Astonishing Tesla Leaks and their Implications
Leaked Tesla documents causing shockwaves suggest potential issues with the much-anticipated Cybertruck. The 100GB of internal data that the German outlet Handelsblatt procured paints a worrying image of Tesla’s technological hurdles. The documents, totalling around 23,000 files, showcase issues from 2015 to March 2022 in Europe, the US, and Asia. Evidently, they expose significant shortcomings in Tesla’s acclaimed Autopilot technology.
This startling revelation may instigate additional scrutiny from regulators, likely seeking evidence of possible deceit by Tesla concerning its vehicles’ safety. The leaked information could also fuel existing apprehensions among Tesla investors about the company’s trajectory. It seems Tesla’s promised autonomous driving technology is far from road-ready, and its ability to introduce new, practical products is questionable.
A Deeper Look at Tesla’s Autopilot Concerns
Tesla hasn’t unveiled a fresh consumer vehicle since 2020, and it appears to lag behind other car manufacturers advancing their electric vehicle (EV) development to meet soaring demand. Buried within the leaks is a hint about a confidential report on Tesla’s long-awaited “Cybertruck,” first introduced in 2019. Unfortunately, the outlook doesn’t seem positive.
The shocking contents of the leaks, featuring frightening near-miss experiences involving Tesla’s Autopilot, are, however, not surprising to some analysts. They remark on Tesla’s notorious “move fast and break things” ethos, causing apprehension about the road-readiness of their new products. With 393 reported fatalities involving Teslas, 33 with Autopilot, analysts speculate that Elon Musk may accept such casualties as a necessary cost of advancing technology.
The Role of Elon Musk in Tesla’s Controversies
Separating Tesla from its CEO’s persona can be challenging. Musk often dismisses product criticisms, predominantly through Twitter, which he acquired for $44 billion in October last year. Yet, the scale of the German leaks might make it tougher for Musk to shape the narrative.
Accusations are rising that Musk, splitting his attention between Tesla, SpaceX, and the perpetually tumultuous Twitter, is to blame for Tesla’s increasing issues. Critics argue his continual errors deem him unfit to lead Tesla. Regardless, Tesla has previously relied on a devoted customer base that defended its disruptive role in the automotive industry.
However, Tesla’s leading position is in jeopardy. While it teased a mysterious vehicle recently, details about its next-generation cars remain scarce. Initially set for production in 2021, the Cybertruck’s debut has been postponed repeatedly, now scheduled for 2024.
“Tesla often sets high standards but routinely struggles to meet them,” notes Soumen Mandal from Counterpoint Research. The much-delayed Cybertruck, once launched, will confront fierce competition from established manufacturers like Ford and Chevrolet. This will have ripple effects, causing likely delays to the launch of the Roadster, Tesla’s other highly anticipated product.
Growing safety failures and production delays are causing consumers to question the feasibility of self-driving vehicles. Such setbacks, coupled with the Cybertruck delay, are chipping away at customer confidence. Investors, too, are showing signs of discontent, with Tesla’s share price more than halving from its 2021 peak of $407.36 to close at $184.47 on May 25, 2023.
