Tesla recently released its vision plan "Master Plan Part IV", but the outside world generally believes that this document is no longer as feasible as Tesla's previous vision plans. Instead, it is more like a vision statement with a utopian color, and it even makes people feel that some of the content seems to be written with the assistance of generative AI.
In the roughly 1000-word document, Tesla emphasizes its commitment to "unlimited sustainable development without compromise" and plans to "unify hardware and software on a large scale" to create a "safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable world," but provides few specific details on how to implement these ideas.
The article repeatedly mentions the impact of semiconductors and the Internet on the world, and touts Tesla's role in driving the electric vehicle market, while also describing in a rather vague way the vision of the future that Tesla hopes to shape.
For example, the document states: "How we develop and use autonomous driving technology, and the new capabilities it brings, should be aimed at improving human life. Making everyday life better and safer through automation is our primary focus." Another paragraph states: "The challenge of eliminating scarce resources is extremely difficult, and some may think it impossible, but if we overcome the challenges, critics will eventually see that what was once impossible is now possible."
Tesla's past vision plans were often known for their specific, achievable goals. For example, its first vision plan in 2006 stated that Tesla would "start with the high-end market and then gradually expand downward," achieving higher sales and lower prices for each model. The company then successfully leveraged the success and profits of the Roadster to further develop the Model S, Model X, and subsequently the Model 3 and Model Y, the latter two of which have now become global best-sellers.
The second institute plan, proposed in 2016, outlined plans for the subsequent rollout of solar rooftops, Powerwall energy storage systems, the Cybertruck and Semi electric pickup trucks, and fully autonomous and Robotaxi self-driving taxis. Although some of these goals, such as Semi and fully autonomous driving technologies, are still in the verification phase, they remain achievable.
Starting with the third vision plan, despite being 40 pages long, it focused heavily on data and a zero-carbon emissions vision, lacking a clear product plan. The fourth vision plan, however, is even more abstract. While it mentions "unprecedented growth and revolution for Tesla and humanity," it offers no specific roadmap for achieving this leap, raising questions among investors and industry observers about its practicality.
