Liberal Forum

Let’s talk Tesla.
 
The stock’s been flailing, competitors are finally catching up (some even passing by with their blinkers on), and Musk seems more focused on X/DOGE cosplay than building cars. I’m starting to wonder—are we watching the beginning of Tesla’s decline, or just a transition into a different kind of company?

The market clearly isn’t as starry-eyed as it used to be. Different automakers are now rolling out EVs that don’t look like melted soap bars. China’s coming in hard with cheap, decent options. Tesla disrupted the market. They created the market. Thus, they had an early lead that gave them dominance, but they’re no longer the only game in town. Yes, they still lead in charging infrastructure and margins—but for how long? I’m not saying they’re done—but if you take off the cult goggles, it’s fair to ask: At what point does first-mover advantage stop mattering when everyone else is catching up—and fast?

My question: Is Tesla on Its Last Legs, or Just Entering a New Phase?

My answer...though nobody asked.

Personally, I don’t think this is the end of Tesla—but I do think we’re heading into a new phase of the company, one where the original EV crown slips a little, and Tesla starts leaning harder into its AI ambitions. Musk isn’t going to sit quietly while the traditional automakers eat into his market share. He’ll double down on integrating AI—full self-driving, robotics, maybe even AI-generated PR campaigns for all we know. That pivot could buy Tesla some breathing room. Not enough to pull ahead dramatically, but enough to stay relevant. The real drama? The board. I wouldn’t be shocked if we start seeing pressure to push Musk out as CEO. He’s become more liability than visionary lately, and institutional investors don’t have the patience for X meltdowns. But knowing Musk, he’ll fight tooth and nail to stay in control—and probably win. So we’ll end up with a Tesla that isn’t quite leading the EV market but not sinking either. Floating, propped up by AI hype and just enough innovation to keep the brand alive.

Short version:

Not dying. Not dominating. Just drifting—strategically.

Elon Musk admits Tesla’s imminent collapse and seeks urgent exit: “I’ve run out of options”