Elon Musk's $158 Billion Payday and More: A Recap of Tesla's Week

From a semi-truck production ramp to concerns about the company’s valuation, and a notable payday for Elon Musk, here’s a look at the major events in Tesla’s week.

Over $500 Million from SpaceX and xAI

Tesla reportedly made over $573 million selling vehicles and battery technology to Musk’s other businesses, SpaceX and xAI. The company sold $430 million worth of energy storage systems, while $143 million was from vehicles sold to SpaceX.

Musk’s $158 Billion Payday

Tesla CEO Elon Musk received over $158 billion in 2025. However, the company noted that there may be a “significant disconnect” between what the company reports as Musk’s annual compensation vs “the value actually realized.”

Tesla’s Semi Truck Production and Used Car Demand

The automaker announced that the semi-truck began production at Tesla’s Gigafactory in Nevada. The company will offer the Semi in two variants, a lower-priced standard range model for $260,000 and a long range model with a starting price of $290,000. The Semi could help Tesla bounce back from its sales declines as the all-electric hauler is both cheaper than its diesel rivals and offers a range of 500 miles on a single charge. Notably, a study found that Tesla vehicles were among the quickest-selling vehicles on the used car market in the U.S., while also being among EVs that depreciated the least during the first quarter of 2026.

Tesla’s FSD Woes

Despite the positives, questions remain over the company’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system. Analysts have questioned why Tesla’s valuation hasn’t evaporated considering Musk’s admission that the technology still needed improvements. Investors have also called for a better marketing strategy, slamming the Tesla faithful for being “delusional” for thinking that the automaker would be the only one solving autonomy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tesla’s week was marked by significant events, including a major payday for Elon Musk and the start of semi-truck production. However, concerns about the company’s valuation and FSD system remain. As the company continues to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the automotive industry, it will be interesting to see how these developments play out.