Home / Technology / Robotaxis Take Over: 2025 Sees Autonomous Cars Go Mainstream
Robotaxis Take Over: 2025 Sees Autonomous Cars Go Mainstream
16 Dec
Summary
- Robotaxis became a common passenger option in US and Asian cities during 2025.
- Waymo dominated the US robotaxi market, facing competition from Tesla and Zoox.
- Consumer skepticism remains high, with 66% of US drivers fearful of AVs.
The year 2025 marked a significant shift as robotaxis became a readily available option for passengers in major US and Asian cities, moving from science fiction to everyday life. Alphabet's Waymo emerged as the dominant force in the US market, while rivals like Tesla and Zoox also introduced their services. China saw Baidu's Apollo Go lead the autonomous ride-hailing sector.
Despite this mainstream adoption, consumer apprehension remains a significant hurdle. A survey revealed that 66% of US drivers felt fearful or uncertain about autonomous vehicles, echoing sentiments from the previous year. While safety incidents have been relatively few, complaints about noise, congestion, and erratic driving persist.
Currently, robotaxi fares are higher than traditional ride-hailing services. However, as these driverless fleets expand from hundreds to thousands of vehicles, both safety records and costs per ride are expected to evolve. The market is poised for further development as 2026 approaches.
