If You Invested in Tesla When Musk Took Over, Here’s How Much You’d Have Today
Written by
Gabriel Vito
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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Elon Musk became CEO of Tesla in 2008 when it was just a small company with big ideas. At the time, electric cars were unpopular and seen as impractical. Few believed they could compete with traditional gas-powered vehicles. Fast-forward to today and Tesla has completely transformed the industry — and the stock market.
Though it has faced some serious headwinds lately, it’s still one of the most valuable companies in the world, leading advancements in electric vehicles (EVs), energy solutions, artificial intelligence and robotics thanks to Musk’s innovation. Let’s see how rich you’d be if you invested in Tesla when Musk took over.
Tesla’s Stock Price in 2008 vs Today
Tesla went public on June 29, 2010, at an IPO price of $17 per share. Adjusted for stock splits, this equates to roughly $1.13 per share. At the time of writing on April 3, 2025, Tesla’s stock is trading at $267.28, representing a staggering increase of over 23,553%.
To put that into perspective, a $1,000 investment in Tesla at its IPO would now be worth approximately $236,530. This is a significant return compared to traditional index funds or even the most well-established blue-chip stocks. The rapid rise in the stock’s price is a testament to Tesla’s explosive growth and its ability to reshape the auto industry with the help of Musk.
How Tesla Became a Stock Market Giant
Several key factors have fueled Tesla’s growth over the years:
- Leading EV technology: Tesla has consistently redefined the EV market by producing high-performance, long-range vehicles that challenge the notion of electric cars being sluggish or impractical. For instance, according to Car and Driver, the Tesla Model S can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 2.4 seconds, showcasing the company’s commitment to performance.
- Global production and expansion: To meet increasing demand, Tesla has established Gigafactories worldwide, significantly scaling its production capabilities. According to InsideEvs, Tesla’s total installed manufacturing capacity exceeds 2.35 million vehicles annually, with facilities in the U.S., China and Germany contributing to this output.
- Government incentives: Various countries have implemented policies favoring clean energy, including tax credits and subsidies for EV purchases. These incentives have accelerated EV adoption, directly benefiting Tesla’s sales and market expansion.
- Advancements in battery technology: Tesla’s continuous innovation in battery technology has provided a competitive edge over traditional automakers. The company’s development of more efficient battery designs, including upgraded motors and cooling systems, has resulted in vehicles achieving up to 93% efficiency, per InnovativeAutomation.com. This is significantly higher than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which generally have only 30 to 35% efficiency (according to AAA), as most of the fuel energy is lost to heat and friction.
- Strong brand and cult following: Tesla enjoys a level of customer loyalty that many companies aspire to, largely due to Musk’s personal brand and the company’s futuristic innovations. This strong brand identity has cultivated a dedicated customer base and a significant market presence.
Recent Stock Performance and Market Outlook
Tesla’s stock has been on a rollercoaster in recent months for multiple reasons, some revolving around Musk and his recent political endeavors. As of April 3, 2025, the stock price stands at $267.28, with the company’s market capitalization dropping below $840 billion after falling below $1 trillion in February 2025 for the first time since November 2024.
Despite these challenges, some analysts remain optimistic about Tesla’s prospects. For example, analyst Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities recently raised his price target for Tesla to $515 — according to MarketWatch, citing advancements in AI and autonomous driving as potential growth catalysts under the current U.S. administration.
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