Elon Musk and Tesla have high expectations for the auto industry. They want other auto companies to be more like them and they will defend existing regulations until that happens.
In 2012, California passed a mandate that will require at least 15% of all cars sold to be zero emission vehicles by 2025. This would mean 1.5 million zero emission models are set to be driving the golden state’s roads in 10 years. Auto companies have since asked for changes to this legislation, requesting more leniency.
Executives at Tesla are very publicly against any revisions and have been challenging other auto leaders at government hearings. Dairmuid O’Connell, Tesla vice president of development, says of the current regulations, "The mandate is already far too weak.” O’ Connell demands other companies to step up, saying the California goals are “eminently achievable and the only thing missing is the will to put compelling products on the road.”
Tesla’s arguments have followed the idea that they have been able survive--yet, they've disclosed they won't be significantly profitable until 2020--so there is no reason other companies should keep stalling with hybrids or ‘cop-out’ with raising the number of conventional vehicles they could keep making in ten years.
Musk has also stated, “I certainly hope Apple gets into the car business. That would be great."
Sources: The Wall Street Journal, CNN
Share This Article