An Analysis of Tesla’s Business Ventures in the Energy Field

Abstract

This paper involves discussing Tesla’s business model through analyzing both its effective as well as ineffective business ventures. With regards to the positive aspects, Tesla has been an effective leader in the electric vehicle market. In addition, Tesla has had initial success in investing in solar energy through its acquisition of solar energy company SolarCity. (Merced, Michael, “Tesla and SolarCity Shareholders Approve Merger,” New York Times, November 17, 2016) However, while this acquisition was initially successful, overall SolarCity has proven to be economically ineffective. (Muoio, Danielle, “Elon Musk has a brilliant plan to change your roof,” Business Insider, November 6, 2016, “Two Years In, Tesla’s SolarCity Deal Looks Increasingly Like A Bad Bet, Forbes, September 25, 2018”) Ultimately, Tesla’s investing in the electric vehicle market has been more successful than the company’s investing in the solar energy field, due to SolarCity not being efficient for Tesla. (“Two Years In, Tesla’s SolarCity Deal Looks Increasingly Like A Bad Bet”) Finally, I will also discuss ways for how Tesla can improve financially.

Keywords: Tesla, SolarCity, Electric Vehicles

JEL Classification: Q