NEW YORK — Tesla Inc. shares closed at a new record high Tuesday, driven by excitement over the company’s robotaxi plans, even as its electric car sales have slowed.
Investors pushed the stock up as they bet the futuristic self-driving taxi service could be a big money-maker in the future.
Tesla shares closed at a record-high $489.88 on Tuesday.
Shares rose 3.1% for the day and were up 21% for the year, CNBC reported.
The rally happened even as some experts warn about Tesla vehicle sales having weakened compared with past years.
Much of the investor interest comes from news that Tesla is testing driverless robotaxis in places such as Austin, Texas, without safety drivers in the vehicles.
The robotaxis are seen as a major step forward in autonomous (self-driving) technology.