Police are preparing for potential further protests at the Tesla factory site in Grünheide near Berlin as activists voice their concerns over the expansion of the facility and call for civil disobedience. Over 1,000 people attended a protest action organized by the Disrupt Tesla group, with activists expressing their frustration at regional politicians and emphasizing the need for civil disobedience to bring attention to their cause. The protesters argue that the issue extends beyond Tesla, accusing car companies and their political supporters of betraying their interests.

The demonstrations, which saw activists block an entrance to the factory's temporary vehicle storage area, come after violent clashes between police and protesters the previous day. While the march on Saturday proceeded peacefully for the most part, minor clashes did occur. The police have not disclosed any information regarding injuries or arrests.

Lucia Mende, a spokesperson for the Disrupt Tesla group, stressed that the problem extends to other automakers, not just Tesla, stating, "It doesn't matter if it's Tesla, VW, or Mercedes - car companies and their political supporters are responsible for selling out our lifeblood. We must prevent this, and we will prevent it." Some residents of Grünheide are also critical of both Tesla and the Brandenburg state government, accusing them of disregarding local interests by pushing ahead with the expansion.

The activists have set up a protest camp, complete with tree houses, near the factory since late February. Their concerns are primarily focused on environmental issues, including the clearing of forests required for the expansion and the potential pollution of local drinking water. They also highlight environmental destruction in countries like Argentina and Bolivia, where lithium mining for electric car batteries takes place.

In response to the escalating tensions, police are prepared for further flare-ups, as multiple arrests were made when activists attempted to break into the factory on Friday evening. Hundreds of people, some donning masks and dressed in black, reportedly ran toward the Tesla facility. Despite the heightened tensions, the situation remained relatively calm overnight and into the morning, according to police reports.

The disruption has not been without consequence for Tesla, as production was temporarily suspended in March due to an arson attack on an electricity pylon, which compromised the factory's power supply. The far-left extremist group known as the "Volcano Group" claimed responsibility for the attack.

As tensions between activists and authorities continue, the fate of the Tesla factory expansion in Grünheide remains uncertain. The activists are determined to make their voices heard, employing civil disobedience to draw attention to their cause and advocating for change not just at Tesla but across the automotive industry as a whole.