Elon Musk has dismissed recent reports suggesting that Tesla is considering licensing AI models from his startup, xAI, in exchange for shared revenue. A recent article speculated on an agreement in which Tesla might integrate xAI’s AI models into its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. The report also mentioned that xAI could contribute to developing a voice assistant for Tesla vehicles and software for Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus.
Musk took to his social media platform X to clarify, stating that while he hadn’t read the full report, the summary he was shown was “not accurate.” He stressed that Tesla has already benefited from insights provided by engineers at xAI, which have played a role in advancing its FSD technology, making a licensing deal unnecessary.
He further explained that xAI’s models are too large and complex to run on Tesla’s in-vehicle systems, given their vast data requirements. Musk emphasized that Tesla’s current trajectory doesn’t involve integrating such expansive models into its operations.
Musk founded xAI to compete with OpenAI, a company he originally co-founded but later distanced himself from. Earlier reports indicated that xAI was seeking $6 billion in funding and exploring ways to leverage data from Musk’s other businesses—Tesla, SpaceX, The Boring Company, Neuralink, and X—to enhance its models.
Despite this, Musk faces legal scrutiny from Tesla shareholders, who argue that his involvement with xAI could divert attention and resources away from Tesla, potentially leading to a conflict of interest.
As Tesla forges ahead in its pursuit of fully autonomous driving, Musk remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation, even as speculation swirls around his various ventures.
