2 minute read
Timeline The Semiconductor Shortage and its Impact on Automotive Manufacturing
successful test launch of the Falcon Heavy, designed to carry immense payloads into orbit and serve as a vessel for deep space missions. The same year, SpaceX received permission from the US government to launch a fleet of satellites into low orbit to provide internet service; a total of 120 were launched.
The Founding of Tesla
Advertisement
Arguably, the company that Musk is most well-known for is Tesla, the company he co-founded - named after the famous physicist Nikola Tesla - in 2003. He’s the CEO and Product Architect.
As CEO, Musk leads the product design, engineering, and global manufacturing of the electric vehicles, battery products, and solar energy products.
In 2006, Musk published ‘The Secret Tesla Motors Master Plan (just between you and me)’ in which he outlines Tesla’s mission to accelerate the world’s transition to a sustainable economy, and prove that people don’t need to compromise to drive electric.
“Electric vehicles can be better, quicker and more fun to drive than gasoline cars [...] Tesla believes the faster the world stops relying on fossil fuels and moves towards a zero-emission future, the better.”
Since its founding, Tesla has made several innovative moves starting with the production of its Roadster in 2008; over the next four years, Tesla released its Model S and Model X vehicles.
In 2014, Tesla Motors opensourced its patents demonstrating
Elon Musk’s Six Secrets to Business Success
1. It isn’t about money 2. Pursue your passions 3. Don’t be afraid to think big 4. Be ready to take risks 5. Ignore the critics 6. Enjoy yourself
Source: BBC
the company's commitment to furthering electric vehicle adoption. "Tesla Motors was created to accelerate the advent of sustainable transport. If we clear a path to the creation of compelling electric vehicles, but then lay intellectual property landmines behind us to inhibit others, we are acting in a manner contrary to that goal [...] Tesla will not initiate patent lawsuits against anyone who, in good faith, wants to use our technology,” said Musk.
The same year, Tesla laid the foundations for its first gigafactory in Nevada. Seven years on, the company is starting to construct its fifth factory.
In 2015, Tesla Motors launched Powerwall, a battery storage solution, signifying its transition to an energy innovation company, not just an automotive company. The company also unveiled its self-driving and selfparking software - Autopilot.
Between 2016 and 2017, Tesla laid down the second part of its master plan focusing on solar roofs; more affordable vehicles; self-driving technology that is 10 times safer than manual driving; and a car sharing program. The company also delved deeper into automation technology, and officially changed its name from Tesla Motors to Tesla, signaling a new era of being an energy company.