Tesla CEO Elon Musk reiterated on Sunday via his social media platform X that the Roadster is not primarily about company growth or enriching shareholders. Sometimes, people do things simply because they can. Following last Thursday's Roadster launch event, skeptics and critics of the company or the project expressed that the car is a meaningless endeavor, as it is not intended to drive company growth, achieve high profits, or contribute to the broader picture of artificial intelligence or superintelligence.
However, the Roadster is not just about shareholders' dreams; it is designed for people to purchase a car that is both cool and unique as the first model.
Musk must remind those skeptical about the importance of the Roadster that, while the car is not a major contributor to Tesla's long-term goals, its development is simply because it can be done: “Optimus and Cybercab will account for the vast majority of Tesla's value. The only things that can achieve massive scale economically (K2 and beyond) are superintelligence, robotics, solar energy, and large-scale transportation to space. And of course, if you have the first two, the rest will follow.”
“But the Roadster is really cool, so we are going to do it anyway.”
The Roadster's development is not a major contributor
Musk has repeatedly stated that Optimus will be the project that occupies the vast majority of Tesla's value in the coming years. Robotics technology will be a major focus for Tesla in the coming years, especially as Musk believes that Optimus will make human work optional and achieve what he calls “high universal income.” Optimus and Cybercab will account for the vast majority of Tesla's value. The only things that can achieve massive scale economically (K2 and beyond) are superintelligence, robotics, solar energy, and large-scale transportation to space.
And of course, if you have the first two, the rest will follow. But the Roadster is really cool, so we are going to do it anyway.”
Cybercab will provide owners with opportunities for passive income, and Musk and Tesla have long stated that this service will operate with a fleet of self-driving vehicles in a taxi service run by ride-hailing robots without the need for human drivers. From a general consensus perspective, Tesla investors are enthusiastic about the company's future projects. However, it is important to note that the Roadster is an interesting and cool project that pushes the boundaries of what cars can be. What we saw last week was the first instance of a true flying car, and while there are voices suggesting it may not contribute to Tesla's grand goals, sometimes, enjoying the fun is also acceptable.