Tesla CEO Elon Musk visited his idle German factory Friday, where he met with chancellor candidate Armin Laschet and discussed environmental red tape that could delay its planned opening.

The American electric vehicle maker is hoping to begin production at its so-called German "gigafactory" in October, after facing repeated delays because of environmental reviews. 

"We have to accelerate our procedures and our bureaucracy and everything, which is very slow in Germany," said Laschet after touring the factory with Musk.

"This is the future. The future of energy, the future of sustainability and we thank you for this investment in Germany."

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Musk has previously voiced frustration with German and European regulatory hurdles that his company has faced. He suggested that officials begin a regular review process to speed up projects like his.

"I think that there is a basic logic to the notion that if every year there are more rules and regulations added at the local, state, federal and EU level, then eventually people will not be able to do anything at all," said Musk.

"So, it's important that there is a periodic re-examination of rules and laws to say, 'are they actually a net benefit?' And I think to have some consideration for removal of rules and regulations, which can always be put back if it turns out they were not good."

The Gruenheide-based factory promises to employ 10,000 people. Its production lines will take over from Tesla's current operations in the Netherlands and produce batteries, EV chargers, and Tesla's Model Y vehicle.

Late Friday, Musk tweeted that residents of Brandenburg and Berlin will be treated to a county fair and factory tour when the site finally opens.

Not everyone is happy with the plans to bring Tesla's battery production to Germany.

Environmental groups have complained that the large factory will drain precious water supplies.

Protesters gathered in Berlin during Musk's visit to voice their frustration with the project. 

"I blame Tesla, and not only Tesla, but also the state government and the politicians, for building such a chemical factory in a drinking water protection area and, ultimately, in one of the most arid regions of Germany," said Manuela Hoyer, of the Association for Landscape and Nature in Brandenburg.