Tesla increasing renewable energy use

Tesla does a lifecycle analysis in its newly released second impact report to show its aim of accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable energy.

The EV company intends minimising its carbon footprint, its factories built from the ground up to use renewable energy.

And the report presents its Model 3 an example of carbon savings compared with internal combustions engine (ICE) equivalents, including manufacturing emissions and those from fossil fuel charging.

Tesla generated more than US$1 billion positive free cash flow for the first time in 2019, adding that significant environmental sustainability is difficult without long-term financial sustainability.

“We believe the notion that a sustainable future is not economically feasible is no longer valid,” the report introduction states, adding that the world cannot reduce CO2 emissions without addressing energy generation and consumption.

Tesla believes an “unprecedented opportunity” has arisen to learn from the reduced pollution resulting from the COVID-19 restrictions and to use clean energy as part of the recovery.

It points to a future of microgrids, solar power, the benefits of EVs, Tesla’s venture into Australia’s renewable energy projects such as the Hornsdale Power Reserve in South Australia, its Megapack battery development, responsible material sourcing such as cobalt, battery recycling and much more.

While Tesla talks about its workforce in the report it doesn’t cover its factory automation plans.

Electrek reports Tesla had earlier done a deal to take over Compass Automation, a firm specialising in automotive manufacturing equipment.