Elon Musk Reflects on Tesla’s Q3 2025 Revenue Journey

On October 23, 2025, Tesla CEO Elon Musk shared a short but powerful reflection on X (formerly Twitter) regarding Tesla's financial journey:

"It was difficult building this revenue."

The tweet, responding to a decade-long revenue infographic, quickly went viral, gaining over 150,000 likes and 38 million views within hours. Musk’s remark captures both the triumphs and unseen struggles behind Tesla’s growth.

It was difficult building this revenue https://t.co/flMCczaYgn

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 23, 2025

A Decade of Tesla Revenue Growth

Tesla’s Q3 revenue has seen exponential growth over the past decade, as highlighted by data analyst Jon Erlichman:

This 12% year-over-year growth in 2025 is attributed to strong vehicle deliveries, expanding energy storage operations, and non-automotive services reaching new records. Analysts had predicted $26.37B, making the actual result a positive surprise despite market volatility.

Behind the Numbers: Musk’s Humble Reflection

Elon Musk’s tweet is more than a statement—it is a nod to Tesla’s challenging history:

• 2018: Production “hell” during Model 3 ramp-up
• 2018–2019: Near-bankruptcy periods
• Relentless competition: Legacy automakers pivoting to EVs

While revenue surged, net income dropped nearly 40% YoY to $1.4B due to increased expenses in AI, full self-driving tech, and pricing pressures. Musk’s message underscores resilience over raw numbers, reminding investors and fans alike that Tesla’s success is the product of decades of relentless effort.

Social Media Echoes: Praise, Memes, and Skepticism

Reactions on X have been mixed:

• Positive: Admiration for Musk’s vision and perseverance
• Humor & memes: Viral jokes about Tesla’s growth journey
• Critical voices: Questions about reliance on tax credits and subsidies

The conversation reflects Tesla’s polarizing presence—both celebrated as a technological powerhouse and scrutinized for its aggressive expansion strategies.

What This Means for Tesla’s Future

With revenue surpassing $100B annually on a trailing 12-month basis, Tesla is no longer a startup—it is a global EV and energy leader. Musk is pushing forward with:

• Scaling Cybertruck production
• Advancing Optimus humanoid robots
• Achieving unsupervised Full Self-Driving by 2026

Challenges remain, including geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and competition from companies like BYD and Ford. Despite these hurdles, Musk’s reflection emphasizes innovation forged through adversity, not just financial success.

FAQs

Q1: How much did Tesla earn in Q3 2025?

A1: Tesla reported $28.1 billion in Q3 2025 revenue, up 12% from 2024.

Q2: Why did Elon Musk call the revenue journey difficult?

A2: Musk refers to production challenges, early financial struggles, and intense competition in the EV market.

Q3: Is Tesla profitable despite high expenses?

A3: Yes, Tesla remains profitable, though net income declined due to higher operating and AI-related costs.

Q4: What is the future outlook for Tesla?

A4: Tesla aims to expand vehicle production, advance robotics, and achieve unsupervised full self-driving, though competition and global factors may impact growth.

Neutral Expert Insight

Tesla’s Q3 2025 milestone is a striking illustration of strategic resilience and technological ambition. Elon Musk’s candid reflection highlights a central truth in modern innovation: sustainable growth is rarely linear. The journey from $852 million to $28.1 billion demonstrates long-term planning, operational discipline, and risk-taking, which are as critical to Tesla’s future as its headline revenue figures. Analysts and investors should consider both the financial numbers and the underlying operational challenges to fully understand Tesla’s trajectory.

In essence, Tesla’s story is a masterclass in persistence, innovation, and vision—reminding the world that true breakthroughs often come at the intersection of tenacity, technology, and calculated risk.