Tesla’s CEO Vows to Make Ventilators if There is a Shortage

Someone recently asked Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk if he would consider using his Fremont factory to manufacture ventilators. Many people suffering from COVID-19 require lengthy amounts of time connected to one to help them breathe while they recover.

Musk tweeted, “We will make ventilators if there is a shortage.”

Well, FiveThirtyEight editor in chief Nate Silver said there is a shortage right now.

Musk tweeted to Silver, “Tesla makes cars with sophisticated hvac systems. SpaceX makes spacecraft with life support systems. Ventilators are not difficult, but cannot be produced instantly. Which hospitals have these shortages you speak of right now?”

NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio had tweeted to Musk on Thursday, “Our country is facing a drastic shortage and we need ventilators ASAP — we will need thousands in this city over the next few weeks. We’re getting them as fast as we can but we could use your help!”

Musk then tweeted on the 20th, “We’re working on ventilators, even though I think they probably won’t be needed.”

Tesla will be cutting its headcount at the Fremont facility to about 2,500 to help workers maintain social distancing and avoid spreading the disease.

Disclaimer: We have no position in Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) and have not been compensated for this article.