Musk’s South African roots are calling him dwelling. Okay, nicely, possibly not him, however at the very least his corporations. Based on a current report by Bloomberg, Musk’s talks with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa might 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 corporations below 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 facility—that’s, if the deal materializes.
Tesla’s 4680-type cylindrical battery cell
“I need you to come back dwelling 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 providers hyperlink Starlink to South Africa
Nonetheless, Musk’s entry into South Africa has hit regulatory boundaries involving the nation’s native Broad-Primarily based Black Financial Empowerment coverage. Musk has reportedly requested Ramaphosa for leniency in assembly necessities below this coverage in order that Starlink may very well be deployed in his dwelling nation, and in trade, Musk’s corporations might spend money on 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 may bounce instantly to autos, however South Africa would extra straight profit from one other space of Tesla’s enterprise: battery storage.
The nation is understood 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 benefiting from the facility cuts to commit offenses. Tesla’s might use this battery plant to extend the attain of its vitality storage merchandise, specifically the Megapack, Powerwall, and even its photo voltaic merchandise. It might additionally use any over-capacity to assist in cell manufacturing for the automotive space of its enterprise, probably overcoming geopolitical hurdles in different areas of the world.
Now, any form of deal is much from finalized. However it’s fascinating to look at reciprocity between two corporations that share the identical CEO.
Musk has been criticized prior to now for being an “absent CEO” from Tesla. Nonetheless, his tie-ups between corporations combined with current political affect might 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 typically and quick.
