Despite the demise of Fisker, Tesla is on an affirmative track to continued success thanks to its $465mm payment back to the U.S. government.  Even though its not our debt, just hearing this news is a breath of fresh air.  Back in 2010 the U.S. Department of Energy loaned Tesla $400+mm as part of its Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing (ATVM) program, and in fact the recent payment was 9 years ahead of schedule…not too shabby.  So how did Tesla perform such financial goodwill?  Well, Tesla explained that it used part of the $1 billion that it recently raised in common stock and other (legitimate) financial maneuvers.  In addition, CEO Elon Musk personally invested $100 million in common equity.  It should also be noted that Tesla was founded 7 years prior to the loan, reaffirming that the U.S. government was not the reason Tesla is alive and well.  On a personal note, Club Sportiva has enjoyed Tesla sports cars in its fleet for many years now, including a Tesla Roadster rental and now a Tesla Model S Rental.

– Evan W.

Full story at Left Lane News