Peter Rawlinson, the CEO of Lucid, recently discussed his thoughts on Tesla, implying that the massive manufacturer of electric vehicles has lost its primary focus and goal. In the context of the electric vehicle market, Rawlinson talked about Tesla’s current situation in a recent episode of BBC’s Wake Up To Money. He was employed at Tesla from 2009 to 2012, during which he helped build the Model S vehicle and compared the company’s previous and current priorities.
“I was there for three years from 2009 through to 2012, and at that stage, Tesla was truly at the cutting edge, developing the most advanced technology with clarity, a vision and purpose, and an absolute singularity of mindset,” says Rawlinson, looking back on his three years there. Tesla was laser-focused throughout those years, setting the standard for cutting-edge technology in the market.
But Rawlinson thinks that the focus is gone. “What I’m seeing now is a worrying trend towards distraction. Tesla seems to be distracted. There’s an interest in social media, even politics, and it’s losing its way. I don’t see it having that singular sense of purpose, and I think it falls to Lucid to take the technology to a whole new level now,” he said. Rawlinson claims that Lucid has a chance to enhance the electric vehicle industry because of Tesla’s current distractions.
Lucid has room to grow, but there are many obstacles in his way. According to people with knowledge of the matter, approximately 6% of Lucid’s workers will be let go as part of the company’s cost-cutting and restructuring plan. Vehicle engineering, production, human resources, and powertrain are reportedly among the divisions impacted.
Rawlinson’s remarks draw attention to the changing landscape of the electric car sector and point to a critical point at which Lucid may be able to spearhead the next era of breakthroughs in sustainable transportation.
