When you think of Elon Musk, you probably picture a Tesla. But have you ever wondered, what car does Elon Musk drive personally? Elon Musk is most famously associated with the electric vehicles from his own company, making his personal driving habits a topic of public curiosity.
His answer is surprisingly straightforward, yet the story behind it reveals a lot about his priorities and vision. This article will detail the specific vehicles he owns, explain why he chooses them, and look at the other notable cars in his life.
What Car Does Elon Musk Drive
So, what is Elon Musk’s daily driver? The primary car Elon Musk drives is a Tesla Model S. More specifically, he has often been seen in a high-performance Tesla Model S Plaid. This isn’t just a company car; it’s a vehicle he personally owns and uses for regular transportation.
He has confirmed this in multiple interviews and public appearances. For a man leading multiple groundbreaking companies, his choice seems almost simple. But it’s a deeply strategic one.
Here are the key reasons why the Tesla Model S is his go-to vehicle:
- Product Loyalty: As the CEO and public face of Tesla, driving his own product is the ultimate vote of confidence. It shows he believes in what he’s selling.
- Practical Testing: Using the car daily allows him to experience the software, features, and performance firsthand. He often provides direct feedback to engineering teams based on his experience.
- Performance: The Model S Plaid is one of the fastest production cars in the world. It aligns with his interest in cutting-edge technology and speed.
- Convenience: With access to Tesla’s Supercharger network and home charging, it fits seamlessly into his busy lifestyle.
The Historical Favorite: The Tesla Roadster
Before the Model S, Musk’s main car was the original Tesla Roadster. This was the car that started it all for Tesla. Musk has often spoken fondly of this vehicle.
He was deeply involved in its development. In fact, the first production Tesla Roadster (VIN 001) was owned by Musk himself. He drove it regularly for years.
The Roadster holds sentimental value as the proof-of-concept that made electric cars exciting. While he doesn’t use it as a daily driver anymore, it remains a key part of his automotive history.
Other Cars In Elon Musk’s Garage
While Tesla’s dominate, Musk hasn’t exclusively driven electric vehicles from his own company throughout his life. His past car choices reflect his journey from tech entrepreneur to transportation revolutionary.
The Jaguar E-Type Series 1
One of Musk’s most prized possessions isn’t a Tesla at all. It’s a classic 1967 Jaguar E-Type Series 1. He has described this car as “maybe the most beautiful car ever made.”
He owned this car before Tesla even existed. Interestingly, he once mentioned a plan to convert it to an electric powertrain, blending his appreciation for classic design with his passion for electric propulsion. It’s unclear if this conversion ever happened, but the idea is pure Musk.
The Ford Model T
Musk also owns a 1920 Ford Model T. This choice is highly symbolic. The Model T was the car that “put the world on wheels,” making automobiles accessible to the masses.
For Musk, it serves as a reminder of the transformative power of automotive technology. His goal with Tesla is similar: to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy. The Model T is a physical touchstone for that ambition.
The BMW 320i
In his earlier days, during the Zip2 and PayPal era, Musk drove a modest BMW 320i. There’s a famous anecdote where this car broke down on the way to an important investor meeting.
He had to run the rest of the way. This period represents his bootstrap years, before the massive success that allowed him to pursue passion projects like Tesla and SpaceX.
Why Doesn’t Elon Musk Drive A Cybertruck Every Day?
Given the hype around Tesla’s angular stainless-steel pickup, you might expect Musk to be its first and most prominent driver. While he has been seen driving the Cybertruck for events and testing, it is not his reported daily driver.
There are a few practical reasons for this:
- Size and Maneuverability: The Cybertruck is a very large vehicle. For daily commuting and navigating crowded areas, a Model S is simply more practical and easier to park.
- Public Attention: The Cybertruck attracts enormous attention. For someone who values a degree of normalcy, the Model S is comparatively discreet.
- Established Platform: The Model S is a refined, known quantity. As a daily tool, its reliability and familiar interface are likely preferable.
He certainly uses the Cybertruck, but it appears to serve more as a promotional and testing vehicle for him rather than his primary personal car.
The Philosophy Behind His Choice
Elon Musk’s car choices are never arbitrary. They are extensions of his personal and professional philosophy. Understanding this context makes his preference for the Tesla Model S more meaningful.
Leading By Example
Musk believes in using the products he creates. This is a principle he applies at SpaceX as well, where he is deeply involved in engineering and design. Driving a Tesla daily is the automotive equivalent of “eating your own dog food.”
It demonstrates a genuine belief in the product’s quality and utility. If the CEO of an electric car company drove a gasoline car every day, it would send a terrible message to consumers, investors, and employees.
A Mobile Office And Testbed
For Musk, a car is not just for transportation. His Tesla is a connected workspace and a rolling test lab. The Model S’s large touchscreen, advanced software, and Autopilot features are tools he can evaluate in real-time.
He is known to send late-night emails to engineers with notes on software glitches or potential improvements he notices while driving. His direct feedback loop is a unique advantage for Tesla’s development process.
Symbolism Over Luxury
Notice that Musk does not drive ultra-exclusive, multi-million dollar hypercars like some other billionaires. His most used car is a Tesla Model S, a vehicle thousands of customers also own.
This underscores a key point: his focus is on the mission of sustainable transport, not on ostentatious displays of wealth. The Jaguar E-Type and Ford Model T are exceptions that prove the rule—they are owned for their historical and symbolic significance, not their price tags.
