Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, recently said that building a $25,000 Tesla designed for human drivers is “pointless.” This statement reflects Tesla’s ongoing push toward a future dominated by fully autonomous vehicles, where human intervention will be unnecessary for driving. Musk’s comment sheds light on Tesla’s vision of prioritizing self-driving technology over producing lower-cost, manually operated cars.
Musk has been vocal about his belief in a transformative shift within the automotive industry, where autonomous vehicles (AVs) will revolutionize transportation by increasing efficiency, reducing accidents, and lowering the overall cost of travel. He argues that Tesla’s resources are better allocated to developing a fleet of self-driving cars, which could operate continuously as autonomous taxis, thus reducing the need for low-cost, human-operated vehicles.
The idea of a $25,000 Tesla has long been a point of interest, particularly for those seeking a more affordable entry into electric vehicles (EVs). However, according to Musk, focusing on AV technology is a more effective way to accelerate Tesla’s mission.
Advancing self-driving capabilities could create a future where personal car ownership becomes less necessary and replaced by on-demand transportation that’s safer and more affordable than today’s options.
Tesla’s decision is strategic: rather than spending resources on a vehicle model that might soon be outdated, the company is investing in technology that aligns with its long-term vision. This approach may initially seem like a missed opportunity for consumers seeking affordable EVs. Still, Musk believes the benefits of autonomous technology will outweigh the short-term appeal of a budget model.
