Elon Musk's 'unfulfilled' Tesla promises listed and what he said on them

TOI Tech Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Apr 24, 2025, 10:52 IST

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Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, faces scrutiny for unfulfilled promises regarding innovations like Full Self-Driving, the affordable Tesla EV, Cybercab robotaxis, Cybertruck, and the next-generation Roadster. Repeated delays plague these projects, attributed to supply chain issues and regulatory hurdles. Despite setbacks, Musk defends his approach, emphasizing Tesla's commitment to eventual delivery and innovation.

Elon Musk's 'unfulfilled' Tesla promises listed and what he said on them

Tesla has long sought to establish a presence in India, the world's third-largest automotive market. (AI image)

Tesla CEO Elon Musk, celebrated for his ambitious vision and bold declarations, has frequently faced scrutiny over his delayed and unfulfilled promises. From fully autonomous driving technology to the much-anticipated $25,000 Tesla, several high-profile projects remain incomplete or years behind schedule. While Musk acknowledges these setbacks, often citing his "pathological optimism," he defends Tesla's approach by emphasizing eventual delivery and innovation. Despite challenges like supply chain issues and regulatory hurdles, Tesla continues to push boundaries in the electric vehicle industry.

Elon Musk's 'unfulfilled' Tesla promises

Full Self-Driving (FSD) Technology: Musk first promised self-driving Tesla cars by 2018, but the goal has been repeatedly delayed. Despite incremental updates, Tesla’s FSD software is yet to achieve full autonomy. Musk recently admitted to being the “boy who cried FSD,” acknowledging the missed deadlines.
Affordable Tesla EV: In 2020, Musk announced plans for a $25,000 mass-market Tesla, often referred to as the “Model 2.” However, production has been postponed to 2025, with reports suggesting further delays.
Cybercab Robotaxis: Musk confidently predicted operational robotaxis by 2020. The project, now branded as “Cybercab,” is slated for production in 2026, but tariff issues and supply chain challenges could cause further disruptions.
Cybertruck: Introduced in 2019, the Cybertruck was initially expected to launch in 2021. Production only began in 2023, with deliveries still ramping up.
Next-Generation Roadster: Announced in 2017 with a planned 2020 launch, the Roadster has faced multiple delays. Musk now aims to begin production in 2025.

Elon Musk’s perspective on delays

Musk has defended the delays, emphasising that while timelines may slip, Tesla ultimately delivers on its promises. He attributes the setbacks to supply chain bottlenecks, regulatory hurdles, and the inherent challenges of pioneering new technologies. Musk maintains that his focus remains on innovation, stating, “We do deliver in the end, which is the important thing.”

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