Tesla, once a pioneer in electric vehicles and a champion of climate change, has quietly erased its 2006 “Secret Master Plan” manifesto from its website. This groundbreaking document outlined the company’s ambitious plans to combat climate change by transitioning to electric cars and solar energy.
However, in recent years, Elon Musk’s dedication to environmental causes has seemed to diminish. His endorsement of climate change denier Donald Trump in 2020 marked a significant departure from his earlier commitments. This stark contrast between his past vision and present actions raises questions about Tesla’s future direction.
In 2006, Musk’s “Secret Master Plan” was a simple yet powerful blueprint. He envisioned a three-step process:
- building a sports car,
- using the profits to develop an affordable car, and finally,
- creating an even more accessible electric vehicle. Additionally, he aimed to provide zero-emission electric power generation options.
While Tesla has made significant strides in the electric vehicle market, its products have not always been as affordable as initially promised. Moreover, Musk’s recent actions, such as alienating potential customers with extremist beliefs, have negatively impacted Tesla’s sales.
Furthermore, Tesla’s ambitious goals, such as delivering 20 million vehicles annually by 2030, have become increasingly uncertain. The company has shifted its focus to autonomous driving and robotaxis, leaving its original climate change objectives somewhat in the background.
The deletion of the “Secret Master Plan” and other early blog posts raises questions about Tesla’s intentions. It suggests that the company may be trying to distance itself from its past commitments. Regardless of the reasons behind the removal, it is clear that Tesla’s current trajectory differs significantly from the ambitious vision outlined in the 2006 manifesto.
Reference- US Today, Futurism, Tesla website, Forbes, The Verge