Tesla: A brief History – Is it Another Enron?

Roadster:

In 2008, Tesla launched its first production car, the Tesla Roadster. This all-electric sports car was based on the Lotus Elise chassis but featured Tesla’s proprietary battery technology. The Roadster’s impressive range of over 200 miles on a single charge shattered perceptions about the capabilities of electric vehicles.

One was shot in to space, possibly the best place for it. Trying to have once fixed now may mean years off the road.

Model S:

Following the success of the Roadster, Tesla introduced the Model S in 2012. The Model S was a “luxury” electric sedan that combined sleek design with cutting-edge technology. It boasted a range of up to 300 miles, making it one of the longest-range electric cars available at the time. The Model S also featured Tesla’s Autopilot system, paving the way for semi-autonomous driving technology. The Model S has not advanced much in the 13 years since. 13 years in unacceptable for a model run now.

Slowing sales saw Model S and Model X withdrawn from RHD markets.

Gigafactory and Mass Production:

Tesla’s ambitions grew with the construction of its Gigafactory in Nevada, which began in 2014. The Gigafactory aimed to significantly increase production capacity and reduce battery costs through economies of scale. By vertically integrating battery production, Tesla sought to address one of the major challenges facing the electric vehicle industry.

It should be noted that other technologies are rapidly overtaking Tesla, and the company known for innovation could be left behind.

Model X and Model 3:

In 2015, Tesla unveiled the Model X, a luxury SUV with falcon-wing doors and advanced safety features. The Model X further expanded Tesla’s lineup and demonstrated the company’s commitment to innovation and design. Meanwhile, Tesla also announced the Model 3, a more affordable electric sedan aimed at the mass market. The Model 3 quickly became Tesla’s best-selling vehicle, with hundreds of thousands of pre-orders.

The model 3 MY24 makeover was intended to make an aging design more competitive, but factors since that launch have negated any advantage that may have brought.  Model X was withdrawn from RHD markets.

Since launching, none of the Tesla models have had significant changes, with most brands completely changing models every 6-7 years. Model S is now geriatric in automotive terms.

Challenges and Achievements:

Tesla’s journey has been marked by both successes and challenges. The company faced production delays, quality control issues, and financial struggles, particularly in its early years. However, Tesla persevered and achieved several significant milestones.

UPDATE: 2025 has seen tesla shares plummet with half of the company value evaporating, taking Musk’s Musk’s wealth and leverage with it.

Autopilot and Full Self-Driving:

Tesla’s Autopilot system, introduced in 2014, marked a major leap forward in autonomous driving technology. Through a combination of sensors, lidars, cameras, and machine learning algorithms, Autopilot enabled Tesla vehicles to perform advanced driving functions such as lane-keeping, adaptive cruise control, and automatic lane changes. Tesla continues to iterate on Autopilot, with the goal of achieving full self-driving capability. Recent viral videos show that brands with LIDAR are significantly superior, and as Tesla has deactivated LIDAR, the brand now lags behind.

in short, Tesla technology has not kept up with competition and the brand’s aging lineup was not improved by the plague-ridden Cybertruck.

Solar Energy and Energy Storage:

In addition to electric vehicles, Tesla expanded into renewable energy and energy storage solutions. The company acquired SolarCity in 2016, allowing it to offer solar panels, solar roofs, and solar energy storage products such as the Powerwall and Powerpack. Tesla’s integrated approach to energy aims to create a sustainable ecosystem where renewable energy powers transportation and homes.

Cybertruck and Semi:

Tesla’s “ambition” knows no bounds, as evidenced by its latest projects. The Cybertruck, unveiled in 2019, is an all-electric pickup truck with a “futuristic”, but fatally flawed design. Its robust capabilities were vastly overstated, and some think it looks more like a dustbin on wheels.

With its stainless steel exoskeleton and impressive performance specifications, the Cybertruck promised to disrupt the traditional truck market, and it did but for all the wrong reasons.

Tesla also announced the Tesla Semi, an all-electric semi-truck designed for freight transportation. The Tesla Semi aims to reduce emissions and operating costs for fleet operators.

UPDATE: Cybertruck has been plagued by quality control and design issues. 5 years later, the pickup truck has become a bit of a joke and is the subject of cruel memes. Adding to the woes, all units have been recalled as loose panels threatened to detach at high speed. The AWD system is not shown to be up to the task and cannot compete with other electric utes.

Global Expansion:

Tesla’s impact extends beyond the United States, with the company expanding its presence worldwide. Tesla has opened Gigafactories in China and Germany, enabling local production and distribution of its vehicles. These factories not only reduce costs but also allow Tesla to better serve international markets.

UPDATE: Tesla faces significant challenges particularly in China, the EU, and Canada. Sales have tanked in Australia as well, as buyers stay away in droves, Sales of second hand Teslas have skyrocketed as current owners switch to less corrosive mastheads.

Conclusion: (updated)

From its humble beginnings as a Silicon Valley startup to its heights as a global leader in electric vehicles and renewable energy, Tesla’s journey has seen the remarkable rise lead to a dramatic freefall. its claims of “relentless focus on innovation, sustainability, and technological advancement,” Tesla has become so toxic that both buyers and shareholders are fleeing in record numbers.

Tesla is teetering on failure as hubris, bad design, old technology, and poor service has left the reputation in tatters. With a significant amount of leverage in Tesla, Musk’s other investments such as X (twitter) and  Space X may also fall. Was Tesla ever that valuable or is Tesla just another Enron?