Published 04/28/26 AT 4:14 PM AEST Share on Facebook Share on Pocket NEW YORK — Tesla Inc. shares rose 0.63% to close at $378.67 on Monday, extending a recent rebound as investors grew more optimistic about the company's autonomous driving technology and upcoming robotaxi unveiling, despite ongoing challenges in vehicle deliveries and global competition. Tesla Stock Climbs 0.63% to $378.67 as Robotaxi Optimism Builds AFP The electric vehicle leader added $2.37 per share during regular trading, with after-hours activity showing a slight pullback to $377.87. The modest gain came amid broader market caution but reflected growing excitement around Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) advancements and the highly anticipated robotaxi event scheduled for later this year. Tesla's market capitalization now exceeds $1.2 trillion, keeping it among the world's most valuable companies even as traditional automakers struggle with the transition to electric vehicles. Monday's move caps a volatile period for the stock, which has swung sharply on news related to production targets, regulatory approvals and Elon Musk's public statements. Robotaxi Hopes Drive Sentiment Much of the positive momentum stems from anticipation surrounding Tesla's robotaxi project. Musk has teased a dedicated unveiling event for later in 2026, promising a purpose-built autonomous vehicle that could transform urban transportation and create a massive new revenue stream through ride-hailing. Investors are betting that regulatory progress in key markets like California and Texas, combined with improvements in FSD version 13, will pave the way for commercial deployment. Analysts at firms like Wedbush Securities and Morgan Stanley have highlighted robotaxi potential as a key catalyst. Wedbush's Dan Ives recently raised his price target, citing "unprecedented" long-term opportunity in autonomous mobility. "Tesla is not just an EV company anymore," Ives wrote. "It's positioning itself as the leader in AI-driven transportation." Delivery and Production Updates Tesla reported first-quarter deliveries that beat lowered expectations, though year-over-year growth remained modest. The company continues ramping Cybertruck production, with output increasing steadily at the Texas Gigafactory. Energy storage deployments also hit record levels, providing a bright spot as the Megapack business scales rapidly to meet demand for grid stabilization and renewable integration. However, challenges persist. Competition from Chinese EV makers like BYD and emerging players in Europe has intensified pricing pressure. Tesla has responded with targeted price cuts and new model refreshes, but margin compression remains a concern for investors focused on profitability. Musk's Influence and Company Strategy Elon Musk's leadership continues to be both a driving force and a source of volatility. His active presence on X, bold predictions and multiple company roles (including at xAI and SpaceX) keep Tesla in the headlines but sometimes distract from operational execution. Musk has emphasized that Tesla is fundamentally an AI and robotics company, with vehicles serving as a platform for broader ambitions in energy and humanoid robots (Optimus). The company's energy business, including solar and storage solutions, has shown accelerating growth and higher margins than the automotive segment. Analysts expect this division to become an increasingly important profit contributor in the coming years. Analyst Views and Valuation Wall Street remains divided on Tesla. Bullish analysts see the stock as undervalued given its technology leadership and long-term optionality in autonomy and robotics. Bearish voices highlight high valuation multiples, slowing EV demand in some markets and execution risks around new product launches. The consensus price target sits around $380–$420, with several firms maintaining Buy ratings while others recommend Hold. Tesla trades at a significant premium to traditional automakers, reflecting its unique position at the intersection of automotive, technology and energy. Risks Investors Should Monitor