Tesla Motors recently announced it will provide access to its patents to other automakers at no charge, as it seeks to expand adoption of battery-powered automobiles. In last week's CI CyberNews CyberPoll, we asked readers if this idea makes any sense. The majority of respondents (71.4%) said yes, while 14.3% said no and the remaining 14.3% were unsure. One reader commented, "Not the behavior you'd expect from a for-profit corporation. One interesting question is whether the other automakers will decide using the technology will produce a good ROI."

 

Other comments included:
 

"What's the point in getting a patent, if you're going to give away the invention? License it but don't give away!"

 

"Battery production volume is a major hurdle for many traction applications. Expanded production/markets should reduce the cost and lead to broader application."

 

Are you interested in taking the industry's pulse on a particular topic? Send your suggestions for CyberPoll questions to Kelsey Seidler at seidlerk@bnpmedia.com.

 

Many thanks to all of the CI CyberNews readers who have participated in our CyberPolls. Not a CI CyberNews subscriber? Follow this link to sign up for your free subscription!