Phillips 66 (PSX), Valero Energy Corporation (VLO): What If Tesla Motors Inc (TSLA) Took 500,000 Gas-Guzzlers Off the Road?

In fact, the U.S. has now become a net exporter of refined petroleum products because of lower U.S. demand and our competitive advantage in the marketplace. This situation is putting U.S. refiners with a strong Gulf Coast presence like Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO) in a key competitive position to take advantage of future demand outside the United States. Tesla might actually be doing these companies a favor, as refined petroleum product exports are more valuable than those sold in the domestic marketplace.

Final Foolish thoughts

Tesla’s bold goal to sell 500,000 cars per year is a great dream, but it won’t put gasoline refiners out of business anytime soon. Instead, these companies will simply have more gasoline available for the export market, which is a real positive for our economy. That’s not to say half a million Teslas won’t affect the energy markets, so tune in next week for a look at how that many Teslas could affect the electricity marketplace.

The article What If Tesla Took 500,000 Gas-Guzzlers Off the Road? originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Matt DiLallo.

Fool contributor Matt DiLallo owns shares of Phillips 66 and also has long January 2014 $10 calls and short January 2014 $10 puts on Ford. The Motley Fool recommends Ford and Tesla Motors and owns shares of Ford, General Electric, and Tesla Motors .

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