Tesla Shares Soar After Model Y Seen Driving Unattended | Carscoops

      Self-driving tests devoid of human presence have propelled Tesla's stock upward, though concerns regarding oversight and compensation remain.

      Tesla's Model Y robotaxis are currently being tested without safety monitors.

      This development caused shares to rise by nearly 5% before slightly retracting.

      Musk confirmed the human-free tests with a brief tweet.

      “Testing is underway with no occupants in the car.” A concise statement, but those eight words carry significant repercussions for Tesla, its investors, and the future of autonomous vehicles. This statement from Tesla CEO Elon Musk came after an unusual incident was noticed.

      A short video emerged showing a Model Y operating alone on Austin's streets, with no one at the wheel or inside. This marks a considerable advancement for Tesla, and Musk's confirmation has excited Wall Street.

      Moreover: Tesla's California Robotaxis Are More Taxi Than Robot

      In practical terms, Tesla's robotaxis are now being tested, at least in Austin, without human safety monitors. The stock surged nearly 4.9%, reaching $481.37 (before slightly declining) and achieving its highest value in almost a year.

      This increase has pushed Tesla closer to the record highs seen last December, emphasizing how closely the company’s valuation aligns with optimism around self-driving technology rather than its regular vehicle sales.

      Tesla discreetly launched a limited robotaxi service in Austin last June, utilizing modified Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving software. Until this point, those cars were geo-fenced and had a human “safety monitor” in the front passenger seat. Eliminating that last layer of human oversight, even during testing, is a significant advancement.

      As noted by Reuters, a substantial portion of Tesla’s roughly $1.53 trillion market valuation is predicated on the belief that autonomy and robotics will eventually eclipse profits from car sales. Analysts believe that Monday’s stock rally reflects growing confidence in Tesla's progress towards that vision, especially as it gears up to release its purpose-built Cybercab next year.

      Pursuing the Automation Premium

      “The news that Tesla is testing robotaxis without safety monitors aligns with our expectations that the company is making strides in its testing, in line with management’s remarks during the third-quarter earnings call,” stated Seth Goldstein, senior equity analyst at Morningstar. “The market is reacting positively to this progress, driving shares up today.”

      Ultimately, Tesla still faces significant challenges ahead of reaching its objectives. Regulatory hurdles could impede advancement. Additionally, there are emerging concerns regarding compensation packages for Tesla’s board.

      A CTV News report indicates that directors have received over $3 billion, significantly more than peers at comparable firms. At this juncture, long-term success seems to be the only route for sustaining such pay.

      Testing is underway with no occupants in the car

      — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 14, 2025