Siddhant Awasthi’s Departure from Tesla: A Bittersweet Farewell
In a heartfelt LinkedIn post, Siddhant Awasthi opened a window into his deep emotional experience surrounding his departure from Tesla, describing it as “one of the hardest decisions of my life.” This sentiment struck a chord, not only revealing the personal challenges he faced but also shedding light on his remarkable journey within the company.
Eight years ago, Awasthi embarked on his professional journey as an intern at Tesla. At the time, he could hardly envision that he would one day lead the ambitious Cybertruck program—an initiative poised to revolutionize the market for electric pickup trucks. Reflecting on his growth, he remarked, “It’s been an absolute privilege filled with mostly high-intensity days—working alongside talented, driven, and truly rockstar colleagues across Tesla.” This proclamation resonates with many who have followed Tesla’s meteoric rise, illustrating the passion and commitment that frame the culture within the company.
Gratitude to Visionaries and Mentors
Awasthi’s acknowledgment of the figures who influenced him underscores the collaborative spirit at Tesla. In his post, he extended personal thanks to Elon Musk and highlighted the supportive network of Tesla leaders—both past and present—as well as his mentors and dedicated customers. Such gratitude not only reflects his appreciation for the opportunities afforded to him but also signifies the importance of mentorship in cultivating talent within the tech industry.
A Career Full Circle: From Intern to Leader
Although Awasthi now identifies himself simply as “Ex-Tesla” on LinkedIn, his prolific career was characterized by varied yet interconnected roles. Since September 2022, he spearheaded the Cybertruck program, and as of July 2025, he took on an additional title as “Model 3 Programme Manager.” This dual role allowed Awasthi to stitch together his early experiences on the production lines at Giga Shanghai during 2018 and 2019, coming full circle back to the Model 3—a pivotal product in Tesla’s lineup.
His transition from intern to a leading figure in two major programs reflects not only personal dedication but also the rapid advancement opportunities available at innovative companies like Tesla. Awasthi’s path exemplifies how perseverance and skill can lead to significant responsibilities, ultimately shaping pivotal products in the electric vehicle space.
The Cybertruck: Ambitions vs. Reality
When discussing Awasthi’s tenure, it’s impossible not to mention the Cybertruck itself, which once stood as the crown jewel of Tesla’s ambitious plans. Marketed as Tesla’s entry into the sizable US pickup truck segment, expectations soared with projections aiming for annual production of up to 250,000 units. However, reality has painted a different picture. In its first full year on sale, 2024, Cybertruck production and sales lagged severely behind projections. Compounding the issue, early 2025 saw even more disappointing figures, with sales dropping markedly to just 16,907 units—a 38 percent decline from the same period the previous year.
This stark contrast between ambition and reality raises questions not only about the Cybertruck’s market positioning but also about broader industry trends in electric vehicles. It begs an exploration into the factors affecting its performance, including supply chain challenges, market saturation, and evolving consumer preferences.
A Future Unknown
As Awasthi steps away from Tesla, his next career move remains shrouded in mystery. In an industry filled with possibilities, many are left speculating where this talented leader will land next. His departure not only marks a significant chapter in his own life but could potentially represent pivotal shifts in the program he devoted years to developing.
Siddhant Awasthi’s journey at Tesla serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of careers in the tech industry. His story is not just about the impact of one individual but about the broader narratives of passion, innovation, and the relentless quest to challenge the status quo in the electric vehicle market.
Additional Resources
For those interested in reading Awasthi’s full LinkedIn post, you can view it here and for further insights into the automotive landscape and Awasthi’s impact, check out the article on Electrek.
This article was first published by Sebastian Schaal for electrive’s German edition.
