Musk co-founded Tesla Motors and is the CEO and product architect. However, Musk's interest in electric vehicles began long before the creation of Tesla.
Musk led the Series A investment in Tesla Motors. The Series A round included investment by several smaller investment groups, including SDL Ventures and Compass Technology Partners. As a result of the financial crisis in 2008,[29] Musk assumed the responsibility of CEO.
Tesla Motors first built an electric sports car, the Tesla Roadster, with sales of about 2,500 vehicles to 31 countries. Tesla began delivery of its four-door Model S sedan on 22 June 2012 and unveiled its third product, the Model X, aimed at the SUV/minivan market, on 9 February 2012. Model X is scheduled to begin production in 2014.[30] In addition to its own cars, Tesla sells electric powertrain systems to Daimler for the Smart EV and Mercedes A Class, and to Toyota for the upcoming electric RAV4. Musk was also able to bring in both companies as long-term investors in Tesla.
Musk and Senator Dianne Feinstein next to a Tesla Model S (2010)
Musk has also favoured building a sub-$30,000 subcompact and building and selling electric vehicle powertrain components so that other automakers can produce electric vehicles at affordable prices without having to develop the products in house.[31] Several mainstream publications have compared him with Henry Ford for his work on advanced vehicle powertrains.[32]
To overcome the range limitations of electric cars, Musk said in an interview with All Things D in May 2013 that Tesla is "dramatically accelerating" their network of supercharger stations, tripling the number on the East and West coasts during the month of June, with plans for more expansion across North America, including Canada, throughout the year.[33] He is reported to have a 32% stake in Tesla, which is valued at $5.82 billion, as of August 2013.[34][35]
SolarCity[edit source]