Tesla has become one of the most closely watched companies on the stock market. Since going public in 2010, the electric vehicle maker’s stock has experienced dramatic highs and steep declines, reflecting both investor enthusiasm and market volatility. In recent months, shares have seen significant swings — including a drop of more than 50% since their December 2024 peak.
While Tesla is best known for its electric vehicles, it also operates in areas like battery storage, autonomous driving and AI, all of which contribute to its complex valuation. For potential investors, buying Tesla stock involves understanding the company’s risks, historical performance and broader role in the tech and automotive industries.
Tesla news today
- April 2, 2025: Tesla reported a 13% drop in first quarter sales, falling short of analyst expectations as aging models and rising competition dampen demand.1
- March 31, 2025: Despite reaching an all-time high stock price of about $480 in December 2024, Tesla has declined significantly since then, dropping another 6.8% today down to $245.55.2
Tesla stock price today
How to buy Tesla stock
Tesla shares can be found on most trading platforms.
- 1 Choose a compatible brokerage. First, find a brokerage platform that offers Tesla shares. Today, it's more likely than not a stock trading site has a way to buy Tesla shares, but never assume this before setting up your account. Also, review different brokerage options and compare their features and fees.
- 2 Fund your account. After you're approved for a brokerage account, you'll need a way to transfer money into your profile. Many brokerage sites let you link a bank account for Automated Clearing House (ACH) or wire transfers, but you might also get to send money through debit cards, credit cards, or fintech apps. Just be sure to review the different fees for all these options so there are no surprises.
- 3 Search for Tesla stock. With your fully-funded brokerage account, it's time to look for Tesla shares. The official ticker for Tesla is "TSLA," so use this in the search tab to find this stock. Review the latest chart data and price action to decide whether you're comfortable entering a Tesla position.
- 4 Enter your number of shares. If you want some Tesla exposure, you first have to specify how many shares to add to your portfolio. Some brokerages have minimum amounts you must purchase, while others may let you buy fractional shares with as little as $1.
- 5 Choose an order type. There are a few ways to enter your Tesla position, but the most common are "market" and "limit" orders. A "market order" fills automatically at Tesla's current price, while a "limit order" won't activate unless Tesla hits your predefined price.
- 6 Review trading fees. Before executing your order, review any commissions and other applicable trading fees for reference. If everything looks good, hit the "buy" button and wait for Tesla shares to appear in your account.
Our broker pick for buying and selling Tesla stock
Public.com offers a wide range of investment options, from stocks and ETFs to crypto and alternative assets like fine art and collectibles — all with very low fees. Investors will appreciate its user-friendly platform and innovative features that make it a one-stop shop for your growing your portfolio.
About Tesla, Inc.
Although CEO Elon Musk has become the face of Tesla, the electric vehicle company was founded in 2003 by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning. Musk joined shortly after as an early investor and eventually became CEO.
In addition to vehicles, the company has expanded into areas such as solar energy, battery storage and autonomous driving technology. In 2024, Tesla briefly reached a $1 trillion market valuation, placing it among a handful of tech giants — though its stock has since faced sharp declines.
Is Tesla a good stock to buy?
From its 2010 IPO at just $17 per share to today's price, Tesla's value has skyrocketed.3 However, shares have been highly volatile, with a more than 50% drop from their December 2024 peak highlighting recent investor sentiment.
While Tesla continues to invest in new technologies like self-driving software, robotics, and vehicles like the Cybertruck, its stock valuation remains a frequent point of debate. Critics cite inflated expectations and unpredictable earnings, while supporters view it as a long-term growth play. Prospective investors should be prepared for a higher level of risk and market swings when considering Tesla.
Pros and cons of buying Tesla stocks
Pros
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Well-known brand. Tesla remains a dominant force in the global electric vehicle market, with some of the highest-selling electric vehicles worldwide and a recognizable brand.
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Diversified business model. In addition to its vehicle lineup, Tesla generates revenue from energy storage systems, solar products and software, giving it multiple income streams beyond auto sales.
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Profitability and cash flow. After year of losses, Tesla has become consistently profitable since 2020 and has built up a strong balance sheet, with billions in cash reserve that offer financial flexibility.
Cons
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Stock price volatility. Tesla is one of the most volatile large-cap stocks, often swinging sharply due to earnings surprises, product announcements or public comments by company leadership.
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Premium valuation. Tesla trades a much higher price-to-earnings ratio than most automakers and even some tech companies, making it vulnerable to corrections if growth slows or expectations shift.
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Regulatory and legal scrutiny. Tesla faces ongoing investigations and lawsuits related to workplace practices, Autopilot safety claims and other regulatory matters, any of which could impact operations or reputation.
FAQs
Eric Esposito is a freelance contributor on MoneyWise with an interest in financial markets, investing, and trading. In addition to MoneyWise, Eric’s work can be found on financial publications such as WallStreetZen and CoinDesk. When not researching the latest stock market trends, Eric enjoys biking, walking his dog, and spending time with family in Central Florida. Eric holds a BA in English from Quinnipiac University.
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