A new powerhouse has emerged in the realm of robotaxis, with numerous Chinese electric vehicles now equipped with cutting-edge smart technology. Companies such as Xiaomi and Huawei have entered the EV market with budget-friendly models featuring autonomous driving capabilities, advanced voice controls, and large infotainment screens. China’s autonomous vehicle industry has seen significant growth, with Pony.AI announcing plans to expand its robotaxi fleet to 1,000 vehicles this year. Moreover, Baidu’s Apollo Go ride-hailing service, which operates robotaxis in various Chinese cities, has completed over 8 million rides since its inception and unveiled a new vehicle priced under $30,000.
In contrast, the US robotaxi sector has faced challenges in recent years, with General Motors discontinuing its Cruise project despite significant investments. However, Google-backed Waymo has experienced rapid expansion, providing over 150,000 rides weekly across multiple American cities.
Established in 2017, WeRide is among the few Chinese autonomous vehicle firms expanding beyond their domestic market. Operating in seven countries, WeRide offers a variety of autonomous vehicles, including robotaxis and robovans. The company recently debuted two autonomous pilots in Switzerland and partnered with Uber to offer robotaxis through the ride-hailing app in Abu Dhabi. WeRide went public on the Nasdaq last year, witnessing a valuation exceeding $4 billion. Amid growing geopolitical tensions between the US and China, WeRide launched a new delivery vehicle called the W5, designed to operate in diverse weather conditions.
With the US introducing restrictions on Chinese vehicle software and hardware, WeRide, which has been testing autonomous vehicles in California since 2017, focuses on research and development rather than offering passenger services. Despite the ban on Chinese companies testing robotaxis on US roads, WeRide remains cautious about potential impacts and complies with regulations. The evolving regulatory landscape under the new administration poses challenges, but WeRide continues to monitor policies to ensure full compliance for its US operations.
Although not yet visible, the influence of Elon Musk on the new administration has sparked some hope. The billionaire’s strong connections with China, a key market for Tesla and home to its Shanghai gigafactory, have contributed to this sense of optimism. Li highlighted Elon’s significant role within the administration, emphasizing his amicable relationship with the Chinese. She pointed out the extensive following Tesla enjoys in China as a factor sustaining a level of optimism for the future. If you are affiliated with a robotaxi company or possess insights to share on this topic, feel free to reach out to the reporter at tcarter@businessinsider.com or @tcarter.41 on Signal. To read the original article, visit Business Insider.
