Elon Musk's answers in 2009
Q5 Why go to Mars / what is SpaceX's mission?
In college one interest was space travel, extending life beyond Earth and making life multiplanetary; those were the areas he thought would most affect humanity, not a career plan. link
In college three areas seemed most likely to affect the future: the internet, the transition to sustainable energy and transportation, and space exploration — in particular the extension of life to multiple planets. link
Q11 What drives you / what is the meaning of life?
He had been thinking about electric cars for 17 or 18 years, including talking to dates in college about their importance. link
Q46 Do regulations hold you back?
The private sector is generally better at optimization and innovation; government still has a role in basic research. Space has seen little improvement because of huge capital and knowledge barriers to entry. link
Q53 What's your vision for energy abundance?
He said the Model S aspires to be the first mass-produced highway-capable electric car, historic if they fulfill that. link
Tesla's point is to accelerate the electric-car revolution through cars it produces and cars it helps other companies produce, including Daimler. link
He said even on 100% coal power, the Roadster produces less CO2 per mile than a Prius. link
The purpose of putting time and money into Tesla is to serve as a catalyst for accelerating the electric car revolution, because the pump price of gas does not reflect its true cost. link
Q125 What is Tesla's mission?
He said the goal of Tesla has always been to make mass-market electric cars. link
Q127 What is the new Tesla Roadster?
He said Roadster buyers at $100,000 help pay for development of the lower-cost cars to follow. link