He says he won't do it himself for a long time. He's busy with other things.

I think tesla motors releasing an affordable car would benefit the world a lot more than the hyperloop. But it's nice that he is presenting the idea so the world can do their own analysis and even implement it before he has the chance.

>>I think tesla motors releasing an affordable car would benefit the world a lot more than the hyperloop.

Specifically, an affordable Tesla car could benefit the entire world, whereas the Hyperloop would (at least initially) only benefit people living in LA and SF.

What are the benefits to the world market of an affordable Tesla compared to, say, a modernized version of the Volkswagen Lupo, or a plug-in Up! ?

They both benefit the world. Fact is, there is no modernized 3-Liter-Lupo, and I've heard no rumors that there ever will be (?). Until there is, Tesla will be the one who demonstrates what is possible.

Really specifically, an affordable Tesla would (at least initially) benefit only those who were able to buy an affordable Tesla given the still significant cost and Tesla production constraints.

They both have the potential to be hugely beneficial to the entire world. Although in Tesla's case it's more of a certainty... fortunately we can have both :-)

He noted (just today!) that he'll be working on a subscale demonstration of the technology.

Link?

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