Tesla’s co-founder, Martin Eberhard, has voiced concerns regarding the company’s shift away from its initial goal of producing a more affordable electric vehicle, a project initially slated for a $25,000 price point.
Eberhard’s remarks come as Tesla’s current vehicle lineup primarily targets the U.S. market with prices around $40,000.This contrasts with earlier announcements from both Elon musk and Tesla regarding the development of a substantially cheaper electric car, described as a “completely new model, designed and built from scratch on a new platform.” Musk had previously characterized this project as a crucial testing ground for “revolutionary innovations in production” aimed at reducing electric vehicle costs.
However, reports from Reuters last summer suggested that Musk had shelved the $25,000 electric car project. While Musk initially denied these claims, Reuters later reiterated its reporting, stating that Musk had indeed canceled the low-cost vehicle, frequently enough referred to by investors as “Model 2,” and redirected Tesla’s priorities toward autonomous robotaxis.
Despite his criticisms, Eberhard also acknowledged Musk’s significant impact on tesla’s trajectory, stating that the billionaire has “transformed tesla into one of the most valuable companies in the world.” He expressed satisfaction that his “baby survived,” referring to the company he co-founded.
Eberhard also commented on Musk’s other ventures, calling SpaceX “a remarkably good company.” However, he suggested that Musk does not adequately credit those who have been instrumental in SpaceX’s success, specifically mentioning Gwynne Shotwell, the company’s President, as the individual who “keeps the missiles in the air.”
