The overarching goal of Tesla is to help reduce carbon emissions and that means low cost and high volume. We will also serve as an example to the auto industry, proving that the technology really works and customers want to buy electric vehicles.

Government isn't that good at rapid advancement of technology. It tends to be better at funding basic research. To have things take off, you've got to have commercial companies do it.

You shouldn't do things differently just because they're different. They need to be... better.

If you think back to the beginning of cell phones, laptops or really any new technology, it's always expensive.

I always had an existential crisis, trying to figure out ‘what does it all mean?’ I came to the conclusion that if we can advance the knowledge of the world, if we can expand the scope and scale of consciousness, then, we’re better able to ask the right questions and become more enlightened. That’s the only way to move forward.

I'm reasonably optimistic about the future, especially the future of the United States - for the century, at least.

I was born in Africa. I came to California because it's really where new technologies can be brought to fruition, and I don't see a viable competitor.