If you invested $1,000 in Tesla stock at Robotaxi unveiling, heres your return

The most dramatic gains came in the weeks following the November 2024 U.S. presidential election. Tesla‘s stock surged during a post-election rally, driven by optimism over a pro-business regulatory outlook under the incoming Donald Trump administration, which investors viewed as favorable to Musk’s ventures.

By December 17, Tesla shares had peaked at $479, pushing the initial $1,000 investment to approximately $2,013, a 101% return in just over two months.

However, the rally was fueled less by concrete progress on the Robotaxi and more by market enthusiasm over Musks perceived alignment with the new administration.

Tesla stock yet to price Robotaxi impact

Tesla has yet to fully price in the impact of the Robotaxi, with no tangible products on the market and a lukewarm reception from investors and analysts, who were disappointed by the lack of production timelines, regulatory clarity, and details on profitability.

Meanwhile, Teslas stock has been under pressure since reaching its peak in December. The company reported a 13% drop in first-quarter 2025 vehicle sales, marking its first annual decline, driven by weakening demand for its EVs and rising competition from lower-cost rivals, particularly in China.

Additionally, Tesla‘s brand value has taken a hit due to backlash against Musk’s political activities, including protests and vandalism at Tesla showrooms. However, Tesla has shown short-term strength after Musk announced that he would be dedicating more time to running the company.

Further complicating matters, the Robotaxi project itself faces hurdles that have tempered investor enthusiasm. Regulatory scrutiny remains a significant barrier, with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigating Tesla vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving (FSD) software after several reported crashes.