On June 22, 2025, Tesla launched its invite-only Robotaxi pilot in Austin, Texas, igniting excitement among electric vehicle (EV) enthusiasts and investors. The limited rollout of Model Y vehicles, operating autonomously in a geofenced area, has naar verluidt prompted Benchmark to raise its Tesla stock price target to $475, signaling strong confidence in the company’s autonomous driving technology.

Robotaxi Pilot: A Glimpse into Autonomous EVs

Tesla’s Robotaxi service debuted with nearly a dozen Model Y vehicles, each equipped with a safety monitor in the front passenger seat. Charging a flat $4.20 per ride, the pilot showcased Tesla’s camera-only Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, which avoids costly lidar and radar sensors used by competitors like Waymo.

Benchmark analyst Mickey Legg praised the “controlled and safety-first approach,” noting its potential to build trust with regulators and the public. Early videos demonstrated smooth rides, though incidents like wrong-way turns and abrupt stops drew scrutiny from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The camera-based FSD system, which relies on advanced neural networks, offers a cost-effective and scalable solution. Legg emphasized that this approach could outpace rivals burdened by expensive sensor suites, potentially reducing operational costs for fleet expansion. With Texas set to implement new autonomous vehicle regulations on September 1, 2025, Tesla’s pilot could pave the way for broader deployment across the U.S.

Tesla’s Robotaxi Pilot Sparks Optimism With $475 Stock Target Boost

Industry Shifts: From Carmaker to Robotics Leader

Benchmark’s $475 target, a 47% jump from Tesla’s June 27 closing price of $323.79, reflects a belief that Tesla is evolving into a high-tech automation and robotics company. The firm sees Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robot and energy initiatives as long-term growth drivers. Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives echoed this sentiment, calling the pilot the start of a “golden era of autonomy” and raising his price target to $500. Ives projects that scaling Robotaxis could add $1 trillion to Tesla’s market value by turning its vehicles into revenue-generating assets.

Despite the optimism, Tesla faces challenges. European sales dropped 27.9% year-over-year in May 2025, and second-quarter deliveries are expected to decline. However, Tesla’s $37 billion cash reserve and $600 million in free cash flow provide ample resources to fund its autonomous ambitions.

Implications for EV Owners and the Industry

For EV owners, Tesla’s Robotaxi pilot hints at a future where personal vehicles could join autonomous fleets, generating passive income. A recent Tesla delivery, where a Model Y autonomously drove 30 minutes at speeds up to 72 mph (116 km/h) from its Austin Gigafactory to a customer, underscores the technology’s real-world potential. However, regulatory hurdles and public safety concerns remain critical obstacles.

The pilot’s success could reshape the EV industry by accelerating the shift toward service-based mobility models. If Tesla’s camera-only system proves reliable, it may pressure competitors to rethink their costly sensor strategies, potentially lowering costs for consumers. Yet, any high-profile incidents could delay regulatory approval and erode consumer trust, as seen with past autonomous vehicle setbacks.

Tesla’s Robotaxi pilot marks a pivotal step toward autonomous mobility, with Benchmark’s $475 target reflecting its transformative potential. As Tesla navigates regulatory and operational challenges, its ability to scale this technology could redefine the EV landscape.

Photos courtesy of Tesla / Zack / X.