During trading earlier this week, Tesla’s shares hit approximately $490, with reports of intraday peaks around $490–$491, and closed near $489–$490. This surpasses the previous all-time closing high of $479.86, and the prior intraday high around $488.54.
The surge is largely driven by excitement over Tesla’s advancements in autonomous driving technology. Elon Musk announced over the weekend that the company is testing robotaxis in Austin, Texas, without safety drivers or occupants, marking a key milestone toward unsupervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) and the upcoming Cybercab robotaxi.
Analysts like those at Wedbush and Mizuho have boosted price targets e.g., to $530–$600, citing potential for massive valuation growth from autonomy, AI, and robotics—despite ongoing softness in EV sales.
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Tesla’s market cap now exceeds $1.6 trillion, cementing its position as one of the world’s most valuable companies. The stock has rallied strongly in recent months, defying broader market concerns about valuations.
The surge reflects growing investor confidence in Tesla’s pivot from traditional EVs to autonomous driving, robotaxis, and robotics. Despite softer EV demand, the market is pricing in massive future revenue from unsupervised FSD, the Cybercab robotaxi, and AI-related ventures.
Analysts highlight this as justifying Tesla’s premium valuation multiple. Musk’s ~13% direct stake in Tesla plus options means stock rallies directly add billions to his fortune. Tesla shares and options comprise over 60% of his wealth in recent estimates.
This ATH alone contributed several billion dollars in paper gains on high-volume trading days. It reinforces Tesla’s position among the world’s most valuable companies top 10 globally. The rally defies concerns over high valuations and interest rates, boosting sentiment in tech/AI stocks.
It also amplifies Musk’s influence in policy via his DOGE role and amplifies narratives around tech billionaires dominating global wealth. Such highs highlight Tesla’s dependence on future tech promises; any delays in robotaxi deployment or regulatory hurdles could trigger sharp corrections.
Elon Musk remains the world’s richest person by a wide margin, with his net worth exceeding $600 billion for the first time in history. Musk at $638 billion up $205B YTD, far ahead of #2 Larry Page ~$265B.
Estimates around $684 billion, maintaining his #1 spot. The massive recent jump including +$167–168B in a single adjustment stems primarily from SpaceX’s valuation soaring to ~$800 billion via a tender offer, with Tesla’s ongoing rally providing additional uplift.
This cements Musk’s lead over other tech titans, with his fortune now roughly 2.5 times that of the #2 position.
Elon Musk and Tesla face numerous lawsuits worldwide, primarily in the US, focusing on autonomous driving technology, shareholder disputes, executive compensation, employment issues, and Musk’s personal/political roles.
Tesla is party to over 1,750 lawsuits globally, with many stemming from Autopilot-related crashes and misleading marketing claims. Below is a summary of key active or recently resolved cases.
Autopilot/FSD Crash Liability Lawsuits
Ongoing litigation in at least 8 fatal or serious crashes involving Autopilot. Several 2025 settlements include two California cases from 2019 crashes confidential terms, avoiding trials and a Texas case settled November 2025 before trial.
A Florida jury awarded $243 million in damages for a 2019 fatal crash; Tesla is appealing. Class action over “phantom braking” defect next court date January 7, 2026. Shareholder securities fraud class action (Morand v. Tesla) alleging concealment of Robotaxi/FSD risks filed August 2025, ongoing.
Robotics patent infringement suit by Perrone Robotics. Workplace injury: $51 million claim by Fremont factory worker struck by robot. Tesla engaged in deceptive marketing of Autopilot/FSD; licenses at risk unless name changed or full autonomy achieved. Multiple investigations by NHTSA, DOJ, SEC, and California AG into FSD safety and claims.