ELON MUSK

CEO, Tesla Motors

Chosen because: Musk, 39, is willing to put his money where his mouth is. In 2003 he co-founded Tesla Motors to produce a pure electric vehicle. He invested $6.35 million in the company in 2004. Musk, a multimillionaire and entrepreneur, put more money into Tesla in 2008. Musk also co-founded online payment service PayPal and Space Exploration Technologies, which develops low-cost space launch vehicles. Tesla's $109,000 Roadster electric sports car aims to prove that electricity, speed and luxury are not incompatible. The car, which is powered by more than 6,000 battery cells, claims 0 to 60 in 3.7 seconds and 245 miles per charge. More than 1,500 Roadsters have been sold since the vehicle was launched in 2008. Tesla will begin deliveries of the Model S, a mid-sized EV sedan that will be priced at $49,900, in mid-2012.

Quote: "If I didn't think that it was extremely important that we accelerate the advent of the electric car, I wouldn't even be bothered with Tesla. This is a huge distraction from my space activity."