Musk: Tesla to build 5,000 Optimus robots in 2025, tells staff not to sell shares

In a high-energy all-hands meeting Thursday night, Tesla CEO Elon Musk delivered a passionate pep talk to employees, urging them to hold on tight to their Tesla stock despite its recent 40% plunge.

Big News: Tesla’s Optimus Robot is Coming! Musk revealed that Tesla plans to produce 5,000 Optimus humanoid robots in 2025. As assembled at Tesla’s Fremont, California factory and set for production in Austin, Texas, the Optimus isbilled by Musk as “the most sophisticated humanoid robot on Earth.” Currently, it’s “learning to walk and catch balls” 🏐, with Musk promising future versions that work like Star Wars’ R2-D2 and C-3PO

“We will offer Optimus robots first to Tesla employees,” Musk announced. “There are some pluses and minuses to that — probably have a few bugs. But it’s gonna be very cool.”

Robotaxis & Cybercab: The Future Is Here (Almost)

Musk also hyped Tesla’s upcoming Cybercab, —a two-seater vehicle with no steering wheel or brakes. He claims Tesla’s EVs will soon be upgraded to operate as robotaxis via software updates. Musk promised that driverless ride-hailing services will launch in Austin, Texas by June 2025.

Despite a major Cybertruck recall announced the same day, Musk celebrated the pickup’s 5-star crash safety rating and its title as the top-selling fully electric pickup.

Global Challenges, But Musk Stays Optimistic

Tesla faces protests, vandalism, and stiff competition from rivals like Alphabet’s Waymo, Boston Dynamics, and Chinese EV makers such as Zeekr. Some Tesla showrooms and charging stations have been targeted by arsonists. Musk called out the hostility during the livestream:

“I understand if you don’t wanna buy our product, but you don’t have to burn it down. That’s a bit unreasonable.”

“This is psycho, stop being psycho!”

Tesla Stock Woes, But Musk Says “Hold!”

Tesla shares have lost over 40% of their value this year, partly due to trade tensions and tariffs imposed by President Trump on materials from Canada, Mexico, and China. Still, Musk told employees to “hang onto your stock”.

He painted a bold vision of a future where robotaxis and humanoid robots bring about an “abundant future for all”

What’s Next?

Musk’s promises are grand—Cybercabs, driverless robotaxis, and Optimus robots could reshape how we live and work. But Tesla faces challenges, with competitors advancing quickly and public perception fluctuating.