Tesla has successfully launched its first fully electric “Giga Train” in Germany. This rail service, which began operations earlier this week, is designed to transport employees to Tesla’s Gigafactory Berlin, providing an eco-friendly commute that aligns with the company’s mission to accelerate the global transition to renewable energy.
The Giga Train, operated by Niederbarnimer Eisenbahngesellschaft (NEB), is the first fully electric, battery-powered train in the Berlin and Brandenburg regions. The new train will initially serve the route between Erkner and Tesla’s Gigafactory in Grünheide, a journey that is now accessible free of charge to all passengers, including non-Tesla employees.
Giga Train – now battery electric 🔋 pic.twitter.com/5rDdU0YstN
— Tesla Manufacturing (@gigafactories) August 7, 2024
Each of the Giga Train’s carriages can accommodate 120 passengers, and with two carriages attached per trip, the train can transport up to 500 people per journey. The design includes features such as bicycle compartments, ground-level access, and a state-of-the-art passenger information system, making it a convenient and modern option for commuters.
The Giga Train is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion in the Berlin-Brandenburg area while offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional diesel-powered trains.
Theresa Eggler, a project manager at Tesla, expressed her enthusiasm for the new electric shuttle, told rbb24, “We are particularly pleased that the Tesla train shuttle is now battery-electric because it is simply in line with our company mission: to accelerate the transition to renewable energies.”
According to Eggler, the shift to battery-powered trains will save an estimated 50 tons of CO2 emissions per week, a substantial reduction that underscores Tesla’s dedication to environmental stewardship.
The introduction of the Giga Train is part of a broader initiative by Tesla and NEB to replace older, less environmentally friendly diesel trains with more sustainable alternatives. NEB has announced plans to introduce a fleet of 31 battery-electric multiple units and seven hydrogen-powered units by the end of the year.
These new trains are expected to gradually replace the existing diesel fleet, marking a significant step forward in the region’s commitment to green transportation.
