Tesla Keeps Fighting Back The EPA's $14.5 Million Fine The German Battery Recycling Complaint
by AutoExpert | 29 April, 2021
This year is hitting hard on Tesla, and this time they got a big problem despite all the good projects released. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Tesla received a notice this month, reporting that the carmaker did not file the report. The claim proves that their emissions standards for surface coating on vehicles are complying.
Tesla did not hide this and disclosed the EPA notice in its first-quarter filing, refusing the allegations and stating that they did respond to the EPA requests. This issue still has to be solved and determine which part is the rightful one.
Meanwhile, The German Environmental Agency UBA is strong on its position and issued a fine of 12 million euros ($14.5 million) to Tesla’s subsidiary in their country. They made an official accusation for not complying with local regulations on taking back and recycling batteries. As a response, Tesla stated that they continued to take back battery packs. The penalties are still undecided, and we'll see who has more right after further investigations.
It appears that Germany has something against Tesla since this isn't the first time the dispute emerges between these two parties. A recent issue appeared when German authorities found that the pipes used for plumbing were not suitable for industrial wastewater in Tesla’s Berlin Gigafactory. They were alarmed by the possible threat to the region’s drinking water.
Elon Musk also is not fond of the German government and criticized its bureaucracy. Tesla's accusations are reaching the lack of understanding towards the company's goal to fight climate change. All these misunderstandings amongst both parties made Tesla acknowledge possibilities to meet construction deadlines.