Tesla shares rise 3.10% pre-market driven by energy storage progress and robotaxi advancements

Tesla shares rose 3.1045% in pre-market trading on January 6, 2026, as investors shifted focus from declining vehicle deliveries to advancements in energy storage and autonomous driving.

Despite a 16% year-over-year drop in Q4 2025 deliveries, the company’s energy storage segment deployed a record 14.2 gigawatt-hours in the quarter, bolstering investor confidence. Analysts highlighted the segment’s higher profit margins and potential to offset automotive sector challenges. Wedbush analyst Dan Ives called the delivery results “better than feared,” while Stifel raised its price target to $508, citing progress in Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology and robotaxi testing.

Elon Musk confirmed Tesla is testing driverless robotaxis in Austin without safety drivers, a milestone that has elevated the stock’s valuation.

Bank of America estimates that robotaxi and Optimus robotics now account for 45% of Tesla’s total valuation, surpassing its traditional automotive business. Goldman Sachs and Benchmark also raised price targets following successful robotaxi demonstrations, signaling growing optimism about AI-driven revenue streams.

Investor sentiment was further supported by geopolitical shifts, including heightened interest in energy infrastructure. Tesla’s stock benefited from broader market rotation into cyclicals and energy, though pure-play EV rivals faced pressure due to weaker diversification. The stock’s resilience underscores a transition in how Wall Street values Tesla—as a technology and energy innovator rather than a purely automotive company.

As market dynamics evolve, investors are closely watching whether Tesla’s non-automotive innovations can sustain long-term growth, particularly as competitors catch up in autonomous driving and energy solutions. Analysts remain optimistic but caution that execution risks still exist, especially given the company’s ambitious goals across multiple fronts.