Cars
Elon Musk says Tesla’s $25,000 EV is dead, calling it “pointless”
Meanwhile, the Roadster is yet to see the light of day.
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In a move that should surprise no one, Elon Musk has killed the idea of a $25,000 Tesla, calling the concept “pointless” and “silly.”
This about-face comes after years of promising an affordable entry-level model. It seems Tesla’s focus has shifted to autonomous vehicles, leaving budget-conscious buyers out in the cold.
The news came during Tesla’s Q3 2024 earnings call, where Musk stated, “We’re not making a non-robotaxi [model]. I think we’ve been very clear that the future is autonomous.”
He comparede non-autonomous ICE vehicles to outdated tech like horses and flip phones. It’s a bold strategy, especially considering Tesla’s Q3 earnings were a mixed bag, with revenue up 8% but missing some expectations.
But hey, who needs affordable EVs for the masses when you can focus on self-driving cars and…flying roadsters?
When asked about the long-delayed second-gen Roadster, Musk teased the possibility of flight, because why not?
The Roadster, first unveiled in 2017, has become a running joke among Tesla fans.
Musk thanked the “long-suffering” deposit holders, saying the design is almost finalized and will be “something spectacular”. Because “spectacular” is exactly what you want when you’ve been waiting seven years for a car.
Musk justified the delay by saying the Roadster is like “dessert” compared to Tesla’s more important projects focused on a sustainable energy future.
It’s a noble sentiment, but those who dropped deposits probably didn’t realize their Roadster was contingent on Tesla single-handedly saving the world.
So, where does this leave would-be Tesla buyers on a budget? With few options. The cheapest Tesla currently available is the Model 3, starting at $38,990.
Hardly the “affordable” option Musk once promised. It seems Tesla is content to leave the budget EV market to other manufacturers, at least for now.
As for the Roadster, well, we’ll believe it when we see it. And if it flies? That’ll be something else entirely.
What are your thoughts on this move from Tesla? We’re you looking forward to an affordable Tesla model? Let’s chat below in the comments, or ping us via our Twitter or Facebook.
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j r
October 29, 2024 at 7:46 am
Umm, not quite what I heard, still affordable models are coming…
Plans for new vehicles, including more affordable models, remain on track for start of production in the first half of 2025. These vehicles will utilize aspects of the next generation platform as well as aspects of our current platforms and will be able to be produced on the same manufacturing lines as our current vehicle line-up.
This approach will result in achieving less cost reduction than previously expected but enables us to prudently grow our vehicle volumes in a more capex efficient manner during uncertain times. This should help us fully utilize our current expected maximum capacity of close to three million vehicles, enabling more than 50% growth over 2023 production before investing in new manufacturing lines.
Our purpose-built Robotaxi product will continue to pursue a revolutionary “unboxed” manufacturing strategy.
This passage is actually exactly the same as what appeared in Tesla’s Q2 earnings, just shifted forward in time three months.