by Nerijus Adomaitis and Nora Buli
STAVANGER, Norway, Aug 29 (Reuters) – Tesla chief executive Elon Musk said on Monday he was aiming for 100% self-driving electric cars by the end of the year, expressing hope for widespread commercialization in the United States, or even in Europe subject to the approval of the regulatory authorities.
Speaking at an energy conference in Norway, the Tesla founder said his focus is on developing the SpaceX spacecraft and fully self-driving electric cars.
“The two technologies on which I am focusing, and which I ideally expect to be developed by the end of the year, are the putting into orbit of our spacecraft (..) and the operational autonomous driving of cars. You’re here”.
“Make autonomous driving available on a large scale, at least in the United States, and (..) potentially in Europe, depending on the regulatory green light,” he added.
The head of Tesla also pleaded for the continuation of the exploitation of oil and natural gas, while developing renewable energies.
“Realistically, I think we have to use oil and gas in the short term, because otherwise civilization will collapse,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the conference.
“One of the greatest challenges the world has faced is the transition to sustainable energy and a sustainable economy,” he continued. “It will take a few decades to get there.” (additional report Terje Solsvik, French version Alizée Degorce, edited by Sophie Louet)