Stifel Raises Tesla Price Target to $483 Amid FSD and Robotaxi Progress

Investment Firm Stifel Raises Tesla Price Target Amid FSD and Robotaxi Progress

In a significant move for investors, Stifel, a well-known investment research firm, has increased its price target for Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) shares to $483, up from the previous $440. This nearly 10% rise reflects growing confidence in Tesla’s advancements in Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology and the ongoing development of its Robotaxi program. The new price target represents an 11.5% potential upside from Tesla’s most recent closing price.

‘Buy’ Rating Maintained Despite Ambitious Timelines

Stifel has retained its ‘Buy’ rating on Tesla shares, even with the higher price target. Analysts note that while Tesla’s goals for fully unsupervised driving are aggressive, recent progress in its FSD capabilities and Robotaxi network warrants optimism. In a note to clients, Stifel highlighted ongoing developments that indicate measurable technological advancements.

Growing Confidence in Tesla’s Autonomous Vision

According to Stifel, Tesla is steadily progressing toward making unsupervised FSD available for personal use in the U.S. by the end of 2025. Additionally, the report suggests that Tesla’s ride-hailing services could eventually reach roughly half of the U.S. population within the same timeframe. The firm views Tesla’s camera-based approach to autonomy as a potential catalyst for substantial growth in both consumer and mobility sectors.

Potential Surge in Robotaxi Deployment

Stifel’s analysis emphasizes the rapid expansion potential of Tesla’s Robotaxi fleet, which could scale from a minimal presence to a massive operation within a short period. This growth is expected to have a meaningful financial impact on Tesla by late 2026, providing a new revenue stream beyond traditional vehicle sales.

Balanced Perspective on FSD Ambitions

While optimistic, Stifel analysts acknowledge the challenges in executing Tesla’s ambitious plans. Achieving fully unsupervised FSD by 2025 is described as “stretching the timeline,” though they consider it increasingly plausible over the medium term.

“Tesla is making steady progress with incremental improvements in its Robotaxi network and FSD technology. The company’s camera-first strategy shows promise,” Stifel analysts noted.

Key Expectations for Tesla’s Autonomous Future

Stifel’s report outlines several expectations for the next few years:

  • Full unsupervised FSD could be available for U.S. drivers by late 2025.
  • Tesla’s ride-hailing services might serve roughly 50% of the U.S. population by the same year.
  • A rapid expansion of the Robotaxi fleet could significantly contribute to Tesla’s revenue streams.

Market Reaction and Investor Outlook

The announcement prompted mixed reactions from investors, combining excitement about Tesla’s technological progress with caution over ambitious timelines. As Tesla continues to advance its autonomous driving initiatives, Stifel’s revised price target may influence investor sentiment and shape expectations for the company’s long-term growth.

Conclusion: Monitoring Tesla’s Autonomous Progress

Stifel’s decision to raise Tesla’s price target underscores increasing confidence in the company’s FSD and Robotaxi initiatives. While the timelines are ambitious, the potential for meaningful growth in these sectors makes Tesla a company to watch closely. The next few years will be critical in evaluating the success of Tesla’s autonomous ambitions and their broader impact on the EV and mobility market.

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