(Austin, Texas) In October 2008, Elon Musk became CEO of Tesla and on June 29, 2010, Tesla made history by going public at a share price of $17. This move not only garnered attention from investors but also served as a turning point for the company’s growth trajectory. 

Let’s look at some major milestones in the history of Tesla. I’ll share my insight on what I think are the next big things for Tesla.

“The smartest money in the world is betting on Tesla. They must have a reason for doing so.” – Elon Musk, Tesla IPO day (2010)

Elon Musk is a wonderful Technoking of Tesla! 

He’s optimistic, takes action daily to make the future good and lives with a sense of urgency. This sense of urgency was evident on one occasion when I had the rare opportunity to speak with him at Giga Texas in August 2022.  

I can tell you that after meeting Elon Musk, what he shares on Twitter is essentially the same as what he talks about in person. He spoke about how important it is to get Starship into orbit and how important solving autonomy is. He is a highly technical and brilliant engineer. 

“But I think what a lot of people don’t realize, is what I do 80% of the time in engineering. You know it’s actually quite rare for me to give a talk. My day-to-day work at SpaceX and Tesla is almost entirely engineering and design and also production. Production is key, although I consider that to be part of engineering.” – Elon Musk, Baron Conference ‘22

Battery Technology Advancements

Tesla’s expertise in battery technology has been a game-changer in the world of electric vehicles and energy storage. The company’s relentless focus on research and development has yielded remarkable results, with continuous improvements in battery efficiency, energy density, and longevity. I own a Model Y and never worry about the battery. Tesla’s software does the job of keeping the battery healthy by preconditioning it as I drive towards a Supercharger, or cooling it depending on hot weather, and making sure it conserves energy in a pinch. 

Introduction of the Tesla Model S in 2012 

I was very excited to see the Model S in Austin in 2012 and go on a test drive soon after!  What an exciting time it was! The Model S showcased Tesla’s ability to create an electric vehicle that not only rivaled but surpassed its combustion-engine counterparts. With groundbreaking aerodynamics, innovative powertrain design, and advanced thermal management, the S demonstrated that electric cars could offer exhilarating acceleration, exceptional range, and luxurious comfort.

Recognizing The Importance Of A Robust Charging Infrastructure For All EVs 

Tesla pioneered the development of the Supercharger network. These high-power charging stations, strategically placed along popular travel routes, offer Tesla owners and now other EVs a convenient and efficient way to recharge their vehicles, reducing range anxiety and promoting long-distance travel. The deployment of V3 Superchargers, capable of delivering up to 250 kW of power, further solidifies Tesla’s commitment to fast and seamless charging experiences. 

Autopilot and Full Self-Driving Capabilities

Tesla’s advancements in autonomous driving have been a focal point of the industry and my personal favorite feature of my beautiful Model Y. I use Tesla FSD beta for 90% of my driving. Through a combination of hardware and software innovations, including the neural network-based perception systems, and machine learning algorithms, Tesla has made significant strides towards achieving full self-driving capabilities. The Autopilot feature, which comes with every vehicle at no extra cost, has revolutionized the driving experience, paving the way for a future with safer and more efficient transportation including future Robotaxis.

Gigafactories

Tesla’s relentless pursuit of scalability led to the establishment of Gigafactories, massive production facilities designed to manufacture big batteries, electric drivetrains, and vehicles on an unprecedented scale. These state-of-the-art factories, strategically located around the globe, optimize production processes, reduce costs, and accelerate the adoption of sustainable transportation on a global scale. At least three of Tesla’s gigafactories are expanding in size as you are reading this article! This includes Gigafactory Nevada, Giga Berlin, and Giga Shanghai.  I am familiar with Gigafactory New York, and Lathrop’s Megafactory for big batteries. 

Under the big, blue Texas sky is Giga Texas, an achievement that inspires and produces a sense of awe. The gigafactory can be seen from space as it is huge, with solar panels on the roof that spell out “Tesla.” The gigafactory and its surroundings buzz with activity and even driving near it fills you with exhilaration knowing this is the home of both Model Y and Cybertruck! 

“Giga Texas is a $10B+ investment over time, generating at least 20k direct & 100k indirect jobs” – Elon Musk on Twitter

What is Next for Tesla? 

This is not a full list, and there are likely many plans Tesla has which we do not know about. But here’s a few to get you excited! 

Giga Mexico will build a next-gen (more affordable) vehicle. The gigafactory will likely attract the best of Mexico’s talent in automotive. 

Tesla Lithium Refinery in Texas is being built and will strengthen the reliability and reduce the cost of Tesla’s batteries. The factory will bring needed jobs to the Corpus Christi area. 

Production will scale for Cybertruck and Semi. The roads will change, bringing the future to the present. Tesla will hold a Cybertruck Event!

The delightful and reliable Optimus Bot will charm both owners and co-workers!

More Stores, Galleries and Service Centers will be opened.

Supercharging will expand and so will Destination and Home charging.

Tesla Electric will expand Virtual Power Plants and, working with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) it will make sure all VPPs across the USA and Puerto Rico prove they can respond reliably and faster than traditional natural gas or oil power plants. 

For more, study Tesla Masterplan Part 3, a framework that lays the foundation for a sustainable economy that will result in less mining and/or extraction than is currently done. People often worry about “rare earths.” In reality, zero rare earths are needed for the transition to sustainable energy. Have a great day and thank you for supporting my independent journalism!

Article written with pleasure by Gail aAfar, please credit accordingly. All images in article are Courtesy Tesla, Inc.