Former Waymo CEO Criticizes Tesla’s Robotaxi Unveiling, Comparing Musk to Trump
Former Waymo CEO John Krafcik did not hold back in his critique of Tesla’s recent “We, Robot” event, expressing disappointment over what he deemed an unimpressive reveal.
A Flawed Presentation
Tesla CEO Elon Musk showcased a range of prototypes, including the much-anticipated Robotaxi, known as the Cybercab, during the event held at Warner Bros. Discovery’s film studio in Burbank, California. Musk announced that at least 20 Cybercabs had already been manufactured and hinted at production ramping up before 2027. However, Krafcik and several investors reacted negatively, leading to a sharp decline in Tesla shares, which fell by as much as 10% in early trading the following day.
In an emailed statement to Business Insider, Krafcik likened Musk’s presentation to a controversial comment made by former President Donald Trump, stating, “The event last night was the automotive industry version of that, with the CEO of Tesla playing Donald Trump.” Krafcik emphasized that if Tesla were serious about creating a safe and accessible Robotaxi service, the prototype shown would be significantly different from what was presented.
Hurdles Ahead for Robotaxi Production
Krafcik pointed out that the Robotaxi’s design might not meet the needs of all potential users, particularly the elderly and those with disabilities. He noted that the vehicle’s low seats could hinder accessibility and comfort. “Serious Robotaxi companies like Waymo use taller vehicle forms and have high-mounted sensors to improve accessibility, comfort and safety — this vehicle form compromises all of these attributes,” Krafcik explained.
In addition to design concerns, the mass production of Tesla’s Robotaxi faces regulatory challenges. Experts like Phil Koopman highlighted that Tesla will need federal approval to sell a vehicle without traditional controls such as a steering wheel or pedals, a significant barrier for the company’s ambitious plans.
Analyst Perspectives
Musk’s presentation also fell short of expectations for some Wall Street analysts. An analyst from Morgan Stanley described the event as “disappointing” due to its lack of substantial details, predicting that Tesla would face pressure in the market as a result. While analysts from Wedbush acknowledged the presentation as a “glimpse of the future of Tesla and next-generation transportation for consumers,” they too noted a lack of critical information.
Additionally, many were surprised that Musk did not elaborate on the company’s plans for a more affordable electric vehicle. Gene Munster of Deepwater Asset Management pointed out that affordable EVs were a major talking point in Musk’s previous earnings call and suggested that Tesla might be holding back on details to avoid affecting current Model 3 sales.
As Tesla continues to navigate its ambitious goals, the road ahead remains filled with challenges and uncertainties, raising questions about the company’s capacity to deliver on its promises in the rapidly evolving autonomous vehicle market.