The latest report from TechCrunch places elon Musk spends half his time talking robots and AI on Tesla within a live debate about robots and the decisions now facing UK organisations.
TechCrunch reported the development as part of a wider debate about robots, governance and digital investment.
Data compiled by TechCrunch in partnership with financial research firm Hudson Labs shows a seismic shift in how Elon Musk communicates Tesla’s future.
An analysis of quarterly earnings call transcripts spanning 2019 through 2025 reveals that the billionaire CEO now spends approximately 50 percent of his speaking time discussing artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles and robotics.
In contrast, discussion around traditional vehicle production and car manufacturing has plummeted below one-third of Musk’s total commentary.
The transition illustrates a deliberate strategy to rebrand Tesla from an automotive manufacturer into an AI and robotics powerhouse.
The Rise of Optimus and Autonomous Tech
Back in 2022, Musk spent between 15 and 20 percent of earnings calls discussing Full Self-Driving (FSD) software and robotaxis. That figure has since surged to nearly half of his talking time.
Meanwhile, commentary surrounding the Optimus humanoid robot, first unveiled in 2021, has risen from less than 2 percent to over 10 percent of earnings call time, peaking at nearly a third during the Q3 2025 presentation.
To support this transition, Tesla converted parts of its Fremont facility to manufacture the Optimus V3 humanoid robot following the sunsetting of Model S and Model X lines.
Other Tesla executives, such as Chief Financial Officer Vaibhav Taneja and Vice President of Engineering Lars Moravy, have followed Musk’s narrative lead, albeit more gradually.
Both leaders now spend roughly 30 percent of their time on car manufacturing, allocating the remainder to AI initiatives and autonomous software developments.
Execution Risks and Financial Realities
Despite Musk’s overwhelming focus on futuristic automation, Tesla’s underlying revenue remains anchored in vehicle sales.
Automotive operations continue to account for approximately 70 percent of overall company revenues.
The strategic shift comes at a critical juncture.
Global EV sales have experienced slower growth, alongside growing competition from domestic Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers and legacy automakers. Industry analysts note that pivoting investor expectations toward untried AI products introduces significant execution risk as these technologies transition into commercial deployment.
What’s Next for Tesla?
Tesla faces the task of proving that Optimus and its autonomous taxicab fleet can generate meaningful revenue before car margins erode further. Investors will closely monitor upcoming quarterly disclosures to judge whether software revenues can offset slowing automotive sales growth.
Questions and Answers
How much time does Elon Musk now spend discussing AI on Tesla earnings calls?
Elon Musk spends approximately 50 per cent of his speaking time on earnings calls discussing artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, and robotics, up from less than 20 per cent in previous years.
Is Tesla still making most of its money from selling cars?
Yes. Despite the heavy focus on artificial intelligence and robotics, traditional automotive operations still account for approximately 70 per cent of Tesla’s total revenue.
What is the Optimus robot mentioned in Tesla’s corporate calls?
Optimus is Tesla’s general-purpose humanoid robot project. Originally unveiled in 2021, commentary on Optimus has grown from under 2 per cent to over 10 per cent of earnings call speaking time, with Tesla retooling plant space to manufacture advanced prototypes.
Which other Tesla executives are involved in this narrative shift?
Tesla Chief Financial Officer Vaibhav Taneja and Vice President of Engineering Lars Moravy have also pivoted their messaging, spending roughly 30 per cent of their time on car production and allocating the rest to AI and software developments.
Why should British investors pay attention to Musk’s AI focus?
Many British people hold Tesla shares in retail trading portfolios. Recognising that Tesla’s valuation is increasingly tied to speculative AI hardware rather than standard EV production helps investors evaluate risk accurately.
