Mobility War: China presses the pedal on autonomous vehicles, the US and Europe still on stand-by

By 2030, China is preparing to radically transform urban mobility through an unprecedented technological leap: the launch of 500,000 robo-taxis (fully autonomous taxis) on the streets of ten of its largest cities, according to an article published by Zerohedge, citing the press from that Asian country. According to the cited source, this transportation revolution, which is evolving at a much faster pace than in any other corner of the world, is not only a demonstration of technological strength, but also a strategic bet on the future of the Chinese economy and society.

According to Goldman Sachs analysts, quoted by American journalists, robo-taxis represent one of the most promising ways to commercialize autonomous technologies, in a context in which large metropolises are facing a gradual decrease in the number of human drivers. The growing acceptance of autonomous transportation in major cities, along with government and insurance industry support, is creating the perfect conditions for exponential growth. In fact, estimates show that the market could reach $47 billion by 2035, up from just $54 million in 2025 - a growth of more than 700 times in just a decade, the cited source claims.

Companies such as Pony.ai, WeRide and Baidu Apollo are already at the forefront of this wave of innovation. Currently, robotaxi operations are active in more than ten major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Wuhan. As these companies accelerate testing and expand commercial services, the automotive industry's supply chains are reconfiguring to meet the growing demand for advanced semiconductors, sensors and components for autonomous vehicles. Investors see this trend not only as a profit opportunity, but also as a reimagining of urban mobility on a large scale.

In parallel, the United States seems to be lagging behind, the source said. Although big names like Waymo, Cruise and Tesla are experimenting or timidly launching autonomous services, legislative fragmentation and public reluctance are holding back progress. The next significant launch in the US is scheduled for June 2025, with a fleet of Tesla robo-taxis. The difference in pace is becoming increasingly evident, and the implications are profound: as automation expands, millions of jobs in transport risk being replaced by algorithms and artificial intelligence. Europe, on the other hand, is at a crossroads between regulation and innovation. According to the daily France Soir, Uber, with the support of Chinese technology provided by Momenta, has announced that it will launch the first robo-taxis on the old continent in 2026. But the initiative comes in a tense climate, in which concerns about digital sovereignty and job protection clash with the ambitions of big technology companies. While Uber promises a cautious transition, including a human on board in the initial stages, the question is not "if" AI will fully take over the wheel, but "when".

In this context, European auto industry leaders are sounding the alarm. The source cited states that the heads of Stellantis and Renault warn that excessive regulation and the lack of a common industrial vision could lead to the collapse of the European auto market. While China and the US protect their industries and strategically support them, Europe seems to be hindering innovation with contradictory requirements and a lack of coordination. Without an urgent rethink of the legislative framework, European manufacturers risk losing not only global competition, but also the ability to produce affordable vehicles on their own continent.

Overall, the global race to automate transport is in full swing. China seems ready to assume the role of world leader, supported by coherent policies and a huge domestic market. The US is trying to catch up, but in smaller steps, while Europe oscillates between legitimate fears and major opportunities. Regardless of the trajectory, one clear one is emerging: robo-taxis are no longer a science-fiction experiment, but real vehicles that are already starting to shape the cities of the future.