On December 17th local time, Tesla CEO Elon Musk stated on social media: "Many years ago, I said that non-autonomous gasoline cars are like using a flip phone while riding a horse, but you can't force good ideas onto traditional industries. They will only die out."
Just two days before Musk made the above remarks, Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company has made a major shift in its electrification strategy. On December 15th local time, Ford announced that due to lower-than-expected market demand, high costs, and changes in the regulatory environment, some of its previous business plans and models are no longer viable. The company will decisively adjust its electric vehicle strategy and cancel some large electric vehicle plans.
In terms of models, Ford will officially discontinue the F-150 Lightning all-electric pickup truck, which has been in production for less than four years. It will be replaced by a range-extended version. Also halted are the next-generation all-electric pickup truck, internally codenamed "T3," and the next-generation electric van project, originally planned for production in 2028. Regarding factories, some of Ford's all-electric vehicle plants in the United States will switch to producing gasoline and hybrid models.
Ford's strategic shift will incur approximately $19.5 billion in expenses. Of this, $500 million will be used for asset impairment of the Model e electric vehicle division, and approximately $6 billion will be related to the dissolution of the battery division. The remaining amount is related to joint venture expenses, with most expenses recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025 and some expenses carried over to fiscal years 2026-2027.
In fact, at the policy level, both Europe and the United States are slowing down the process of electric vehicle transformation. The United States had previously relaxed its emissions regulations, and on the evening of December 16 local time, the European Commission announced a new bill that removed the policy of banning the sale of gasoline and diesel vehicles by 2035.
However, in Musk's view, the key point of contention is not the energy sources of oil and electricity, but rather that the competitiveness of automobiles ultimately comes from intelligence.
On social media, regarding Ford's shift in its electrification strategy, one netizen commented that Ford still believes the reason for producing electric vehicles is to reduce emissions. This reflects a lack of understanding among traditional automakers of the current automotive revolution; reducing emissions is merely a side effect, and electric vehicles are fundamentally a better autonomous driving platform. Musk responded to this comment by saying, "Absolutely correct."
Tesla has been pushing for self-driving cars. The Robotaxi solution has been finalized. On December 15th local time, Musk confirmed that Tesla has begun testing self-driving taxis without a safety driver. In June of this year, Tesla... Robotaxi service has been launched in parts of Austin, Texas, with a safety supervisor always present in the front passenger seat during the initial phase.
Optimism in the capital markets regarding autonomous driving continues to rise. Tesla's stock price rose for two consecutive days on December 15th and 16th (local time). As of the close of trading on the 16th, Tesla's stock price was $489.88, with a total market capitalization of approximately $1.63 trillion, setting a new all-time closing high. On December 17th (local time), Tesla's stock price reached a high of $495.28 during trading, before closing down 4.62% at $467.26.
(Article source: CBN)
