Tesla has never played it safe, but Elon Musk’s latest move could be his boldest—and riskiest—yet.
The company that once revolutionized electric vehicles with laptop batteries is now pivoting hard into full autonomy and AI-powered transportation, and the outcome is far from guaranteed.
According to a new report from The Wall Street Journal, Tesla has shifted its focus from refining proven technology to chasing unproven, futuristic ideas, namely fully self-driving cars. It’s a sharp departure from the company’s original success formula.
Tesla rose to prominence by rethinking how to use existing lithium-ion batteries in cars, beating out slower-moving competitors. Now it's entering a space where the technology is still in development and, in some ways, not fully functional.
Musk envisions a fleet of fully autonomous robotaxis dominating roads by 2026, according to The Cool Down.
Related: Elon Musk Raises Eyebrows With Bold Plan to Rewrite the Internet
Tesla's current Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature is a long way from that goal. It's been linked to federal investigations, public safety concerns, and disturbing footage of system failures, including test dummies being repeatedly struck during trials in Texas.
Critics describe FSD's current form as a "glorified cruise control," which is a far cry from the no-hands, no-hassle vision Musk continues to promote. Still, the CEO is charging forward, aiming to retrain Tesla’s AI and expand into ride-hailing services, potentially cutting out human drivers while maximizing company profits.
If the gamble pays off, Tesla could redefine mobility once again. Autonomous vehicles could make transportation safer, cheaper, and more accessible.
However, if the tech falls short—either on safety, scalability, or regulatory acceptance—Tesla’s valuation could suffer a major blow. The company’s stock has already seen sharp swings in 2025, and another misstep could mean big issues.
There are also broader implications. Musk's robotaxi model raises ethical and economic concerns, especially for gig workers who depend on driving for income. Replacing them with AI fleets may boost efficiency, but it could deepen tensions over automation's role in the economy.
Tesla isn't pulling back—its rollout is already in motion. But whether this shift cements the company's future or exposes its limits will depend on more than Musk's confidence. For a brand built on calculated disruption, this might be the most unpredictable bet yet.
Related: Ex-Tesla Insider Says Company Is 'Absolutely Hosed' Under Elon Musk
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