Elon Musk reveals his new master plan for Tesla

Elon Musk unveiled his latest “master plan” for Tesla Motors, delivering a long-term vision that includes an integrated solar and battery product, the addition of a pickup, freight truck and bus to its electric vehicle lineup, and plans for a ride-sharing business.

Musk published his long-awaited plan on Tesla’s website partly to explain why t h e company’s proposed i ntegration with SolarCity Corp will benefit consumers, who could effectively become their own utility. SolarCity, a rooftop solar panel installer, will generate electricity in tandem with Tesla’s Powerwall battery for the home.

Tesla, meanwhile, will look beyond passenger vehicles to public transit and cargo shipping. “In addition to consumer vehicles, there are two other types of electric vehicle needed: heavy-duty trucks and high passenger-density urban transport,” Musk, Tesla’s CEO, wrote in the blog post on Wednesday. “Both are in the early stages of development at Tesla and should be ready for unveiling next year. We believe the Tesla Semi will deliver a substantial reduction in the cost of cargo transport, while increasing safety and making it really fun to operate.”

Musk, 45, outlined “Part Deux” of his view of Tesla’s future even as much of the master plan he set for the company nearly a decade ago remains a work in progress. As laid out in Musk’s “Secret Tesla Motors Master Plan” in August 2006, Tesla has introduced more affordable electric cars and provided zeroe m i s s i o n electric-power generation options.