- Cantor Fitzgerald maintains Overweight rating and $355 price target on Tesla, citing long-term growth potential.
- Tesla’s robotaxi service set for limited Austin launch by end of June 2025, with broader rollout expected by 2026.
- Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology surpasses 3.5 billion miles, reinforcing Tesla’s autonomous leadership despite LiDAR-free approach.
Tesla’s Autonomous Push Gains Momentum
Cantor Fitzgerald has doubled down on its bullish stance for Tesla, reiterating an Overweight rating and $355 price target. The firm’s optimism hinges on CEO Elon Musk’s latest announcement: a robotaxi service launching in Austin by the end of June 2025, starting with a small fleet before scaling up. The so-called "cybercab," a vehicle without a steering wheel or pedals, is slated for a 2026 debut, marking a pivotal step in Tesla’s autonomous ambitions.
Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, which has now logged over 3.5 billion supervised miles, remains a cornerstone of its strategy. Unlike competitors such as Waymo, Tesla has eschewed LiDAR, relying instead on cameras and AI—a gamble that Cantor sees paying off in the ride-hailing market. "The sheer volume of real-world data gives Tesla a unique edge," said one analyst familiar with the report.
Near-Term Challenges, Long-Term Catalysts
While Tesla faces margin pressures and regulatory hurdles, Cantor highlights several upcoming catalysts. A lower-cost vehicle, priced around $30,000 with tax credits, is expected in early 2025, potentially offsetting tariff risks. Longer-term, the Optimus Bot (2026–27) and Semi Truck (2026) could further diversify revenue streams.
Regulatory approval remains a wildcard, particularly for international FSD expansion in China and Europe. Still, Cantor’s report suggests Tesla’s integrated approach—combining hardware, software, and energy solutions—positions it as a "multi-decade winner" in autonomy and clean tech.
Correction: An earlier version misstated the timeline for the cybercab’s broader rollout; it is expected by 2026, not 2025.