Tesla’s share price took a nosedive, dropping 12% after lackluster earnings and sluggish auto sales growth. However, CEO Elon Musk stubbornly clings to his vision of full vehicle autonomy as the savior of Tesla’s value.

Musk insists that Tesla’s future hinges entirely on achieving complete vehicle autonomy. He brazenly challenged investors to either embrace this vision or sell their shares. His unwavering belief in autonomy overshadows all other concerns, raising eyebrows among skeptics.

The highly anticipated robotaxi launch has been pushed back yet again to October 10th. While Musk touts its “trillion-dollar” potential, this delay adds to a growing list of unfulfilled promises, raising questions about his credibility.

Short-Term Reality vs. Long-Term Fantasy

While Musk chases his futuristic dreams, investors and analysts are increasingly alarmed by Tesla’s present-day financial struggles. Some, like UBS analyst Joseph Spak, suggest Tesla’s valuation is wildly out of touch with reality.

This disconnect isn’t new in the tech world, but the magnitude of Tesla’s gamble is unprecedented. Musk’s vision may be admirable, but it’s a risky bet that could backfire spectacularly.

Musk’s bold predictions and charisma have captivated retail investors, who often blindly follow his every word. This has inflated Tesla’s stock price to dizzying heights, surpassing even established auto giants. However, this bubble may burst if Musk’s promises continue to fall flat.

His latest obsession, the humanoid robot Optimus, is yet another ambitious project with a questionable future. While he envisions billions of these robots in every household, critics see it as another distraction from the company’s core business.

Tesla’s recent stock plunge serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with Musk’s grandiose visions. His unwavering belief in autonomy may well ultimately pay off — but for now, it’s a gamble that’s costing investors dearly.