Tesla’s deal with Toyota to supply their rechargeable crossovers with battery packs is expected to end before the end of 2014. The original deal for about $100 million began in 2012 and was supposed to last for three years, but Toyota is expected to end the production of the RAV4 EV before 2015. In the quarter that ended March 31st, Tesla reported at 15.1 million dollar increase in revenue.
Meanwhile, Tesla is set to produce a fully electronic crossover with zero emissions by 2015. They are also planning to produce a lower-priced rechargeable sedan in 2 or 3 years. Tesla will look to expand globally with their sales of the model S Sedan, which is currently sold for $71,000. Tesla hopes to become a more common supplier for other companies looking to expand in their electronic cars department. Daimler has already taken the initiative and reached out to Tesla to acquire products for the production of their Mercedes B-Class electronic car. Tesla will have to continue to be a supplier for other up and coming electronic car products if they want to stay relevant. Their cars have had less than optimal success thus far which could possibly be attributed to their lofty prices and small availability of recharging stations.
“Tesla Says Battery-supply Deal for Toyota RAV4 EV to End.” Automotive News. 7 May 2014.
OK, so why? – is it because Toyota has been unable to sell the RAV4 EV? Each sale generates a credit in California, but maybe not enough to offset losses. Follow up on that end, Tesla is the less interesting of the pair!!
It is interesting how Tesla wants to start producing electric crossovers when Toyota did not do well in that market. Supplying to other companies is providing Tesla a high revenue, wouldn’t it be easier for Tesla to focus in just being a supplier and avoid the risk of creating loss if one of their models flops. Through this way they could partner to build the charging stations with other companies and save a lot of money on investment.