Tesla Emerges as Luminar's Top Lidar Customer Despite Musk's Criticism

Despite Elon Musk's public skepticism of lidar technology for autonomous vehicles, Tesla has become the largest buyer of Luminar's sensors.

Tesla accounted for over 10% of Luminar's $21 million revenue in Q1 2024, purchasing around $2.1 million worth of lidar sensors.
Musk continues to advocate for camera-based systems over lidar, which he has previously likened to 'useless organs' in autonomous tech.
Luminar's financials reveal a 45% year-over-year revenue increase, attributed significantly to Tesla's purchases.
Tesla's engagement with lidar sensors contrasts with its reduction of other sensor types in its vehicles over recent years.
The use of lidar by Tesla, despite Musk's criticism, highlights ongoing tests and potential shifts in strategy for autonomous vehicle technology.