Tesla Proposes $1 Trillion Pay Package for Elon Musk, Tied to Ambitious AI and Robotics Goals

Reviewed byNidhi Govil

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Tesla's board has proposed a groundbreaking $1 trillion compensation plan for CEO Elon Musk, contingent on achieving ambitious targets in AI, robotics, and market valuation over the next decade.

Tesla's Unprecedented $1 Trillion Pay Package Proposal

Tesla's board has put forward a groundbreaking $1 trillion compensation plan for CEO Elon Musk, potentially making him the world's first trillionaire if approved by shareholders

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. This proposal, which dwarfs Musk's previous $56 billion package from 2018, is designed to keep the visionary leader focused on Tesla's ambitious goals in AI and robotics over the next decade

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Source: Inc. Magazine

Source: Inc. Magazine

Ambitious Targets and Milestones

The proposed package is tied to a series of formidable targets that Musk must meet to receive the full payout:

  1. Market Valuation: Tesla's market cap must reach $8.5 trillion, up from its current $1.09 trillion

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  2. Vehicle Sales: Sell 12 million more electric vehicles

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  3. Autonomous Driving: Achieve 10 million autonomous driving subscriptions

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  4. Robotaxi Network: Deploy and operate 1 million cars in a Robotaxi network

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  5. AI Robots: Sell 1 million AI-powered humanoid robots

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  6. Earnings Growth: Increase adjusted earnings 24-fold to $400 billion

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Structure and Governance

The compensation plan is structured in 12 tranches, each worth 1% of Tesla stock (about 35 million shares)

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. Musk would receive no salary or cash bonus, with all compensation linked to performance

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. To unlock each tranche, Musk must achieve both a market cap milestone and an operational target

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Implications and Criticisms

While the board argues that this package is necessary to retain Musk and drive Tesla's transformation into an AI and robotics powerhouse, critics have raised concerns:

  1. Governance Issues: The plan could significantly increase Musk's voting power and control over the company

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  2. Shareholder Dilution: The massive stock award could lead to substantial dilution for existing shareholders

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  3. Regulatory Scrutiny: The unprecedented size of the package may attract regulatory attention and legal challenges

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Context and Previous Compensation Disputes

Source: engadget

Source: engadget

This proposal comes in the wake of a legal battle over Musk's 2018 pay package, which was struck down by a Delaware judge

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. Tesla has since moved its incorporation to Texas and is appealing the decision

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. The company also recently awarded Musk an interim package worth about $29 billion

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Shareholder Vote and Future Implications

Tesla shareholders will vote on the new package at the annual meeting on November 6 in Austin, Texas

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. If approved, it could set a new precedent for executive compensation in the tech industry and beyond, potentially influencing boardroom discussions across corporate America

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Source: Market Screener

Source: Market Screener

As Tesla aims to pivot towards an AI-first strategy, this compensation plan underscores the board's confidence in Musk's vision. However, it also raises important questions about corporate governance, shareholder value, and the future direction of one of the world's most valuable companies

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