Rumor about Musk’s master plan: SpaceX and Tesla about to merge
Electric cars, satellites and humanoid robots: Elon Musk apparently wants to merge his companies Tesla and SpaceX into a technology empire. The gigantic merger is scheduled to take place by 2027 and guarantee the boss extensive power.
Plans for a new empire
The plans for a merger between the companies Tesla and SpaceX led by Elon Musk are taking more concrete shape. Analysts expect that a merger could be completed by the first half of 2027. The driver of the development is the space company’s IPO planned for June 2026, which is intended to bring in fresh capital. Both companies have significantly expanded their business model. In addition to electric cars, Tesla is relying on autonomous driving, the humanoid robot Optimus and energy storage. At the same time, SpaceX is expanding the global Starlink satellite network. The focus of both companies is increasingly shifting towards artificial intelligence. A merger would create a technology ecosystem that enables synergies in hardware and software development.
As the NZZ reports, the companies are already working closely together. Engineer Charles Kuehmann heads materials research for both companies. A joint semiconductor factory is planned in Austin, Texas. Chips for vehicles and robots as well as radiation-resistant processors for satellites and space-based data centers are to be produced there.
Controversial financial maneuvers
A merger would not only have technical consequences. Critics fear that the construct could be used to close financial gaps. In the past there have been several controversial transactions within the company network. Tesla took over the loss-making solar system installer SolarCity in 2016, which led to lawsuits from shareholders. Large sums of money also flow between companies in projects in the area of artificial intelligence. A uniform structure could simplify the interconnections and make them more difficult for external observers to understand. SpaceX acquired the AI startup xAI for 250 billion dollars (around 214 billion euros). Tesla had previously invested two billion dollars (around 1.7 billion euros) in the company. SpaceX also purchased energy storage devices from Tesla worth around $700 million (around €600 million).
Risks for investors
A central motive for a merger is likely to be control over the companies. Musk only holds around 20 percent of the voting rights at Tesla and is often criticized for his leadership. At SpaceX he has special shares that give him a voting majority of 85 percent. A joint company could guarantee him long-term, far-reaching power. The financial dimensions would be significant. Tesla currently has a market capitalization of over 1.5 trillion dollars (around 1.3 trillion euros). SpaceX is aiming for a value of 1.75 trillion dollars (around 1.5 trillion euros) when it goes public. Experts warn of risks: High spending on AI development and partially underutilized data centers are putting a strain on balance sheets. It remains to be seen whether a merger will bring the hoped-for technological boost or primarily serve internal financing. It is clear that the decision would have a lasting impact on the industry. The coming months will likely show how investors react to the plans. A huge corporation from space and electromobility.
