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Elon Musk's Tesla Motors Is Changing Its Name

Tesla is following in the footsteps of Apple and is changing its name.
Image: Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors and SpaceX, attends the Reuters Global Technology Summit in San Francisco
Elon Musk, Chief Executive of Tesla Motors and SpaceX, attends the Reuters Global Technology Summit in San Francisco June 18, 2013.STEPHEN LAM / Reuters

Tesla Motors has now officially renamed itself Tesla, reflecting the company's expansion beyond cars into lithium ion batteries and solar energy.

The name change was expected after the company shortened its web address in June of 2016.

Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk introduces the Model X electric sports-utility vehicles during a presentation in Fremont, California
Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk introduces the falcon wing door on the Model X electric sports-utility vehicles during a 2015 presentation in California. REUTERS/Stephen Lam/File PhotoREUTERS

Related: Elon Musk Envisions Solar Roofs Powering Homes

The change comes days after the company cut the ribbon on a large battery storage installment at a power station in southern California, to store energy for use during peak hours.

Tesla sells its large Powerpack batteries to utilities and large commercial customers, its Powerwall to residential customers and smaller businesses, and sells solar power products, following its acquisition of SolarCity.

Tesla certainly isn't the first company to shed part of its name, signaling a shift in its business.

Apple famously dropped the "Computer" part of its name in 2007 to reflect its new products, including the iPhone and Apple TV. Last year, Snapchat became Snap, positioning itself as a camera company.