Elon Musk posted an image likely taken from the “We, Robot” robotaxi reveal event, a good 24 minutes after it was meant to have started.
The image is a take on a movie poster nodding to the 1985 film “Back to the Future” – the Delorean in that film is one of the inspirations for Tesla’s Cybertruck. The poster shows what is likely a representation of Tesla’s upcoming Cybercab flying through space, its wheels turned sideways for some reason and a colorful 80’s style font beneath with the words: “Master Plan IV.”
The movie poster also reads: “Drivers? Where we’re going, we don’t need drivers.” Again, another throwback to “Back to the Future.”
Musk laid out Tesla’s initial vision in his Master Plan Part 1 in 2006, so this teaser signals the always-late billionaire might officially announce Part 4 of the master plan tonight.
Here’s a quick rundown of the other master plans:
Master Plan Part 1 (2006)
The initial vision was around achieving sustainable transportation. That involved building an electric sports car, the Tesla Roadster; using that cash to build an affordable car, which ended up being the Model S; then using that money to build an even more affordable car (the Model 3). The final stage of that plan was to provide zero-emission electric power generation options, which became Tesla’s solar energy storage solutions.
Master Plan Part 2 (2016)
Ten years later, the second part expanded on the first with its focus on sustainable energy.
Part Deux involved creating solar roofs with integrated battery storage; expanding the EV lineup to over all major segments including heavy-duty trucks and pickups (hence why we have to look at the Cybertruck now); developing self-driving capabilities that are 10x safer than a human; and make self-driving cars that owners can rent out to earn money on.
Clearly Part 2 has not been fully realized.
Master Plan Part 3 (2023)
And yet the Master Plans continue. This one is still about the shift to sustainable energy using renewable power sources and battery storage, including switching home, business, and industrial heating to heat pumps. Then, the plan involves scaling Tesla’s manufacturing capabilities to “extreme size,” spanning across industries including energy and AI. Finally, Tesla envisions developing a sustainable energy economy that can support billions of people and cut global emissions.
The third Master Plan is obviously the least specific, but let’s see if tonight’s big event reveals anything new.
