Tesla and its fallen rivals: who tried, and why they didn’t make it.
Many companies dreamed of becoming the next Tesla, but the reality turned out to be far harsher. This article explores the reasons behind their failures and the obstacles EV startups face in surviving the market.
For many startups, trying to follow Tesla’s path in the EV world became a true test of endurance. On paper, the idea seemed simple: design an attractive electric car, raise investments, and enter the market. But most new players quickly ran up against the brutal realities of the auto industry. Behind every success story like Tesla, there are dozens of failed attempts—leaving behind empty factories and disappointed investors.
Back in the early 2010s, Tesla was seen as just another California gamble. Over time, however, the company not only survived but reshaped the world’s vision of transportation. That inspired dozens of entrepreneurs and investors to launch their own ventures, each promising to revolutionize the EV space. Yet, most never came close to Tesla’s success.
The challenges began as early as the design phase. Many startups focused on flashy looks and bold claims about performance—unreal power, massive range, affordable pricing. But when it came to actual production, reality set in: building a functional car was far harder than it appeared. They lacked the experience, capital, and time to finish the job.
The struggles were especially evident with companies like Faraday Future, Byton, and Nikola Motors. Faraday Future promised a crossover to outshine Tesla but collapsed under financial troubles and scandals, never reaching mass production. Byton wowed audiences with a futuristic interior but failed to get cars on the road. Nikola Motors became infamous when its showcased truck was later revealed to have been rolled down a hill for a promotional video—it couldn’t drive on its own.
The list of failures goes on: Fisker Automotive, Coda Automotive, Aptera, Better Place, Detroit Electric, Nobe Cars, Dyson. Each started with ambitious plans to change the market but ended in bankruptcy or suspended operations. The reasons were largely the same: lack of funding, supply chain problems, certification hurdles, and no real expertise in mass manufacturing.
Unlike most of its rivals, Tesla managed to survive critical moments thanks to timely investor backing and government loans. The company repeatedly came close to collapse but always found a way forward. Eventually, Tesla not only scaled up production but also built a loyal community of fans willing to wait years for their cars.
Meanwhile, traditional automakers like GM, Volkswagen, and Hyundai joined the EV race with a more cautious strategy. Their approach focused on reliability and scale rather than hype, which didn’t inspire the same passion as Tesla—but their resources and experience helped them stay afloat while startups fell one by one.
The bottom line is clear: building a successful EV company is an extremely difficult and capital-intensive task. Even billions in investment don’t guarantee success without a clear strategy, patience, and experience. Most startups simply can’t withstand the competition, leaving behind broken promises and abandoned factories. For anyone dreaming of starting their own car company, the question remains—are you ready for those risks?