- Black said Tesla has not actively promoted benefits like easy charging, better performance, and lower maintenance.
- He noted that Tesla’s Full Self-Driving technology is widely praised by fans but remains largely unknown outside online communities like X.
- FSD requires drivers to stay attentive for now, but Tesla expects it to achieve full autonomy eventually.
Gary Black, managing partner at Future Fund, said Monday that Tesla Inc. (TSLA) is not taking full advantage of high oil prices to show consumers why electric vehicles are a better option.
In a post on X platform, Black explained that as Brent crude trades above $100 per barrel and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East remain unresolved, the conditions should favor electric vehicle adoption.
Limited Consumer Awareness
According to Black, many potential customers still lack a clear understanding of what electric vehicles offer beyond lower fuel costs. He noted that Tesla has not actively promoted benefits such as simplified charging routines, stronger vehicle performance, and reduced maintenance needs compared with internal combustion engines.
“Unfortunately, there is no advertising from TSLA educating potential consumers on the benefits of EVs — ease of charging, superior performance, lower maintenance costs, benefits of FSD/autonomy, good for the environment, etc.”
-Gary Black, Managing Partner, Future Fund
Tesla stock 0.9% inched higher in Monday’s premarket. On Stocktwits, retail sentiment around the stock changed to ‘neutral’ from ‘bullish’ territory the previous day. Message volume shifted to ‘normal’ from ‘high’ levels in 24 hours.
Earlier this month, the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, mainly to halt Tehran’s nuclear activities. The fighting has since spread across the Middle East, interrupting oil shipments through the crucial Strait of Hormuz.
At the time of writing, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures maturing in April traded 1% higher at nearly $98 a barrel, and Brent crude futures expiring in May increased 1% at $104 a barrel.
Focus On Full Self-Driving
Black also pointed to Tesla’s advanced driver-assistance technology as an example of untapped messaging. Tesla enthusiasts frequently praise the company’s Full Self-Driving software, commonly referred to as FSD. However, he said the technology remains largely unknown outside dedicated online communities like X, discussing the brand.
Tesla expects FSD to eventually allow cars to drive themselves from one place to another without human help. FSD still needs drivers to closely monitor the system, but Tesla believes it will eventually enable fully self-driving vehicles.
TSLA stock has gained over 64% in the last 12 months.
Also See: Bitcoin’s Breakout Sparks Fresh Rally In Crypto Stocks: BMNR Leads Gains In Pre-Market
For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.