As Tesla’s electric-vehicle sales have flattened this year, CEO Elon Musk has increasingly staked the company’s future on his vision for self-driving robotaxis, despite the massive technological and regulatory obstacles in delivering them.

Elon Musk is counting on his influence with President-elect Donald Trump to secure federal regulations that could boost Tesla's robotaxis

Musk has emerged as a prominent member of Trump's inner circle. Tesla has lobbied for electric vehicle subsidies and other benefits over the years.

Despite the president-elect's public scorn for EVs, his victory could ease the regulatory path for his billionaire backer's next big Tesla project.