Assertion Supported AI assessment confidence: 95% certainty 4/5 debate potential 2/5

Baglino: Tesla Energy Relied on Auto Business Before Reaching Standalone Profitability

Drew Baglino · The scrappy beginning of Tesla’s energy business · Apr 23, 2025 · at 3:04

Former Tesla Senior VP Drew Baglino reflects on the financial journey and eventual standalone profitability of Tesla's energy storage division.

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“The energy business was heavily supported by the vehicle business through many years, to be frank, but finally kind of got out of that bird's nest and was able to fly on its own and generate serious profits and bring cash back to the Tesla broader company, and it was really a fulfilling journey.”

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More from Drew Baglino

Assertion Supported
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Drew Baglino Apr 23, 2025 ▶ 14:46 The scrappy beginning of Tesla’s energy business
Assertion Supported
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Insight
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Drew Baglino Apr 23, 2025 ▶ 23:36 The scrappy beginning of Tesla’s energy business
Assertion Not checkable as stated
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Drew Baglino Apr 23, 2025 ▶ 23:57 The scrappy beginning of Tesla’s energy business
Assertion Not checkable as stated
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Drew Baglino Apr 23, 2025 ▶ 5:26 The scrappy beginning of Tesla’s energy business
Assertion Not checkable as stated
Baglino: LG's Tesla Energy bet unlocked vehicle cell deals in China
“Ultimately, you know, they took a bet on Tesla on our team on the energy side and it ended up paying off for them when they ended up getting an opportunity to participate with the vehicle business in China and vehicle business in other places.”
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