Elon Musk Predicts Energy Will Replace Currency and Endorses Universal High Income

Elon Musk has predicted that the future of the world, where AI and robotics technologies will rule, will be such that currency will become irrelevant and energy will rule. While speaking at the Tesla shareholders’ meeting, Musk shared his views about a future where value will be tied to the amount of energy produced rather than money.

He goes on to say that jobs will become optional because people do not have to earn money. Musk’s ideas are rooted in his ongoing ventures, namely xAI, Tesla Bot, and space-based solar power, which are expected to become the pioneers in this technology. While there will be other companies to take forward this idea, Tesla will lead the campaign. 

AI and Robotics to Take Over

Musk envisions a future where artificial intelligence and humanoid robotics will take over the scene. As money becomes irrelevant, most jobs will become optional, and poverty will be completely wiped off. Musk also introduced the concept of Universal High Income.

Optimus will eliminate poverty and provide universal high income for all https://t.co/ZfKSOuQvrq

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 16, 2025

Elon Musk had made similar statements before, too. While he is unsure about the timeline for when this will materialize, he expects these changes to occur within the next 10 to 20 years. AI and Robotics will help eliminate poverty by removing the cost of basic goods and services. 

Musk’s Concept of Universal High Income

Musk’s concept of Universal High Income can be understood in connection with his idea of an energy-based future. In a world where AI and Robotics are to rule, all types of labor will be automated. This will lead to a post-scarcity environment with high productivity, with all resources accessible to all. The cost of production will be so low that everyone can access any product or service they desire as if they have a high income. 

Universal high income is the opposite of universal basic income. The need to work will be eliminated. Work will become an activity done for personal satisfaction rather than a necessity. The transition from universal basic income to universal high income will depend on the leap in productivity caused by AI and Robotics. 

The Bottom Line

The future, as envisioned by Elon Musk, is one where there will be no discrimination based on money. For the third world countries that face rapid growth in population and limited availability of resources, AI and Robotics will help the authorities ensure an equitable distribution of resources. 

Technology will redefine the purpose of human lives. The idea is not seen as a fantasy, but a possible scenario in the future, which is quite liberating. Musk’s idea also alleviates the general apprehensions that AI will eat into the job opportunities of people.