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Tesla Gigafactory 4 protestors in focus following recent “Forest Walk” demonstration
A spokesperson from the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU) of Brandenburg has responded to concerns that arose from protests on January 12 at the future site of Tesla Gigafactory 4.
The “Forest Walk” was comprised of around 50 citizens of Grünheide who opposed Tesla’s presence in the German town. Those who attended the protest felt they were not given enough recognition in the decision to allow Tesla to build a production plant in a local forest, a decision they feel could have negative environmental implications.
@GF4Tesla on Twitter was able to reach members of NABU to ask what they felt about the protests. Spokesperson Friedhelm Schmitz-Jersch says that he feels it is important for local citizens to be recognized and involved in the project.
Schmitz-Jersch also stated his organization has been involved in the planning of Gigafactory 4 since its announcement in November 2019. They are currently examining documents including Tesla’s Environmental Impact Report that was released earlier this month. This document clarified Tesla’s plans to protect the wildlife that calls the 300-hectare property “home.”
Met the ' State Board of NABU Brandenburg ' (Nature Conservation Association)
" to involve the citizens in the project is very important "
"No groundwater is taken from the factory site "
NABU is examining the documents and was already involved in the procedure in Nov. 2019. pic.twitter.com/g5bHpt0HR2— Gigafactory Berlin News (@Gf4Tesla) January 15, 2020
Tesla has stated that they will have the initial process of removing trees from the site finished by February 27 to comply with the bird breeding season that begins on March 1.
One of the issues the protesters were most vocal about had to do with groundwater at the site and local drinking water. To alleviate difficulties that arise from trying to build a structure on wet ground, Tesla believes this issue could be relieved with the addition of an underground water pump. However, the protestors claim this may dry the area up too much and could make it prone to wildfires in the dryer seasons of the year.
Grünheide residents and Tesla alike have already experienced multiple issues with the amount of drinking water in the area. Before Tesla chose the area as its preferred location for Gigafactory 4, residents of the town were already experiencing a drought of clean drinking water. They claim that Tesla’s presence in the area could make this issue worse. “If a huge consumer is now added by Tesla, it will be even more difficult,” protestor Steffen Schorcht stated.
Tesla has already taken multiple steps to secure drinking water for each of its three construction phases. The company has recognized that they will need to obtain clean water from an outside source as production ramps up to the eventual goal of 500,000 cars a year. The amount of water currently in Grünheide is simply not enough to supply its employees with an appropriate amount of clean water for drinking.
Tesla plans to have the factory up and running by July 2021. While this small group of citizens has voiced their discontent with the factory, German politicians have recognized the positives that Tesla will bring to the country’s economy. German Minister of Economics Peter Altmaier has stated that if Tesla were to not be present in Germany, it could be a detrimental decision that would negatively affect all of Germany.
The Tesla Semi was spotted mounted with ground truth validation equipment as the company nears its looming launch. The Semi is Tesla’s Class 8 all-electric truck, and has been utilized in its earlier stages by many companies like PepsiCo. and Frito-Lay, who have been using it in a pilot program.
The Semi was spotted in Sunnyvale, California, and sports a typical ground truth validation unit that Tesla routinely uses on its vehicles. Ground truth validation is essentially the process of training supervised algorithms to ensure they can perform reliably. Tesla typically performs this on vehicles that are being released soon:
Spotted the new semi adorned with ground truthing equipment. Haven’t seen anyone post this so figured I’d share.
The future is autonomous!!@SawyerMerritt @wholemars pic.twitter.com/qkPDHPUQZ6
— Danny (@dannywinner1) June 21, 2026
The Semi being spotted with this type of validation rig is important because it means the company is working on solidifying a Full Self-Driving model for its commercial vehicle offering. This would be a massive development for not only Tesla but also the logistics industry as a whole.
There are strict regulations on driving hours for commercial truck drivers, and autonomy is a way to potentially combat these issues. FSD is already a widely effective way that owners of typical passenger vehicles take stress out of travel. Even launching a semi-autonomous platform for truck drivers to use to increase safety, reduce fatigue, and increase productivity would be a huge development.
Tesla Semi gets strange-but-understandable comparison from Jay Leno
The Semi has already proven to be an ideal solution for companies that use commercial logistics. It has increased efficiency and reduced operating costs for many companies that have been able to use it in pilot programs.
