Tesla co-founder Martin Eberhard slams Elon Musk: ‘Cybertruck looks like a dumpster, world needed affordable EVs’ |
In a rare and candid interview, Tesla co-founder Martin Eberhard has openly criticised Elon Musk‘s leadership and recent strategic choices at Tesla. Speaking with YouTuber Kim Java, Eberhard did not hold back, calling the Cybertruck a “dumpster” and slamming the cancellation of Tesla’s affordable $25,000 EV as a disservice to global needs. Eberhard also expressed deep skepticism about Tesla’s self-driving ambitions and raised concerns about safety and regulatory oversight. His remarks reveal a simmering feud with Musk and spotlight long-standing disagreements about Tesla’s direction, values, and the future of electric mobility.
Elon Musk’s Cybertruck and EV priorities draw sharp criticism
Eberhard voiced strong disappointment in Tesla’s decision to scrap plans for an affordable electric vehicle in favor of pushing the Cybertruck. “I am actually disappointed that Tesla canceled its low-end car program because that’s what the world needs—not a truck that looks like a dumpster,” he said. The Cybertruck, with its polarizing design and high price point, represents a stark shift from the early Tesla vision of accelerating global EV adoption through affordability and accessibility.Beyond aesthetics and affordability, Eberhard took aim at Tesla’s push for autonomous vehicles. He expressed doubt about the company’s ambitious Robotaxi program and broader self-driving goals, saying, “I’m more skeptical of that than most people are.” He pointed to safety concerns and a worrying tolerance for system failures that have, in some cases, resulted in fatalities. His comments highlight growing scrutiny over the regulatory leniency and marketing of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology.
A long-standing rift with Elon Musk
Eberhard’s criticisms reflect more than just technical disagreements—they also expose a deeply personal rift with Musk that has spanned nearly two decades. Though Eberhard left Tesla in 2007 and settled a lawsuit with Musk in 2009, tensions remain. He remarked, “Somebody pointed out that I’m still occupying real estate in his head, which is kind of funny.” Eberhard suggested Musk continues to publicly attack him, citing occasional jabs during high-profile events like TED Talks or on social media.
Eberhard is still a shareholder, but not silent
Despite the friction, Eberhard remains a Tesla shareholder and has previously expressed hope for the company’s success. In his 2019 comments, he affirmed his support for Tesla’s mission even as he distanced himself from Musk’s management. His latest interview, however, shows a clear shift toward vocal opposition to the company’s evolving product strategy and ethical direction.
Tesla’s current challenges amplify criticism
Eberhard’s remarks come at a difficult time for Tesla. The company has faced declining sales in major markets like California, backlash over pricing strategies, and billions in losses from cryptocurrency ventures. Musk himself lost $12 billion in a single day due to market volatility. Eberhard’s critique adds to a growing chorus questioning whether Tesla is straying too far from its founding principles of innovation, safety, and sustainability.
