SpaceX Spending on Tesla Megapacks Reaches $329 Million in 2026
SpaceX has significantly increased its purchases of Tesla Megapack battery storage devices, spending $295 million in the second quarter alone and bringing its total spend to $329 million so far this year. Revealed in a recent earnings report, the transactions underscore the deep operational links across companies led by Elon Musk, including SpaceX, Tesla, and xAI.
What Happened
According to a regulatory filing released on Tuesday, SpaceX spent $295 million on Tesla Megapacks during the second quarter of the year. This follows an earlier first-quarter spend of $34 million, taking the year-to-date total to $329 million. The large-scale energy storage devices are likely intended for deployment at xAI data centers. SpaceX acquired xAI earlier this year, after xAI had previously acquired the social media platform X in 2025.
This is not the first major transaction between these entities. Prior to its merger with SpaceX, xAI had separately purchased $430 million worth of Megapacks for its data infrastructure. Additionally, regulatory filings reveal that as of December 2025, SpaceX had purchased $131 million worth of Tesla Cybertrucks at manufacturer suggested retail prices.
Key Highlights
- SpaceX invested $295 million in Tesla Megapacks during Q2, totaling $329 million for the year.
- xAI previously bought $430 million in Megapacks prior to its merger with SpaceX earlier this year.
- SpaceX had also acquired $131 million worth of Tesla Cybertrucks at MSRP as of December 2025.
- Elon Musk serves as CEO and largest shareholder of SpaceX while also leading Tesla.
- Megapack batteries support xAI data centers, which also rely on natural gas turbines, including unpermitted turbines near the Colossus project in Mississippi.
Why This Matters
Industrial-scale batteries like the Tesla Megapack serve critical operational functions in artificial intelligence data centers. Power demands in AI facilities fluctuate dramatically based on the computational needs of training models and running inference. These battery systems can dispatch substantial backup power in one second or less, supplying additional energy when graphics processing units (GPUs) experience demand spikes.
By absorbing peak loads, battery storage helps smooth out power usage, preventing facilities from overwhelming on-site generators or incurring heavy peak-demand fees from local electric utilities. While xAI relies heavily on natural gas to meet its power requirements—including dozens of unpermitted turbines situated near its Colossus data center project in Mississippi—Megapacks provide vital stability and energy balancing.
What to Watch Next
Regulators and industry observers will monitor how SpaceX continues to integrate xAI’s expanding data center network and power requirements following their merger, as well as any future equipment purchases disclosed in upcoming corporate filings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much has SpaceX spent on Tesla Megapacks this year?
SpaceX has spent $329 million on Tesla Megapacks so far this year, consisting of $34 million in the first quarter and $295 million in the second quarter.
Why are Megapacks used in AI data centers?
Megapack batteries provide backup power within a second or less and smooth out variable energy demand from GPUs during AI model training and inference, avoiding peak charges from utilities and strain on generators.
What is the connection between SpaceX, Tesla, and xAI?
Elon Musk is the CEO and largest shareholder of SpaceX and also runs Tesla. xAI acquired X in 2025, and SpaceX subsequently acquired xAI earlier this year.
Source: SEC regulatory filings and TechCrunch report.