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Apr 22, 2026 8:00 PM

Tesla CapEx Spike Hits Stock As Intel Pops On Elon Musk Comments

Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) is sharply ramping up capital expenditures in 2026 as the company deepens its push into AI, autonomous vehicles and robotics.

TSLA stock is moving after earnings. See the price action here. 

$25 Billion CapEx

On the company's earnings call with analysts, CFO Vaibhav Taneja said Tesla now expects capital spending to exceed $25 billion this year, a significant increase from its previously outlined $20 billion plan. 

The revised outlook reflects accelerated investments in AI infrastructure and next-generation manufacturing capabilities.

"Our current expectation for 2026 is over $25 billion of CapEx … we’re further increasing our investment in AI-related initiatives, including the AI infrastructure to support robotaxi and the launch of Optimus," Taneja said on the call. 

The spending surge underscores Tesla's strategic pivot toward AI-driven platforms, including its robotaxi ambitions and Optimus program. 

Taneja added that Tesla has "already started placing orders for ...