Tesla's Regulatory Tightrope: Can Musk Navigate Policy Storms to Justify the Valuation?

The electric vehicle (EV) market is at a crossroads, and Tesla's stock price reflects its precarious position. With President Trump's push to dismantle Biden-era EV incentives and Elon Musk's controversial alignment with the administration, investors face a critical question: Can Tesla's valuation withstand the political and regulatory headwinds? Let's dissect the risks and opportunities.

Ask Aime: Will Tesla's stock outlast Trump's EV plan?

The Biden-Trump EV Policy Collision

The Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) supercharged Tesla's growth by offering a $7,500 federal tax credit for new EVs and a $4,000 credit for used ones. These incentives, coupled with California's Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) credit program, enabled Tesla to sell regulatory credits to competitors, contributing $442 million to revenue in Q1 2025 alone. However, Trump's proposed “Big, Beautiful Bill” seeks to eliminate the federal EV tax credit by 2026, while introducing a $250 annual fee for EV owners.

The stock has fluctuated wildly amid these policy debates, dropping 38% year-to-date as of June 2025. JPMorgan analysts estimate that if the tax credit is repealed, Tesla's EBIT could plummet by $1.2 billion annually, slashing its EBIT margin by 19%. This underscores the company's reliance on subsidies to maintain profitability in a highly competitive market.

Regulatory Retaliation: California's ZEV Credits Under Fire

Beyond federal cuts, the bill threatens California's ZEV program, which Tesla leveraged to generate $2.4 billion in credit sales between 2021–2024. The legislation aims to revoke California's emissions authority via the Congressional Review Act, forcing compliance with federal standards. If successful, Tesla would lose a critical revenue stream, forcing it to either cut prices (harming margins) or risk falling behind rivals like GM and Rivian, which are expanding their EV lines aggressively.

Musk's Political Tightrope: Friend or Foe of Tesla's Interests?

Elon Musk's relationship with the Trump administration has grown contentious. While once aligned, Musk recently publicly criticized the bill, calling it a “disgusting abomination” due to its deficit impact. This shift—from his role as a Trump-appointed adviser to the Department of Government Efficiency—reflects Tesla's existential stakes. However, Musk's erratic public persona and ties to the administration create uncertainty. Will his influence sway policy outcomes, or will his criticisms backfire, inviting regulatory scrutiny?

Valuation Resilience: Overpriced or Overlooked?

Tesla's valuation remains a puzzle. At a P/E ratio of 58x (vs. GM's 12x and Rivian's 100x), investors are betting on Musk's vision and Tesla's dominance in autonomous driving. Yet, JPMorgan's $1.2B earnings hit and the loss of ZEV credits could strip $30–$50 off its stock price. The EV/EBITDA multiple (12.5x vs. industry averages of 7–9x) suggests markets are pricing in a best-case scenario—a risky bet if policy headwinds materialize.

Investment Recommendation: Wait-and-See Until Policy Clarity

Hold off on buying Tesla shares until Senate negotiations conclude. Key risks include:1. Policy Uncertainty: The Senate may soften the House bill's EV tax cuts, but the $250 EV fee and ZEV credit repeal remain threats.2. Valuation Overhang: A 52% EBIT drop (per JPMorgan) could slash the stock to $120–$150 (vs. current $250), especially if earnings miss targets.3. Leadership Concerns: Musk's political gambits could distract from Tesla's operational challenges, like declining German sales (-36% YTD) and slowing battery innovation.

When to act: Wait for three signals:- Senate Compromises: If the EV tax credit phase-out is delayed beyond 2026.- California Wins: If courts uphold its emissions authority.- Musk's Focus: If he pivots to execution over politics.

Conclusion

Tesla's valuation hinges on navigating a minefield of regulatory and political risks. While its long-term vision is unmatched, the next 12 months could redefine its trajectory. Investors are better off waiting for clarity on policy outcomes before doubling down. As the saying goes: “In politics, the only thing worse than uncertainty is overconfidence.” Let the Senate's chess match play out first.

Data as of June 2025.