Tesla has generated almost $ 5000 in revenue over the years from rival car makers due to a system in California that requires car makers to sell electric and other non - polluting vehicles in proportion to their market share . “In effect, they helped to finance this upstart company which now has all the glamour.” If manufacturers fail to sell enough they are required by law to buy credits elsewhere – from competitors such as Tesla that sells only battery - powered models . Tesla sold $ 302.3 m in regulatory credits last year alone and led the electric vehicle industry . China and the European Union are considering adopting a credit system similar to California ’s .
Tesla has generated almost $ 5000 in revenue over the years from rival car makers due to a system in California that requires car makers to sell electric and other non - polluting vehicles in proportion to their market share . If manufacturers fail to sell enough they are required by law to buy credits elsewhere – from competitors such as Tesla that sells only battery - powered models . Tesla sold $ 302.3 m in regulatory credits last year alone and led the electric vehicle industry . China and the European Union are considering adopting a credit system similar to California ’s .