Tesla has taken a significant step toward fully autonomous vehicles, testing its Model Y robotaxis in Austin with no one inside the car. “Testing is underway with no occupants in the car,” CEO Elon Musk confirmed, a brief statement that carries major implications for the company and the future of self-driving technology.
A short clip circulating online showed a Model Y navigating the streets entirely on its own, without a driver or safety monitor. Until now, Tesla’s robotaxis, introduced in Austin in June, required a human passenger to oversee operations. Removing that last layer of human supervision marks a key milestone for the company’s autonomous ambitions.
The announcement sent Tesla shares soaring, rising as much as 4.9 percent to $481.37, their highest level in nearly a year. The surge brought the stock closer to last December’s record highs, reflecting investor excitement over Tesla’s potential in self-driving technology rather than its everyday vehicle sales.
Much of Tesla’s roughly $1.53 trillion market valuation is based on the expectation that autonomous vehicles and robotics will eventually surpass profits from traditional car sales. Analysts say Monday’s rally signals confidence that the company is moving closer to that vision, particularly with the upcoming launch of its purpose-built Cybercab next year.
“The news that Tesla is testing robotaxis without safety monitors is in line with our expectations and the company’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.”
Despite the milestone, Tesla still faces hurdles. Regulators could slow the rollout, and questions have emerged around compensation for board directors. Reports indicate Tesla’s directors have earned over $3 billion, far exceeding pay at similar companies.
Sustaining such payouts will likely depend on the company’s long-term success in autonomous technology.
