Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk is giving other automakers free access to his company’s patents, reflecting a bid to spur electric-vehicle development, lure talent and potentially generate future customers.
The announcement also comes as Tesla is considering constructing a massive battery factory in partnership with battery cell supplier Panasonic. That $4-billion to $5-billion factory is expected to supply products to other manufacturers — and would certainly benefit if other companies adopt Tesla’s technology.
By committing to an open-source strategy -- the tech world’s phrase for making operating systems or software available to all -- Tesla is taking another step to show it will play by a new set of rules. It is battling with auto dealers and state legislators who want to stop its practice of selling its electric cars exclusively through company-owned stores bypassing dealers.
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