Elon Musk Confirms Tesla Now Accepts Bitcoin As Payment For EVs
In February, we reported that Tesla went in on Bitcoin, investing $1.5 billion and laying the groundwork to accept payments using the cryptocurrency. Since then, Bitcoin is up over $13,000, which has earned Elon Musk’s company in the neighborhood of $480 million. Now, Tesla intends to increase its amassed wealth by allowing new Tesla purchases to be completed using Bitcoin.
In a brief series of Tweets overnight, Musk announced that Tesla is now accepting Bitcoin payments within the US. Later this year, the feature will roll out worldwide so anyone can use their cryptocurrency wallet to make a Tesla purchase. As one astute Twitter user amusingly pointed out, you can now trade an appreciating item for a depreciating item.
Interestingly, Musk also tweeted that “Bitcoin paid to Tesla will be retained as Bitcoin, not converted to fiat currency.” This move should vastly increase Tesla’s wealth of Bitcoin and increase the value of the cryptocurrency for all. Over the last year, Bitcoin has increased in value by approximately 742 percent, up to $56,000 at the time of writing. With Musk’s endorsement, that trend is likely to continue accelerating.Pay by Bitcoin capability available outside US later this year
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 24, 2021
