Many people still say that developing electric vehicles is meaningless.

There are two main reasons: First, the power battery may suffer from thermal runaway, which does not happen in fuel-powered vehicles; second, intelligent technology is not mature, leading to frequent traffic accidents.

If we only look at these two aspects to understand why the country has continued to invest in developing electric vehicles for over a decade, it would be difficult to comprehend, as it would be as outdated as the conservative thinking of the Qing Dynasty elites over 100 years ago, lacking a forward-thinking perspective on development.

Although I often write articles criticizing the problems with new energy vehicles, my starting point is completely different. I am not questioning their significance but rather reminding some automakers to face the existing issues head-on.

Contrary to this, I have been an advocate of electric intelligence for many years. Therefore, friends who follow my public account should not mistake me for an anti-electric vehicle advocate just because I criticize certain electric vehicles or automakers.

The true significance of electric vehicles goes beyond just cars; they serve as the foundation for high-level robots. Consider this: is it possible that our future robots will be powered by fuel?

Apart from serving as vehicles, electric cars are also the initial version of humanoid robots. They are also the most easily accessible and applied intelligent product category in the early stages of development.

From this perspective, it becomes clear why China allows so many new energy automakers. On a grander scale, this is a battle for national destiny against Western countries, with the potential to change a nation and even humanity more profoundly than any industry in history.

Unfortunately, despite having the largest number of new energy smart automakers globally, we have yet to reach the pinnacle. Tesla remains at the top.

This morning, Tesla's 'We, Robot' event in Los Angeles suddenly made the world realize how close we are to the widespread adoption of robots, including automotive robots and humanoid robots.

Regarding the significance of unveiling automotive and humanoid robots, my good friend said something quite insightful and profound, which I'll quote directly:

In the future, everyone will be able to buy a male or female robot for just a few dozen thousand yuan.

Two crucial points were mentioned: First, machines can replace humans, implying that many roles are no longer as important; second, they are affordable enough for most people, making them widely accessible.

When you think about it, this is terrifying. Everyone in the world plays a unique role: women are someone's wife, men are someone's husband, and everyone is someone's child, friend, factory worker, or colleague.

Before this day, these roles were played by specific individuals. After this day, they could be performed by machines produced in 20 seconds on an assembly line. All you need to do is pay a few cents for electricity.

Tesla actually unveiled three products today: two automotive robots and one humanoid robot:

The first is the self-driving Cybercab. Musk tweeted that the design inspiration for the Cybercab came from Blade Runner. In car event parlance, this means it's futuristic.

To be honest, its appearance is not stunning but rather odd. This is not surprising since characters in sci-fi movies are often bizarre.

From a daily aesthetic perspective, 90% of sci-fi characters are ugly, and the Cybercab is no exception. Its front resembles the Cybertruck, and its rear looks like the Model Y, making it a bit of a freak.

The impressive part is the interior: no steering wheel, no accelerator or brake pedals. All information is displayed on the center console screen. With no physical controls, you just need to speak commands to reach your destination.

Since the Cybercab will be used as a taxi, it has only two seats, as most taxi riders are solo or in pairs.

Self-driving taxis are not uncommon within domestic automakers, with almost every company having one or two for display. However, they remain in design studios and are not ready for market launch.

Even Luobo Kuaipao has not announced a definite sales date. A quick aside: if they knew marketing, designing the car as a freak might have garnered ten times the current buzz.

Tesla's event today wouldn't have garnered so much attention then.

Tesla announced that the Cybercab will enter mass production in 2026 or 2027. Details for its use as a self-driving taxi have been considered, including robotic cleaning after service completion.

It's safe to say they're ready, and it won't be long before you can hail a Cybercab on the street.

Tesla also unveiled a self-driving van called Robovan, which can carry up to 20 people. Robovan significantly reduces travel costs to about 5 to 10 cents per mile.

Essentially, it's a small bus that can also serve as a commercial vehicle, similar to a Coaster but with much lower travel costs than even public buses.

I saw a similar vehicle at GAC Research Institute a few months ago, but it didn't generate as much buzz as Robovan. One reason is its unremarkable appearance, lacking a strong visual impact. Another is the lack of Musk's constant social media presence to pique public interest.

This gap isn't about engineers or designers but marketing.

Speaking of marketing, have you watched Tesla's event live stream at Warner Bros. Discovery Studios? It was unconventional yet meticulously designed, with flickering lights and even the main products barely visible in the dim light, maintaining an atmosphere of mystery and the unknown.

When it comes to marketing, Musk knows best – why see things too clearly? Mystery and sci-fi are key. Clarity detracts from the awe.

Tesla's FSD has been in cars for a while, so self-driving isn't new to Tesla owners. The above products are all about creating intrigue.

Given this, it's no wonder Musk garnered so much attention. No one in the automotive industry can deny his prowess. Some automakers try to emulate Tesla's approach, cutting marketing budgets and attempting organic growth, but it's not about whether it's good or bad; it's about whether it can be replicated.

The star of Tesla's event was a humanoid robot pouring drinks for guests while answering their questions. This was highly impactful, hitting everyone's excitement button.

Robot demonstrations aren't unusual, but this one chatted effortlessly with people, played games, and reacted as quickly as a human, making it stand out.

Some Chinese netizens joked that Musk went too far, making it hard for competitors to catch up.

Humanoid robots will soon enter our lives, taking care of daily chores like childcare, eldercare, dog walking, and grocery shopping. With AI voice technology, they can answer children's curious questions, chat with lonely people, and entertain the bored.

The game-changing aspect is: if robots do most tasks, what will humans do? That remains to be seen; perhaps we'll travel more.

Crucially, it costs as much as a Model 3, around $20,000 to $30,000.

It's worth noting that domestic new energy vehicle competition is fierce, with relentless price wars. Some automakers are struggling, and pessimism is spreading.

However, with a broader perspective, new energy smart vehicles and their derivative robots have the potential to rewrite human history, offering hope amidst challenges.

The future market isn't just about cars but a broader intelligent market, ripe for great companies to emerge.

Regarding the current predicament of new energy automakers, I'll quote famous investor Duan Yongping: 'Do the right thing, and do it right.' All new energy automakers are moving in the right direction.