Musk’s South African roots are calling him house. Okay, effectively, perhaps not him, however no less than his firms. In keeping with a latest report by Bloomberg, Musk’s talks with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa may result in a little bit of quid professional quo for 2 of Musk’s heavy hitters: Tesla and SpaceX.
After assembly earlier this yr to debate potential investments in South Africa from firms beneath Musk’s management, Ramaphosa and Musk are reportedly in talks over a deal that spans a number of Musk ventures. The twinkle in Musk’s eye in SpaceX’s Starlink, which he has been itching to deploy throughout the nation however has been blocked over regulatory hurdles. Nonetheless, there is a carrot dangling proper in entrance of Ramaphosa within the type of a Tesla-branded battery manufacturing unit—that’s, if the deal materializes.
Tesla’s 4680-type cylindrical battery cell
“I need you to come back house and make investments right here,” mentioned President Ramaphosa, referring to a dialog he had with Musk in September. The 2 reportedly mentioned potential overseas direct funding alternatives—much like Tesla’s, a U.S.-owned firm working in China—which incorporates bringing companies hyperlink Starlink to South Africa
Nonetheless, Musk’s entry into South Africa has hit regulatory boundaries involving the nation’s native Broad-Based mostly Black Financial Empowerment coverage. Musk has reportedly requested Ramaphosa for leniency in assembly necessities beneath this coverage in order that Starlink could possibly be deployed in his house nation, and in trade, Musk’s firms may put money into South Africa. One such instance given to Bloomberg by an unnamed supply was a battery manufacturing facility for Tesla.
However why Tesla, and why a battery manufacturing facility? Your thoughts would possibly bounce instantly to automobiles, however South Africa would extra immediately profit from one other space of Tesla’s enterprise: battery storage.
The nation is thought for the so-called “load shedding” of its energy grid. This has resulted in an unstable energy grid and has even contributed to an uptick in crime with criminals profiting from the facility cuts to commit offenses. Tesla’s may use this battery plant to extend the attain of its power storage merchandise, specifically the Megapack, Powerwall, and even its photo voltaic merchandise. It may additionally use any over-capacity to help in cell manufacturing for the automotive space of its enterprise, probably overcoming geopolitical hurdles in different areas of the world.
Now, any kind of deal is way from finalized. But it surely’s fascinating to look at reciprocity between two firms that share the identical CEO.
Musk has been criticized up to now for being an “absent CEO” from Tesla. Nonetheless, his tie-ups between firms blended with latest political affect may find yourself being a profit for Tesla shareholders on this situation.
Whether or not or not it performs out is one other story. As evidenced by Tesla’s Gigafactory in Mexico (or, reasonably lack thereof) and $25,000 EV, Tesla’s plans can change usually and quick.
