Tesla 'master plan': electric trucks, buses, and ride-sharing

PALO ALTO, Calif., July 21 (UPI) -- Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled the second part of his so-called "Master Plan" on Wednesday, blogging his company would move into heavy trucks, buses and ride-sharing programs.

In his company blog, Musk revealed a detailed strategy for various new Tesla vehicles and an expanded solar initiative that was only in the early development stages now, but could be ready introduced next year.

The ambitious plan, some analysts speculated, was revealed now as a way of taking attention away from the Tesla's recent troubles, including a government investigation of their so-called autopilot feature and the company's difficulty in delivering new models on time.

Tesla's new expansion includes commercial heavy freight trucks and buses for public transportation, but also consumer cars like a compact SUV and a pickup truck.

Musk wrote the company will utilize their recent acquisition SolarCity, to develop a rooftop solar panel that will charge the consumer and public vehicles.

"There are two other types of electric vehicles needed: heavy-duty trucks and high passenger-density urban transport," Musk blogged Wednesday evening. "Both are in the early stages of development and should be ready for unveiling next year."