One futuristic car has captured attention. But the bigger story may be the metals needed to power tomorrow’s technology.
Elon Musk has once again pushed the boundaries of what people expect from an electric car.
Tesla has unveiled its next-generation Roadster, featuring a version equipped with SpaceX-inspired cold-gas thrusters. During the demonstration, the vehicle performed dramatic airborne manoeuvres—fueling fresh debate about the future of transportation.
But beneath the headlines about flying cars, rockets and extreme acceleration lies another question:
Could the technologies of tomorrow help strengthen demand for copper—and what would it take for copper prices to double by 2031?
⚡ 1. THE FUTURE IS MORE THAN JUST A CAR
The new Roadster is not simply a conventional electric sports car.
Tesla describes a vehicle incorporating advanced aerodynamics, electric propulsion and, in its special Rocket configuration, cold-gas thrusters designed to support airborne movement. The Rocket version is not approved for public-road use, and Tesla says production is planned for 2028. Its future availability and capabilities should therefore be treated with caution. �
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So, where does copper come into the picture?
Copper is widely used in electrical systems because it conducts electricity efficiently. Electric motors, wiring, charging equipment and power infrastructure are all relevant to the wider electrification story.
However, Tesla has not publicly disclosed the exact copper content of this new Roadster. Its rocket-style propulsion system also relies on compressed gas and specialised components, not copper as its main propulsion material. �
MotorTrend
The real $COPPER story is therefore not that one futuristic car will consume enormous quantities of the metal.
It is that the world is building more technologies that need electricity—and the infrastructure required to deliver it.
🔌 2. WHY COPPER COULD MATTER MORE BY 2031
Think beyond one vehicle.
Consider the combination of:
Electric vehicles and charging networks.
Expansion and modernisation of electricity grids.
Renewable energy projects.
Data centres supporting artificial intelligence.
Industrial electrification and urban infrastructure.
These developments may increase demand for copper over time. But demand growth alone does not guarantee higher prices.
Copper prices also depend on mine production, recycling, economic growth, inventories, substitution and how much future demand the market has already priced in.
The key question is whether copper supply can keep pace with demand at a price the market is willing to pay.
If supply struggles to respond while demand grows, prices could face upward pressure. If new mines, recycling or weaker economic activity ease the pressure, the outcome could be very different.
📈 3. WHAT WOULD COPPER NEED TO REACH TO DOUBLE BY 2031?
Let’s put the idea into numbers.
For illustration, suppose copper is trading at $14,410 per metric tonne.
If that reference price were accurate for the date , a doubling would mean:
Measurement
Price
Illustrative starting price
$14,410/tonne
Target after doubling
$28,820/tonne
Total price increase required
100%
That is a substantial move. Copper would need to rise consistently over several years—or experience a combination of steady gains and sharp rallies—to reach that level.
What annual growth would be required?
Assuming a five-year period:
Average annual price growth
Illustrative price after 5 years
5%
$18,413/tonne
10%
$23,198/tonne
14.9%
Approximately $28,820/tonne
18%
$32,106/tonne
The important takeaway is that doubling requires a powerful combination of market conditions. A compelling technology story alone is not enough.
⚠️ 4. WHAT COULD STOP COPPER FROM DOUBLING?
There are several risks worth watching.
More supply: New mines, mine expansions and improved production could reduce shortages.
Economic weakness: A global slowdown could weaken demand from construction, manufacturing and industry.
Recycling and substitution: Higher prices can encourage more recycling and efforts to use alternative materials.
Expectations already priced in: If investors have already anticipated future shortages, prices may not rise as much as the underlying demand story suggests.
These risks matter because a strong long-term narrative does not guarantee a profitable price outcome.
🔍 5. MY BIGGER QUESTION
Elon Musk’s Roadster is a striking example of how technology continues to evolve. But the more important question for copper is much broader:
As electric transportation, AI infrastructure, power grids and industrial electrification expand, will copper supply grow quickly enough to meet the demand?
If the answer is no, higher prices may be needed to encourage new supply and investment.
If the answer is yes, the market may not need a dramatic price increase.
That is the tension at the heart of the copper thesis.
I am watching the long-term relationship between demand growth, supply constraints and price—not assuming that every new technology automatically makes copper more valuable.
💬 YOUR VIEW
Could copper reach twice its starting price by 2031, or is that too ambitious?
Would you focus more on rising demand from electrification and AI—or on the risk that new supply could prevent a major rally?
Share your thoughts below. 👇
#Copper #Tesla #ElonMusk #ElectricVehicles #Commodities #MarketAnalysis
