Elon Musk has once again shifted Tesla’s narrative, leaving fans and critics alike buzzing. During Tesla’s Q3 2024 earnings call, Musk addressed lingering questions about the elusive $25,000 Tesla and the much-anticipated second-generation Roadster. While delivering his usual mix of vision and hyperbole, Musk dashed hopes for the affordable EV while floating the possibility—quite literally—of a flying car.
A $25,000 Tesla? “Pointless,” Says Musk
Speculation about a $25,000 Tesla has been swirling for years. Musk originally promised a budget-friendly electric car to make EVs accessible to more buyers. However, during the Q&A portion of the earnings call, Musk decisively shut the door on the concept.
“We’re not making a non-robotaxi [model],” Musk declared. “I think we’ve been very clear that the future is autonomous.” He likened non-autonomous vehicles to obsolete technologies such as horses and flip phones, emphasizing that Tesla’s vision is laser-focused on autonomy.
According to Musk, a $25,000 vehicle that lacks autonomous functionality contradicts Tesla’s philosophy. “A $25k regular model is pointless,” he said. “It would be silly. It would be completely at odds with what we [Tesla] believe.”
The announcement may not surprise those tracking Tesla’s trajectory. The company has consistently pivoted toward advanced autonomy, leaving behind earlier promises that don’t align with its current goals. Still, Musk’s dismissal of an affordable EV as “silly” stings for many who viewed Tesla as a catalyst for democratizing electric cars.
What About the Roadster?
The second-generation Tesla Roadster, unveiled in 2017, has become something of a Tesla legend. Fans have waited for updates, and deposit holders have grown increasingly restless. When asked about the Roadster’s status, Musk responded with a mix of humor and gratitude, thanking deposit holders for their patience.
“The reason why it hasn’t come out yet is because it’s not just the icing on the cake but the cherry on the icing on the cake,” Musk said, adding that Tesla’s focus remains on projects with the most significant global impact.
Musk described the Roadster as a “dessert” item compared to Tesla’s core mission of advancing sustainable energy. “We’d all love to work on the Tesla Roadster—it’s super fun, and we are working on it—but it has to come behind the things that have a more serious impact on the good of the world,” he explained.
Despite the delays, Musk teased that the Roadster’s design is nearing completion, promising it will be “something spectacular.” However, he couldn’t resist adding another twist. Referring to a conversation with fellow billionaire Peter Thiel, Musk hinted that the Roadster might not just redefine performance but could also take to the skies. “Well, we’ll see,” he said cryptically.
The Bigger Picture: Dreams vs. Deliverables
Musk’s comments highlight a familiar theme: Tesla’s ambitious roadmap often sparks excitement but tests patience. The $25,000 Tesla is officially off the table unless it’s an autonomous vehicle, and the Roadster remains a distant dream, albeit one that grows more extravagant with each mention.
For now, Tesla fans are left to wonder if flying cars, floating Cybertrucks, or other Muskian ideas will ever become reality—or if they’re merely carrots to keep the world enthralled by Tesla’s story.