Core Insights - Tesla has applied for an electricity supply license in the UK, indicating its intention to compete directly with existing large energy companies in the market [1][5]. Group 1: Tesla's Energy Ventures - The application was submitted by Tesla Energy Ventures Limited, headquartered in Manchester, and signed by Andrew Payne, the head of Tesla's energy division for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa [5]. - Tesla has been expanding its energy product and service offerings, including battery storage and solar solutions, as part of its strategy to enhance its presence in the energy sector [5]. - In 2024, Tesla's energy business is expected to see significant revenue growth, with sales of solar batteries and storage products increasing by $1.5 billion, representing a 93% year-over-year growth [5]. Group 2: Market Context and Challenges - Tesla's entry into the UK electricity market comes at a time when its core automotive business is under pressure, with a reported 16% year-over-year decline in automotive revenue for Q2 [6]. - The sales of Tesla's main models, Model Y and Model 3, have decreased by 12% year-over-year, with high-end model sales plummeting by 52% [6]. - In the UK, new car sales in July dropped by 60% compared to the same period last year, while sales in the European market fell by 22% [6].