Tesla sees record profit as electric car deliveries soar

Those numbers fell short of the 1m vehicles previously promised by the company, but came in the face of a global shortage of computer chips that has slowed the entire auto industry.

Musk said in a call with investors that the company would look to build new factories over the next year, announcing new locations by the end of 2022.

The company has also faced investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration over safety concerns with its Autopilot features. That investigation focused on 12 crashes in which Tesla owners collided with stationary vehicles, resulting in 17 injuries and one fatality.

Tesla has weathered the global supply chain crisis better than other automakers, and analysts on average expect December-quarter revenue up 53% to $16.41bn and adjusted earnings per share of $2.32, according to Refinitiv.