[erikpukinskis]

> I can see a world where consumer decide to purchase cars based on their technology and charger networks alone

Once there's an autonomous driver it's really just about the cabin accoutrements.

[linkregister]

Safety? Reliability? Cost? Maintenance burden? Maybe some other stuff too.

[patrickk]

Since batteries are the single most expensive component currently, knowledge and IP around batteries will be important in areas such as:

* using clever techniques to stretch the life of batteries

* keeping them in good condition in extreme weather

* keeping them cool

* keeping them safe in an accident

Telsa is figuring all this out much earlier and at bigger scale than most other manufacturers. They can sell their knowledge to other car companies once the Gigafactories start churning out large quantities of batteries.