Where do Waymo and Tesla currently stand in the AV race?

Investing.com -- Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) is making progress in autonomous driving, but Waymo remains the clear leader in commercial robotaxi operations, according to a Barclays research note. Tesla has expanded driverless robotaxi operations in Texas and is estimated to be operating a fleet of roughly 30 to 50 vehicles. Most rides are now conducted without safety drivers, marking a significant step forward from earlier testing phases. Despite that progress, the gap with Waymo remains substantial. Waymo operates thousands of autonomous vehicles and has established commercial services across several major U.S. cities. Its network is already generating meaningful ride volumes, giving the company a significant first-mover advantage. Tesla’s strategy differs from many rivals. The company relies heavily on cameras and artificial intelligence rather than the expensive sensor suites and detailed mapping systems used by some competitors. Supporters argue this approach could lower costs and allow for faster scaling if the technology proves reliable. The company is also preparing for broader expansion. Management plans to launch robotaxi services in Phoenix, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Las Vegas. Pilot production of Tesla’s purpose-built Cybercab has already begun, providing another potential catalyst for future growth. Investors are increasingly focused on execution. Key milestones include expanding the fleet, increasing ride volumes, entering new markets, and demonstrating that the business can operate safely at scale. Progress in those areas could help strengthen confidence in Tesla’s long-term robotaxi ambitions. The report also noted that Tesla’s valuation remains closely tied to expectations for autonomous driving. While Waymo currently leads the industry in commercialization, Tesla’s lower-cost platform, manufacturing scale, and integrated ecosystem could become important advantages if the company successfully accelerates deployment over the coming years. Related articles Where do Waymo and Tesla currently stand in the AV race? These 2 stocks are best positioned to benefit from higher uranium prices: analyst JPMorgan outlines ten strategic themes that could shape the outlook for 2026