Tesla’s Profit Stream: $9 Billion Earnings from ‘Regulatory Credits’
In an epoch where global auto manufacturers navigate climate change regulations, some find themselves veering off mandated quotas. Firms producing too many internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles offset this by purchasing ‘regulatory credits’ from companies emitting fewer carbon footprints. One main beneficiary of such activity since 2009 has been Tesla, accruing almost $9 billion so far.
Evolution of Tesla’s Strategy
Trading of these regulatory credits requires no additional effort from Tesla since the company solely manufactures electric vehicles (EVs). The prevailing regulatory landscape considers EVs as environmentally beneficial. If a competing auto manufacturer exceeds its ICE vehicle production quota, it can purchase ‘indulgences’ in the form of these credits from companies such as Tesla or others with a positive ‘balance’ in this context.
Impact on Tesla’s Revenue
Last year, Tesla netted $1.79 billion from this line of business, roughly the same as the year preceding. Since 2009, cumulative earnings from regulatory credit sales reached $9 billion. Tesla representatives stated in 2020 that they were not heavily reliant on this revenue stream. Nonetheless, the slower pace of EV market expansion, coupled with lawmakers’ proclivity for stricter environmental regulations, likely guarantees several more years of stable cash inflows in this regard.
