Tesla ( TSLA 0.04%) is one of the world's leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, but many analysts believe the company's true value lies in its futuristic product platforms like the autonomous robotaxi and Optimus humanoid robot. In fact, CEO Elon Musk believes those products will make Tesla the largest company in the world one day.

T esla's core car business is sputtering, but CEO Elon Musk is unbothered. The electric vehicle pioneer reported a 13.5 per cent drop in global vehicle sales for the second quarter, one of its worst stretches in years.

Tesla's electric vehicle sales plunged in the second quarter as the company continues to face a backlash from CEO Elon Musk's political turn. Why it matters: EVs are an essential source of cash flow for Tesla as it pursues ambitious projects like self-driving cars and humanoid robots.