Tesla’s recent compensation plan for Elon Musk has reignited discussions regarding the origins of his artificial intelligence project, xAI. The proxy statement, filed on September 5, 2025, detailed Musk’s potential earnings worth trillions and mentioned xAI in an unexpected manner, leading to speculation about a possible hidden meaning behind its name. The 16-page plan outlines an ambitious strategy linking Musk’s compensation to Tesla’s growth. If certain targets are achieved, Musk could gain ownership of over a quarter of what could become an $8.5 trillion company.
Tesla emphasized Musk’s accomplishments with firms like SpaceX, Neuralink, and referred to xAI as ‘eXploratory Artificial Intelligence or ‘xAI.’ This specific phrasing has raised eyebrows since it appears solely in Tesla’s proxy document and is absent from other official documents. xAI, also known as X.AI Corp., does not use this term on its website, in Nevada incorporation papers, federal lawsuits, or securities filings; it is consistently referred to simply as xAI or X.AI Corp. A review by Business Insider of public records indicates that Tesla’s description may not align with the company’s official branding. The term ‘exploratory artificial intelligence’ is infrequently found online, appearing only sporadically in academic literature or niche blogs.
Interestingly, Musk’s chatbot Grok mentioned ‘exploratory AI’ in various social media interactions this past summer, but these references were connected to creative engagements rather than serving as an alternative name for xAI. Further complicating the matter, both Tesla and xAI did not respond to inquiries regarding whether the company name genuinely signifies ‘exploratory artificial intelligence.’ This lack of response has left the interpretation open to speculation. However, it is evident that Musk has a long-standing affinity for the letter ‘X.’ From SpaceX and Tesla’s Model X to naming his son ‘X’ and his fintech roots with X.com (which evolved into PayPal), the character has become a consistent theme in Musk’s projects.
His acquisition and rebranding of Twitter to X.com in 2022 further solidified this identity. xAI was established in Nevada in March 2023 and introduced by Musk during a livestream in July, where he outlined its mission to develop beneficial AGI aimed at comprehending the universe. Earlier in 2025, xAI merged with Musk’s social media venture, X Corp., reinforcing the interconnectedness of his ‘X’-themed empire. While the phrase ‘exploratory artificial intelligence’ may have appeared in Tesla’s proxy statement, it remains unclear if this was intentional or merely a descriptive embellishment. Until more information is provided by Musk or xAI, the name continues to evoke intrigue—appropriate for a company focused on unraveling the mysteries of the universe.