push toward electric vehicles, but the company’s road towards sustainable transport has been anything but smooth. Volkswagen’s ID.3 has been delayed due to software issues, and the company recently announced that it is retiring the e-Golf in the United States.
Volkswagen has been one of Tesla’s most vocal supporters. When Musk announced the company’s decision to bring a European Gigafactory to Berlin, VW CEO Herbert Diess was ecstatic and saw it as an excellent opportunity to revamp Germany’s dominance in the automotive market. Not to mention, the company’s zero-emission vehicles would contribute to the European goal of slashing global pollution that comes from automobiles.
“I would say that we share a vision, which is that we only can achieve the CO2 targets and reduce carbon emissions through electric cars,” Diess said to Musk after announcing the plans for Giga Berlin.
The details of Volkswagen’s plan to overtake Tesla as the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer is unknown to anyone outside the VW boardroom. But one thing is for sure, if Volkswagen plans to catch up in the EV race, it better start soon. Tesla, after all, is on the eve of a massive Model Y delivery push, and it is also making headway in its efforts to roll out a full self-driving solution to its fleet of vehicles. With this in mind, the gap between Tesla and its competitors in the electric car race may end up being wider very soon.
Volkswagen admits to Tesla’s 10-year headstart in the electric car race
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A Tesla Model 3 Performance driven by the Ian Pavelko and Trevor Page completed the first-ever Canada coast-to-coast nonstop electric vehicle road trip. The amazing trip, chronicled in a stunning timelapse video, covered 6,131 km. (3,810 miles) during a period of roughly 73.5 hours.
The duo who demonstrated the capability of electric vehicles, particularly the Model 3, and the existing charging networks that support them. The two Tesla owners started their record-setting journey on March 4 and set off from Tsawwassen, British Columbia and ended in Point Pleasant Park in Halifax, Nova Scotia on March 7.
The road trip involved 40 Supercharger stops and made most of the newly opened Trans-Canada Tesla Supercharger route. Of course, there were coffee breaks, a ton of fast food, and a good dose of good music along the way, according to Pavelko and Page. The drivers took turns driving so the other can rest on the passenger seat.
“Honestly, this has been one of the most enjoyable and exciting drives I’ve ever done,” Pavelko said on a press release posted on the Tesla Owners Online.
The duo revealed that there were a few setbacks during the journey but they were able to handle them, thanks to the incredible support from locals across Canada and via online channels through their three-day road trip.
“We made a few mistakes along the way. We overcharged at one point and we didn’t plan for certain distances, and of course, weather is always an issue and was for us heading into Halifax, but we’re still really pleased with the 73-hour drive time it took,” said Page.
The tour dubbed as the “Fast EV Lightning Run” was sponsored by Fast EV, a division of Fast Wheels, that equipped the Model 3 with Fast EV01+ wheels specifically designed to maintain the efficiency of electric vehicles.. The trip made most of the chargers along that Trans-Canada Highway, a major transportation artery that traverses the 10 provinces of Canada.
A little video I shot when we got out of the car in Halifax today. Apologies for the horrible sound but the wind was gusting at 80+ km/h 😳#FastEVLightingRunpic.twitter.com/AxT6CK97Tj
With the success of the first Fast EV Lightning Run, Pavelko and Page look forward to annual drives across Canada with other electric vehicle owners.
“We hope other EV owners will see just how enjoyable this drive can be. Canada is such a beautiful country and we got to see it in all its glory,” Pavelko said.
Ian Pavelko and Trevor Page posted an uncut timelapse video of their Canada coast-to-coast trip on Tesla Owners Online YouTube channel.
Check out the video below:
Tesla owners Supercharge across Canada in epic coast-to-coast nonstop road trip
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Tesla installed reptile fences in the Grunheide industrial property to protect lizards from migration to the Giga Berlin construction site.
As of Thursday, a double fence has been erected on the south side of the Tesla forest to protect reptiles and other animals that might cross from the nearby woods. Aside from protecting the lizards from being accidentally harmed at the construction site, sand lizards are also protected by European and construction sites must hire experts to catch each animal by snaring them and then resettling them to another location. The relocation of each sand lizard may cost up to 4,000 euros or roughly $4,500. Railway officials in Germany recently spent 15 million euros to relocate sand lizards from a transport hub in Stuttgart.
Tesla enthusiast Tobias Lindh shared on Twitter images of the completed barrier.
Giga Berlin Reptile Fence (Source: Tobias Lindh | Twitter)
Giga Berlin Reptile Fence (Source: Tobias Lindh | Twitter)
Giga Berlin Reptile Fence (Source: Tobias Lindh | Twitter)
Giga Berlin Reptile Fence (Source: Tobias Lindh | Twitter)
GF4Tesla who has also been closely following the developments at the site of Tesla’s first Gigafactory in Europe, also shared on Twitter recent images taken at the site that show the enclosure that separates the build site from another portion of the forest.
#Speciesprotection 🤲 The reptile fence will be built on the south side of the site to prevent lizards🦎 and vipers🐍 from migrating to the GF4 site from the opposite woods.🌲🌲🌲 pic.twitter.com/1Js4kbqPyz
— @GF4Tesla..🏗️🏗️.build #GigaBerlin. (@Gf4Tesla) March 11, 2020
Earlier this week, the State Environment Agency in Brandenburg gave Tesla the green light to continue with the preparation works at the Giga Berlin construction site while the complete environmental permits are still pending. The approval means Tesla can now remove the topsoil and level the 92 hectares that have been cleared for the first phase of its construction.
The construction of the reptile fences is consistent with the environmental protection plan presented by Tesla to the Brandenburg government, concerned environmental groups, and local residents. During the construction of Giga Berlin, Tesla will resettle reptiles and other animals found in the site following the recommendations of experts in the country.
In addition to the protective fences to keep reptiles away, Tesla have also clearly marked areas where wood ant nests are located. The wood ants are also tagged as endangered species. The ant colonies should be first resettled before leveling those specific portions of the cleared Giga Berlin property.
Tesla can level the area now. The State Office for the Environment has issued the appropriate permit. Bat trees must remain standing until the animals have left their winter quarters. Even areas with wood ants› nests can only be levelled after the nests have been resettled. pic.twitter.com/gSRwA6xU9F
— @GF4Tesla..🏗️🏗️.build #GigaBerlin. (@Gf4Tesla) March 10, 2020
Trees with bats were also not uprooted to allow the animals to complete their winter hibernation. Experts assured concerned citizens that the engine noise, loud trucks, and noise created by chainsaws in the construction site will not be harmful to the bats. The endangered bats in the Grunheide forest started their hibernation in February and will likely last until the end of March as their mating season begins.
“You don’t have to worry about the animals. Bats are slowly waking up and leaving their winter accommodations,” said Peter Busse from the Working Group on Bats in Saxony-Anhalt who has been volunteering for the protection of animals for 40 years.
In January, Tesla CEO Elon Musk assured the public that Tesla will be built with sustainability and the environment in mind.
Giga Berlin / GF4 will absolutely be designed with sustainability and the environment in mind
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