Ross Gerber, CEO and co-founder of Gerber Kawasaki Wealth Management, has publicly questioned the commercial viability of Tesla’s upcoming Roadster, suggesting the vehicle may be a limited-run model rather than a mass-market product. Speaking with Benzinga, Gerber expressed skepticism regarding the car's rumored ability to hover, a feature Elon Musk has previously suggested could be enabled by technology from SpaceX.
Gerber stated that he does not hold a reservation for the Roadster, citing a history of reservations that have not resulted in deliveries. He acknowledged a personal desire for the vehicle but noted that he has delayed purchases of luxury gas cars like McLarens and Ferraris to wait for an electric alternative. However, he criticized Ferrari’s recent electric model, the Luce, designed by former Apple executive Jony Ive, calling it a "disaster."
The investor argued that the Roadster would likely be a niche product, estimating Tesla might produce only "a few hundred" units. He suggested that high-end electric vehicles face a growth ceiling because exclusivity drives value, and producing too many would dilute the brand's premium status. Gerber also criticized Tesla for discontinuing the Model S Plaid, calling it the "best car ever," and questioned why consumers would be allowed to buy a Roadster but not the Model S.
Regarding the vehicle's capabilities, Gerber dismissed the hovering feature as a "gimmick" that would inflate costs. He cited the weight of electric vehicle batteries as a physical barrier to the technology and questioned the practicality of the feature in urban environments. "I don’t see the purpose of it," Gerber said, adding that he simply wants a fast car with great range, autonomous driving, and a traditional driving experience.
Beyond the Roadster, Gerber emphasized the growing market demand for low-cost electric vehicles. He pointed to the impact of high gas prices and energy shocks, suggesting that Tesla could sell millions of vehicles if it focused on affordable options, such as a $25,000 two-seater with self-driving capabilities. He also questioned the utility of Tesla’s Optimus robots and the Cybercab, suggesting that the company should prioritize solving practical problems over "moonshot" ideas.
Gerber concluded by speculating on Tesla’s sales potential, noting that the company would likely perform well if Elon Musk focused solely on selling cars. However, he suggested that Musk’s public persona may be a hindrance to sales, stating that "when you’re the biggest a**ole on Earth, people don’t like buying stuff from you." He also noted that Tesla has failed to meet previous production targets, including Musk’s estimate that two new models could generate more than 5 million vehicles annually.
