Tesla's highly anticipated robotaxi, teased by CEO Elon Musk, faces skepticism from analysts who emphasize the importance of prioritizing a sub-$30,000 car over autonomous driving technology in the short term, citing potential risks to Tesla's trajectories.

As Tesla gears up to unveil its much-anticipated robotaxi, CEO Elon Musk's vision for autonomous driving technology faces scrutiny from analysts advocating for a more immediate focus on affordability. In a note published by Wedbush analysts, the urgency of delivering a sub-$30,000 car within the next 18 months is emphasized as "crucial" for Tesla's short-term objectives. While the prospect of a robotaxi reveal generates excitement, the analysts caution against diverting attention away from the development of a more accessible vehicle.

Highlighting the potential risks associated with prioritizing robotaxis over affordable models, the analysts underscore the importance of Tesla's Model 2 in driving the company's growth trajectory. They express concerns that shifting focus to autonomous driving technology could undermine Tesla's core objectives and detract from the Model 2's strategic significance.

The Wedbush letter follows reports that Tesla may be postponing the development of a $25,000 electric vehicle to allocate resources towards self-driving cars, a move that has sparked debate within the industry. Musk's dismissal of these reports as "lying" underscores the ongoing discourse surrounding Tesla's strategic priorities and investment decisions.

While Musk has long championed the potential of self-driving technology to revolutionize the automotive industry, analysts caution against overlooking the immediate market demand for affordable electric vehicles. The divergence in perspectives reflects the broader debate within Tesla's leadership and investor community regarding the optimal balance between innovation and market accessibility.

With Tesla's Full Self-Driving software still classified as "level two" autonomy and facing regulatory scrutiny and safety concerns, the push for fully autonomous vehicles remains a long-term goal rather than an immediate reality. As Tesla navigates these challenges, the company's ability to prioritize both innovation and affordability will be critical in shaping its future trajectory in the competitive electric vehicle market.