A significant portion of Tesla's market valuation, which stands at 1.53 trillion dollars—making it the most valuable automaker worldwide—is linked to expectations surrounding its autonomous driving systems and humanoid robotics initiatives. However, the primary sources of the company's revenue and earnings continue to stem from electric vehicle sales.
The stock climbed by as much as 4.9 percent, peaking at 481.37 dollars, the strongest intraday performance since nearly a year ago. Previously, the shares had achieved a record closing high of 488.54 dollars on December 18, 2024.
Tesla initiated a restricted robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, in June, utilizing adapted Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving capabilities. Initial deployments were limited to specific areas and featured a human safety monitor positioned in the passenger seat.
"Testing is underway with no occupants in the car," Musk said in an X post on Sunday.
Market participants and experts anticipate that Tesla will expand its testing efforts and accelerate the rollout of fully autonomous taxis in preparation for the introduction of its Cybercab model in the following year.
"The news Tesla is testing robotaxis without the safety monitors is in line with our expectations that the company is making progress in its testing, in line with management's statements during the third quarter earnings call," said Seth Goldstein, senior equity analyst at Morningstar. "The market is cheering the progress, sending shares higher today."
Tesla has consistently promoted its ambitions for robotaxi services and self-driving technologies, although progress has been affected by regulatory requirements and technical challenges over time.
In comparison, Alphabet's Waymo subsidiary operates over 2,500 commercial robotaxis in several major U.S. cities as of November 2025. Recent reports indicate that Waymo has been facilitating approximately 450,000 paid rides weekly.
The share price reaction highlights investor confidence in Tesla's advancements toward unmonitored autonomous operations, which could enhance operational efficiency and scalability for future mobility services. As the electric vehicle sector evolves, such developments underscore ongoing innovations in vehicle automation.
Analysts suggest that successful testing without human oversight represents a milestone in validating the reliability of Tesla's self-driving software, potentially paving the way for broader commercial applications. The company's focus on integrating these technologies into its vehicle lineup continues to drive long-term growth prospects.
Overall, the market's positive response reflects optimism about Tesla's ability to navigate technical hurdles and deliver on its autonomous vehicle commitments in the near term.
