Blue background

… will be all about falling battery costs, increased software content and an acceleration in the pace of innovation. This, at least, is according to Tesla. Either love or hate the business and its cars, there is no doubting that theirs is a perspective worth listening to when considering how the car of the future may evolve. We were lucky enough to attend a standing-room only presentation from a senior Tesla executive earlier this week in London. Beyond his high-level observation transcribed almost verbatim above, we also learned the following:

1:Electric vehicles are “too expensive.” This was Tesla’s explanation for why such vehicles (EVs) have only enjoyed success of note in countries where governments have provided subsidies to users as an incentive to switch. A fascinating chart presented by Tesla highlighted that a typical EV – regardless of manufacturer – would retail at around $20,000 more than a comparable gas-powered option. However, per Tesla, price reductions alone won’t “cut it” with consumers. In other words, EVs have to offer something more, in terms of, say, improved efficiency (such as miles per kilowatt hour of battery consumption).

2: Competition is good, Tesla believes, within the EV space. More players offering a broader range of electric vehicles will help “validate” the market. Given that EV’s account for less than 2% of the global vehicle market at present, there can clearly be more than one winner. The main challenge is to provide consumers with reasons to switch away from gas-powered equivalents.

3: Increased vehicle autonomy will happen; just not any time soon. Tesla was keen to emphasise that much of the hardware and software required to provide (its) cars with more autonomous functionality was already pre-installed. However, it could only be enabled as and when regulators permit. Put another way, “you can’t model morality.” Until this conundrum is resolved, autonomy should be thought of as a more restricted concept. Nonetheless, Tesla was keen to emphasise that accelerating innovation should mean that the ability for technology to solve a greater number of (regulators’) concerns was evolving in a positive direction. 

Disclaimers

The document is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or any recommendation to buy, or sell or otherwise transact in any investments. The document is not intended to be construed as investment research. The contents of this document are based upon sources of information which Heptagon Capital LLP believes to be reliable. However, except to the extent required by applicable law or regulations, no guarantee, warranty or representation (express or implied) is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this document or its contents and, Heptagon Capital LLP, its affiliate companies and its members, officers, employees, agents and advisors do not accept any liability or responsibility in respect of the information or any views expressed herein. Opinions expressed whether in general or in both on the performance of individual investments and in a wider economic context represent the views of the contributor at the time of preparation. Where this document provides forward-looking statements which are based on relevant reports, current opinions, expectations and projections, actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. All opinions and estimates included in the document are subject to change without notice and Heptagon Capital LLP is under no obligation to update or revise information contained in the document. Furthermore, Heptagon Capital LLP disclaims any liability for any loss, damage, costs or expenses (including direct, indirect, special and consequential) howsoever arising which any person may suffer or incur as a result of viewing or utilising any information included in this document. 

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