Tesla CEO Elon Musk talks to media as he arrives at a construction site in September, 2020.
Odd Andersen—AFP/Getty Images

In 2020, Tesla became the most valuable car company in the world, earning it a spot on the S&P 500 index. Just 18 years old—a newcomer compared with the legacy automotive companies—and with its first profitable year now under its belt, Tesla continues to move beyond just manufacturing some of the world’s most glamorous cars. It has also established itself as a leader in the renewable electric-energy sector, with its Powerwall, Powerpack and Solar Roof divisions providing electric-energy generation and storage for businesses, utilities and homes. The cars are cool; the commitment to clean, renewable energy is cooler.

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Write to Jeffrey Kluger at jeffrey.kluger@time.com.

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