With its direct-to-consumer sales strategy, intense focus on product innovation, and premium positioning, Tesla(NASDAQ: TSLA) has become a globally recognized automotive enterprise. And long-term investors have reaped the rewards, as the company’s $1.2 trillion market cap highlights.

If you had invested $10,000 in this electric vehicle (EV) stock 10 years ago, here’s how much you’d have today.

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Tesla logo on red filter with Cybercab in background.

Image source: The Motley Fool.

Tesla shares have climbed 2,430% in the past decade (as of March 19). This monster gain turned a $10,000 starting investment into over $253,000 today. Despite the stock trading 22% off its peak, the performance has been impressive, crushing the overall market. Shareholders deserve this return, as they’ve had to endure significant drawdowns on multiple occasions.

Revenue growth, without a doubt, was the key tailwind. Tesla’s sales rose from $4 billion in 2015 to $95 billion last year, as it ramped up production and deliveries of its EVs.

Looking out at the next 10 years, it’s almost a virtual certainty that Tesla isn’t going to generate the same kind of return it did in the last decade. The stock’s extremely rich price-to-earnings ratio of 353 implies very rosy expectations about what the future will bring. The market is banking on autonomous driving and robotics leading to incredible financial success, which is not guaranteed.

Don’t miss this second chance at a potentially lucrative opportunity

Ever feel like you missed the boat in buying the most successful stocks? Then you’ll want to hear this.

On rare occasions, our expert team of analysts issues a “Double Down” stock recommendation for companies that they think are about to pop. If you’re worried you’ve already missed your chance to invest, now is the best time to buy before it’s too late. And the numbers speak for themselves:

Nvidia:if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2009,you’d have $447,961!*Apple: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2008, you’d have $47,222!*Netflix: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2004, you’d have $495,179!*

Right now, we’re issuing “Double Down” alerts for three incredible companies, available when you joinStock Advisor, and there may not be another chance like this anytime soon.

See the 3 stocks »

*Stock Advisor returns as of March 21, 2026.

Neil Patel has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Tesla. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.