Tesla Stock (NASDAQ:TSLA) Dips as Full Self-Driving Hits Railroad Crossing Roadblock - ’Felt Like It Was Going to Run Through the Arms’
Tesla's autonomous ambitions hit a literal roadblock as railroad crossings expose critical flaws in the Full Self-Driving system. The stock dipped as investors confront the reality that even the most advanced AI still struggles with century-old infrastructure.
Railroad Reality Check
The system's hesitation at crossings mirrors Wall Street's own uncertainty about Tesla's valuation. While Musk promises robotaxis by next year, the current tech can't reliably navigate steel rails and flashing lights—basic infrastructure that's been around since the horse-and-buggy days.
Investors are left wondering if the $TSLA premium prices in magic that hasn't quite materialized. Another case of tech promise outpacing delivery—because nothing says 'future of transportation' like stalling at railroad tracks while the algorithms panic.
Elevate Your Investing Strategy:
- Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence.
Italo Frigoli, back in June, was out trying out his Tesla with its FSD feature, and for the most part, was enjoying it. At least, until he came to a railroad crossing. The arms were descending, the lights were flashing, a train was inbound…but the Tesla did not slow down. Most drivers who have been on the road any length of time know that slowing down is vital, as is preparing to stop. Yes, some crossings malfunction, but the lights are cause enough to investigate. Which, ultimately, Frigoli did, intervening to step on the brakes himself.
Video from the car itself seemed to corroborate his story, reports noted. Moreover, NBC News actually went with Frigoli, in his Tesla, to that same railroad crossing with a train coming. The car again failed to detect the crossing, and Frigoli had to intervene once more. Oddly, Frigoli is not alone in this report, as other Tesla drivers have come forward to note that FSD does not handle railroad crossings well.
Cheap Cybertruck No More
Sad news for Tesla shoppers who wanted a crack at a cheap Cybertruck also emerged recently, as Tesla has shut down the rear-wheel-drive Cybertruck. That particular model was the lowest-priced one in Tesla’s Cybertruck arsenal, reports noted, and that also hikes the entry-level price substantially.
With the rear-wheel-drive Cybertruck now off the table, the new minimum entry price on a new Cybertruck is $79,990, which is a 14% increase, reports note. One of the biggest issues on the discontinued model was the sheer number of trade-offs required to make it happen. This model offered a single rear motor, as well as cloth seats and less interior equipment. Further, the power tonneau cover was lost, as well as external power outlets, among other things.
Is Tesla a Buy, Hold or Sell?
Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Hold consensus rating on TSLA stock based on 13 Buys, 13 Holds, and eight Sells assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. After an 85.57% rally in its share price over the past year, the average TSLA price target of $310.73 per share implies 25.85% downside risk.
Disclosure
