Elon Musk updates 2040 prediction: 99% of cars to be electric and autonomous

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, recently updated his prediction regarding the future of electric and autonomous vehicles. Initially, in 2020, he forecasted that by 2040, all cars produced would be electric and fully autonomous. However, he has now revised this estimate to suggest that approximately 99% of cars will meet these criteria. Musk acknowledged that while the term 'all' is strong, he believes that 99% is a more realistic expectation. In his earlier statements, Musk noted that only a small percentage of new car production is currently electric, and no new cars are fully autonomous. He emphasized that advancements in self-driving technology could take at least a decade to become mainstream. Despite valid concerns surrounding this technology, Musk is optimistic that these challenges can be addressed over the next ten years. Additionally, Musk expressed Tesla's willingness to license its full self-driving technology to other automakers, although there has been little interest from the industry thus far. He also hinted that Florida might be the first state to see the introduction of Tesla's driverless technology, due to its more favorable regulations regarding autonomous vehicles. Industry experts have pointed out that while electric vehicle sales are increasing, infrastructure remains a significant barrier to widespread adoption. Many potential buyers face challenges accessing charging stations, particularly those living in apartments or without home garages. This ongoing issue highlights the need for improved charging infrastructure to support the growing demand for electric vehicles.