Tesla Inc. has secured local approvals in Germany to formally begin electric-vehicle productions at its new plant outside Berlin, a key pillar of chief executive Elon Musk’s push to rapidly boost output and sales.
Tesla’s plant challenges Europe’s established auto makers, who have invested billions over the past few years to develop electric cars and catch up with the U.S. powerhouse.
The approval comes with conditions that Tesla must fulfill before the new vehicles can be driven from the factory to customers, Brandenburg state officials said.
Tesla must provide assurances regarding water usage as well as pollution controls, which have been at the forefront of objections to the plant by environmentalists.
The…
