Tesla’s stock shot higher after Sunday’s launch of the EV maker’s eagerly anticipated — and recently delayed — robotaxi service in Austin, Texas.

This isn’t just about a new feature; it’s the cornerstone of Elon Musk’s narrative that Tesla is not merely a car company but a world-changing AI and robotics powerhouse. As the automaker faces fierce competition from Chinese rivals like BYD, the success or failure of its autonomous vision could define its next chapter.

Despite losing nearly $50 billion in net worth since the start of 2025, Musk remains $139 billion richer than 2nd place Mark Zuckerberg.