Mercedes Benz

Tesla's story has been such a soap opera that it's hard to know which twists and turns are worth heeding. Tesla CEO Elon Musk's pathos-laden interview published Friday by?The New York Times might seem like just another distraction, but it's probably as important as anything to do with Tesla's manufacturing or sales. After all, the most important factor in Tesla's success is not its electric drivetrains, sleek styling or stunning performance, but its uniquely inspiring CEO. Musk's ability to present himself as the architect of a gleaming science fiction future has made Tesla's cars and stock into symbols of triumphant techno-optimism, lending their owners a piece of Musk's heroic appeal. So when the world's most famous optimist admits that friends are concerned about him and that "the worst is yet to come," it's every bit as important as a missed production or financial goal.Tesla's greatest strength has been becoming a weakness...