There are expected to be some bumps along the way. Tesla saw some challenges with FSD on the Cybertruck, as it had never had a vehicle with cameras at that height, so some of the features with FSD were not immediately available. Just a week ago, Tesla launched Actually Smart Summon (ASS) for Cybertruck, nearly three years after the vehicle was first delivered to customers.
President Donald Trump unveiled an upgraded Boeing 747-8 at Joint Base Andrews on June 19, 2026, describing the Qatar-gifted aircraft as an interim Air Force One equipped with advanced communications systems, including Starlink, Elon Musk’s SpaceX satellite internet service.
The plane, valued at around $400 million and modified for presidential use, serves as a bridge until the delayed VC-25B replacements arrive. Trump highlighted its luxury features and new technology during remarks to service members.
Trump stated:
“We have communication equipment up there that nobody’s ever seen before. It’s the highest level and, uh, including Starlink. My friend Elon is going to be very happy, but, uh, Starlink and we have, uh, four or five different sets of double and triple communications like people haven’t seen.”
He added:
“And it represents what can happen with hard work, innovation, and aggressive timelines because we did this quickly and yet there’s never been communication like is on this plane.”
🚨 President Trump confirmed today that the new Air Force One is equipped with Starlink:
“We have communication equipment up there that nobody’s ever seen before, it’s the highest level and including Starlink…my friend Elon is going to be very happy.” pic.twitter.com/IhkDmtr5hL
— TESLARATI (@Teslarati) June 20, 2026
The aircraft features a redesigned red, white, and blue livery and has been outfitted with Starlink satellite connectivity alongside other secure systems.
Trump praised the plane’s uniqueness, calling it among the world’s most luxurious. The gift from Qatar and subsequent modifications have drawn attention, with the jet positioned as a solution for presidential travel. It is expected to support operations, including potential ceremonial roles such as Fourth of July flyovers.
The event marked the formal introduction of the converted jet, which will help maintain capabilities while the primary Air Force One fleet undergoes modernization. Defense observers note the inclusion of commercial satellite technology like Starlink as part of efforts to ensure resilient communications, crucial to keep the country running as the President is in the sky.
President Trump’s comments underscored appreciation for rapid upgrades and innovation in equipping the aircraft. The plane remains a U.S. government asset and is slated for eventual transfer related to presidential library purposes after its service.
Tesla just gave what is perhaps its biggest signal yet that the launch of the Cybercab, its autonomous ride-hailing-geared car, is imminent.
The Cybercab has been spotted outside of Gigafactory Texas in massive numbers over the past few days, with hundreds of units being stored on property just days after the vehicle received a Certificate of Conformity from the EPA.
Today, things were a bit different.
Cybercabs spotted on Giga Texas property today had an addition: a Cybercab decal on the side, reminiscent of the “Robotaxi” ones that were placed on Model Ys just as the company launched its ride-sharing platform about a year ago.
Giga Texas drone operator Joe Tegtmeyer noticed the change today:
Tesla Cybercabs are now getting “Cybercab” logos on the side of them!
Tesla did the same with Model Ys that were given “Robotaxi” logos: https://t.co/DanANtw1m7 pic.twitter.com/FqOhH0S9Ks
— TESLARATI (@Teslarati) June 19, 2026
Tesla could be signaling that the Cybercab is preparing to enter the Robotaxi fleet in the coming weeks or months with this move. It seems more symbolic than anything; Tesla is ready to throw Cybercabs in the ride-hailing platform just as it did with Model Ys last year.
The addition of the Certificate of Conformity awarded to the Cybercab is another major factor working to Tesla’s advantage. The company now has permission from the EPA to allow the vehicle to operate on public roads and enter the chain of commerce. It’s officially street legal.
Tesla Cybercab specs revealed: range, curb weight, range ratings, and more
The big question that remains is whether Tesla will be able to operate the car without a safety monitor, especially considering it plans to put the car out there without a steering wheel or pedals. With the Cybercab only having a seating capacity of two, it is hard to believe Tesla will even consider putting a Safety Monitor in the car.
It did recently self-certify as Level 4 and has the ability to operate driverless vehicles in the State of Texas under a law that took effect on May 28. You can read more about that here:
Tesla’s Robotaxi dreams just took a massive step toward reality
We’d imagine Cybercabs will be on the roads as soon as July, but August will likely be a better estimate of when the car will be entered into the Cybercab fleet. It all depends at where Tesla is, as they’ve truly prioritized safety with the rollout of the Robotaxi platform.
Tesla Semi spotted with ground truth validation equipment as launch looms
President Trump touts new Air Force One with Musk technology