Public Appearances And Media Moments
Musk’s cars often feature in his public life. These moments provide snapshots of his relationship with his vehicles.
Late-Night Talk Show Rides
When Musk appears on shows like “The Joe Rogan Experience,” he often arrives in a Tesla. These unscripted arrivals reinforce the car’s role as his genuine mode of transport.
Viewers see him getting out of his own car, not a chauffeur-driven limousine. This builds an image of a hands-on, accessible technologist.
The Hyperloop Pod Transport
In a memorable stunt, Musk used his Tesla Model S to transport the first Hyperloop pod prototype. He towed it to the SpaceX headquarters for testing.
This was a powerful visual metaphor: his current electric car was literally carrying the future of transportation. It highlighted how his various companies and projects are interconnected.
Social Media Mentions
Musk occasionally mentions his driving experiences on X (formerly Twitter). Whether commenting on a new software update or the performance of the Plaid model, these offhand remarks confirm his active, engaged use of the product.
They also give fans and customers a sense that he is on the same journey they are, just a few software versions ahead.
What About His Family’s Cars?
Elon Musk’s transportation philosophy extends to his family. It is widely reported that his family members also primarily drive Teslas.
His ex-wife and the mother of his children has been seen driving a Tesla Model X, the SUV. This makes practical sense for a family with multiple children. The Model X’s Falcon Wing doors and spacious interior are designed for family use.
While he keeps his children out of the public eye, it is safe to assume that when they are old enough to drive, they will likely be introduced to Tesla vehicles. The consistency across his personal and family life strengthens the authenticity of his advocacy.
The Future: What Will Elon Musk Drive Next?
Predicting Musk’s next move is always challenging, but we can make educated guesses based on Tesla’s roadmap and his stated interests.
The Next-Generation Roadster
Announced in 2017, the new Tesla Roadster promises staggering performance figures. Musk has said it will be the fastest production car ever made, with record-breaking acceleration and top speed.
Given his attachment to the original Roadster, it is highly probable that he will make the new Roadster one of his personal vehicles when it finally enters production. It represents the pinnacle of Tesla’s performance engineering.
Full Self-Driving And Robotaxi
The biggest change in Musk’s driving habits may come when Tesla achieves full self-driving capability. He has stated that once the technology is robust, he will use it constantly.
His personal car could become a mobile office or lounge. Furthermore, if Tesla launches its planned Robotaxi network, his own vehicle might even generate income by giving rides when he isn’t using it. This would be the ultimate demonstration of the technology’s utility.
Specialty Vehicles From The Boring Company
Musk is also the founder of The Boring Company, which aims to build underground transportation tunnels. The company has developed modified Tesla vehicles with special guidance wheels for use in these tunnels.
While not a car for the open road, Musk will almost certainly use these modified Teslas for transportation within his own tunnel networks, showcasing yet another application of his core technology.
Common Misconceptions About His Cars
There are several myths and incorrect assumptions about what Elon Musk drives. Let’s clarify a few.
- Myth: He drives a different exotic car every day.
Reality: His daily driver is consistently reported to be a Tesla Model S. - Myth: He only owns Teslas.
Reality: He owns classic cars like the Jaguar E-Type and Ford Model T for their historical significance. - Myth: He has a large collection of luxury cars.
Reality: His collection is small and curated, focused on meaning over extravagance. - Myth: He is driven by a chauffeur most of the time.
Reality: He is frequently photographed driving himself, supporting the idea that he prefers to be behind the wheel.
FAQ Section
What Electric Car Does Elon Musk Drive?
Elon Musk primarily drives a Tesla Model S, specifically the high-performance Plaid variant. This is his main electric car for daily use. He also drove the original Tesla Roadster extensively in the past.
Does Elon Musk Own A Gasoline Car?
Yes, Elon Musk owns at least two classic gasoline-powered cars: a 1967 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 and a 1920 Ford Model T. He does not use these as daily drivers; they are part of his personal collection for their historical and aesthetic value.
What Was Elon Musk’s First Car?
Elon Musk’s first car was a used BMW 320i that he purchased during his time at the University of Pennsylvania. He has shared stories about this car breaking down, highlighting his more modest beginnings before his major entrepreneurial successes.
What Kind Of Car Does The Tesla CEO Drive?
As the CEO of Tesla, Elon Musk drives the products his company makes. His personal vehicle is a Tesla Model S. This aligns with his philosophy of using and believing in the technology he develops and sells to the public.
Does Elon Musk Drive A Cybertruck?
Elon Musk has been seen driving the Tesla Cybertruck for promotional events and testing purposes. However, it is not considered his primary daily driver. For regular commuting and travel, he continues to use a Tesla Model S due to its practicality and refined features.
In summary, the direct answer to “what car does Elon Musk drive” is a Tesla Model S. This choice is a deliberate blend of practicality, professional duty, and personal belief. It serves as his daily transport, mobile office, and a real-world testbed for his company’s most important product.
His smaller collection of classic cars reveals an apprecation for automotive history and design, but his daily life is firmly rooted in the electric future he is building. By driving what he sells, he embodies the mission of Tesla more convincingly than any advertisement ever could.
So, while you might see him in a Cybertruck at a launch event or reminisceing about his old Jaguar, his true go-to vehicle remains the car that defined Tesla’s rise: the Model S. Its a testament to the idea that the most powerful statement a leader can make is sometimes as simple as what they choose to drive every day.