Tesla Robotaxis Go Live! Is This the Next Big Catalyst for TSLA Stock?

Business Insider

4 hours ago

Tesla (TSLA) shares are gaining momentum as the company officially kicks off its long-awaited robotaxi era. With autonomous vehicles now hitting the roads, investors are betting big on Tesla's bold move to unlock a new revenue stream. The launch marks a major milestone in the EV maker's AI-driven strategy, fueling fresh optimism around TSLA stock.
Confident Investing Starts Here:
Notably, Tesla's robotaxi service was officially launched in Austin on Sunday with around 10 vehicles, each operating under human supervision as regulatory scrutiny over its self-driving technology continues.
TSLA Stock in Spotlight
TSLA stock has rebounded sharply, rising 15% from their June lows to trade at $322.16 as of June 23. It's now over 40% above its 2024 low in April, driven by investor hopes that the robotaxi launch will spark growth. The company has faced declining sales and growing pushback tied to CEO Elon Musk's political activism, but the robotaxi rollout is renewing investor confidence.
Despite the buzz around Tesla's robotaxi launch, the debut was relatively low-key. The service began with a company employee seated in the passenger seat for safety, while the driver's seat remained empty. The first few rides were limited to a select group of social media influencers, signaling a cautious and controlled rollout. The limited launch comes as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) continues multiple investigations into Musk's claims about Tesla's Autopilot and FSD (Full Self-Driving) capabilities.
What's Next for Investors?
Tesla's robotaxi launch marks a key step in its pivot from EVs to AI-powered mobility. The rollout could unlock major new revenue streams and reshape its growth outlook. Tesla plans to scale to 1,000 vehicles soon and expand to other cities, with full launches expected in 2026. Still, execution and regulatory risks remain, making the next 4–8 weeks critical for investors.
Wall Street analysts observed that investor sentiment around Tesla's robotaxi launch is neutral.
Notably, RBC Capital stated that the rollout met expectations. The firm added that what stood out was the use of a safety monitor in the passenger seat and remote driver oversight. RBC still views robotaxis as central to Tesla's long-term value, estimating autonomy could make up about 60% of its valuation. RBC's four-star-rated analyst Tom Narayan pointed out that Tesla's camera-based, machine learning-driven system could give it a cost edge over rivals relying on expensive lidar and radar setups, though its success at scale remains to be seen. Narayan reiterated his Buy rating on TSLA stock today at a price target of $317.
Is Tesla a Good Share to Buy?
According to TipRanks, TSLA stock has received a Hold consensus rating, with 14 Buys, 12 Holds, and nine Sells assigned in the last three months. The average Tesla stock price target is $286.14, suggesting a potential downside of over 11.2% from the current level.