According to a recent report by the American media outlet The Information, amidst a slowdown in the electric vehicle industry and increasing competition, Tesla seems to be undergoing an unexpected strategic shift. Currently, this is merely speculation and unverified news, suggesting that Musk is shifting the company’s core focus from the highly anticipated affordable electric vehicle “Model 2” to artificial intelligence and robotics projects—including Robotaxi autonomous taxis and the humanoid robot Optimus. This decision has stirred considerable internal debate within the company and raised questions about Tesla’s future direction from the outside.
A Strategic Shift: Abandoning “Model 2” in Favor of AI and Robotics
As early as last year, Musk began to lose interest in the originally planned $25,000 mass-market electric vehicle project. This model, nicknamed “Model 2” by the public, was initially seen as a key step for Tesla to enter the mainstream family user market. Many executives and investors had high expectations for this entry-level model, believing it could open new growth opportunities in markets like China and the U.S.
However, Musk’s interests have long since shifted to a more aggressive technological vision. He believes that the future lies in autonomous driving and robotics technology. Rather than continuing to invest massive resources in developing a low-margin affordable model, he prefers to bet on the Robotaxi and humanoid robot projects.
Internal Controversy: Can Robotaxis Really Support the Future?
This decision has not been without dissent. According to media reports, Tesla has conducted multiple rounds of analysis regarding the profitability of Robotaxis, with some models predicting that their sales and market acceptance are far below Musk’s optimistic estimates.
Especially in developing countries or densely populated cities, affordable electric vehicles may have greater market potential. The legal regulations, technological maturity, and user habits that Robotaxis face are difficult to resolve in the short term. Some executives even worry that this path could bring significant financial risks.
Market Reaction: Slowing Growth and Intensifying Competition
This strategic pivot has already had a substantial impact on Tesla’s business. In recent quarters, the launch of new Tesla models has stagnated, and sales growth has noticeably slowed. Investors are concerned about the lack of a clear growth path for the company, leading to a significant decline in stock prices.
Meanwhile, Chinese manufacturers like BYD are rapidly capturing the global market for economical electric vehicles, maximizing price and cost-effectiveness. The market share that once belonged to Tesla is quietly being eroded by these agile and efficient competitors.
Musk himself has repeatedly stated that he believes fully autonomous driving technology will fundamentally change the way we travel in the near future. Even existing Tesla models could potentially be upgraded to become driverless taxis, allowing owners to “make money” on their own.
A Bet or a Gamble?
In an era where AI and robotics are key buzzwords in the tech industry, Musk’s choice is understandable. However, the issue is that this transformation does not come without costs. Abandoning the mainstream market, challenging the still numerous obstacles of Robotaxis, and facing fierce international competition… each step feels like walking a tightrope.
Can Tesla lead the industry again through AI, or will it miss a golden growth period that should have belonged to it? This technological gamble remains to be seen.
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