Tesla’s stock has been on the rise, up nearly 20 percent in the past month, but that hasn’t stopped the trillion-dollar automaker from exploring new opportunities to disrupt various sectors, as viewed by investors and analysts.
One analyst, Adam Jonas from Morgan Stanley, recently sparked a discussion on Tesla’s potential in the eVTOL industry. Despite CEO Elon Musk’s response that the company is “stretched pretty thin,” Jonas raised the question of whether Tesla could venture into aviation and defense technology in addition to its current focus on automotive and consumer products.
While Musk has been clear about certain areas that Tesla won’t pursue, such as motorcycles, he hasn’t definitively ruled out aviation equipment like planes and drones. However, his primary focus remains on vehicle autonomy, artificial intelligence, and robotics, which he sees as the future of transportation.
In addition to exploring new sectors, Tesla is also facing competition from Chinese automakers in the electric vehicle market. Morgan Stanley highlights Tesla’s expertise in manufacturing, data collection, robotics, energy, and supply chain management as crucial for the US to compete with China in advanced technologies like embodied AI.
Furthermore, Tesla could potentially lead the way in robotics innovation, with Jonas suggesting that the US could host a “Humanoid Ninja Warrior” competition similar to China’s recent displays of robotic capabilities in sports and entertainment.
As Tesla prepares to launch more affordable electric vehicle models by the end of the second quarter, pricing remains a key consideration. With the $7,500 tax credit set to expire in 2024, Tesla will need to find ways to offer competitive pricing, especially in comparison to Chinese manufacturers like BYD, whose Seagull model is priced around $8,000.
Tesla’s ability to bring pricing below $30,000, possibly with the help of incentives, could significantly expand its market reach and make electric vehicles more accessible to a wider audience. During a recent earnings call, Musk indicated that $30,000 is a key threshold for affordability, suggesting that Tesla is working towards making this a reality.
Overall, Tesla’s ambitious goals and innovative approach to technology and transportation continue to attract attention and speculation from investors and analysts alike. With a focus on cutting-edge advancements in various industries, Tesla remains a major player in the global push towards sustainable and electrified transportation solutions.