tesla is sooo undervalued

Aatish J Patel
3 min readOct 2, 2024

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A close up picture of the Tesla logo on the back of a Tesla automotive vehicle.
Photo by Michael Förtsch

Let me tell you why…

Tesla, the electric vehicle (EV) and clean energy company catalyzed by Elon Musk, is often viewed primarily as an automotive manufacturer. However, this narrow perspective fails to capture the full scope of Tesla’s potential, leading to a significant undervaluation of the company. When considering Tesla’s advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous driving, and energy solutions, it becomes clear that Tesla is positioned not just as a car company, but as a technology and robotics leader poised to disrupt multiple industries.

Tesla’s more than $1 billion investment in a supercomputer, named Project Dojo, represents a game-changing development in the AI landscape. This supercomputer, designed specifically for training networks, is set to become one of the most powerful AI training systems in the world, or according to Elon Musk is the most powerful AI training system.

Project Dojo, Tesla’s custom AI chip and supercomputer, is purpose-built for machine learning and AI training. This vertical integration allows Tesla to optimize its AI development pipeline, potentially accelerating breakthroughs in autonomous driving and other AI applications especially in FSD. The implications of this technology extend far beyond the automotive industry, potentially positioning Tesla as a major player in the broader AI market.

Tesla’s approach to autonomous driving, relying primarily on camera-based perception rather than expensive LiDAR systems, gives the company a significant advantage in terms of cost and scalability. As Tesla continues to gather real-world driving data from its fleet of vehicles, its FSD technology improves exponentially. In my opinion, the potential for a software-based recurring revenue model through FSD subscriptions is often under-appreciated by the market.

Tesla’s energy business, including solar panels, Powerwall home batteries, and utility-scale energy storage solutions, is frequently overlooked. As the world transitions to renewable energy, Tesla’s integrated energy ecosystem positions the company to capture a significant share of this growing market. Also, the ability to run climate mapping scenarios on these supercomputers can further amplify the potential for Tesla to become a major player in grid-level energy storage and management.

Tesla’s advances in manufacturing, including large casting machines and structural battery packs, are setting new standards for efficiency in automotive production. These innovations not only reduce costs but also improve vehicle performance and safety. As Tesla scales its production globally especially in emerging economies — these manufacturing advantages will become increasingly significant.

Tesla’s brand has become synonymous with innovation and sustainability, commanding strong customer loyalty. The company’s ecosystem, which includes vehicles, energy products, and a proprietary (SuperCharger) charging network, creates a strong moat against competitors. This brand strength and ecosystem effect are often undervalued by traditional financial metrics.

Tesla’s potential future revenue streams, such as Robotaxis, AI licensing, and energy grid services, are not adequately factored into most valuation models. The company’s ability to leverage its technology across multiple sectors suggests significant growth potential beyond its current core businesses.

In conclusion, Tesla’s current market valuation fails to fully account for its position at the intersection of multiple high-growth industries. The company’s investments in AI, autonomous driving, energy solutions, and advanced manufacturing place it at the forefront of several technological revolutions and global macro trends. As these initiatives mature and new revenue streams emerge, Tesla’s true value is likely to become increasingly apparent.

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Aatish J Patel
Aatish J Patel

Written by Aatish J Patel

I love to write about fintech @ Zinancial, venture capital + reflections + accessibility & other musings.