The Global Expansion of Chinese Robotaxis: Opportunities, Challenges, and Security Risks - Analysis
- Gabriele Iuvinale
- 4 ore fa
- Tempo di lettura: 5 min
Key Points:
Chinese companies are leading the global expansion of autonomous robotaxi services, with Baidu, WeRide, Pony.ai, and Momenta at the forefront.
Europe is becoming a strategic market for Chinese robotaxi operators, with pilot projects and partnerships already underway.
The rapid growth of the robotaxi sector is reshaping urban mobility and challenging traditional transportation models.
National security concerns are rising in the West due to the vast data collected by Chinese autonomous vehicles and potential links to the Chinese government.
Regulatory, technological, and public acceptance challenges remain significant hurdles for the widespread adoption of robotaxis outside China.
By 2030, the number of robotaxis in China is expected to exceed 500,000, with the global market value projected to reach $47 billion.
Autonomous vehicle services have reached a turning point in their commercial development. Companies operating driverless taxis have moved from the experimental phase to generating revenue in various markets. This development offers great opportunities for urban transportation systems, with many cities adapting regulations to accommodate autonomous vehicles on public roads.
China has established itself as a hub for autonomous vehicle development. Its complex urban environments provide ideal conditions for testing technology, while the rapid adoption of driverless services—especially in large cities—fuels sector growth. Here, autonomous taxis operate alongside traditional transportation options.
Baidu and the Expansion of Apollo Go
Baidu, known as the “Google of China,” is accelerating the global expansion of its autonomous vehicle program. Its Apollo Go service has already completed over 9 million rides in mainland China. Now, Baidu plans to test its robotaxis in Europe, starting with Switzerland and Turkey. The company’s aggressive expansion and technological advancements position Apollo Go among the world’s leading autonomous driving players, aiming to reshape urban transportation.
International Competition
Competition in autonomous vehicles represents a new front in the technological rivalry between China and the West, which is already lagging in electric vehicle development. In addition to Baidu, other Chinese companies are strengthening their international presence:
WeRide Inc.: Operates in over 30 cities across 10 countries, including China, the UAE, France, and Singapore.
Pony.ai: Active in both China and the US, with a European hub in Luxembourg.
Momenta Technology Co.: Expanding its presence in Europe through strategic partnerships.
Baidu: Leading with Apollo Go.
Uber Technologies Inc. has also partnered with WeRide, Pony.ai, and Momenta to offer robotaxi services in Europe and the Middle East.
Competition in Europe
At least four Chinese robotaxi companies are working to establish a presence in Europe:
Baidu: Plans to test Apollo Go in Switzerland and Turkey, aiming to launch the service by the end of 2025.
WeRide: Launched the first commercial driverless robobus service in Drôme, France, and obtained the first Level 4 public road test permit in the country. Also collaborating with Zurich Airport for autonomous shuttles.
Pony.ai: Established its European hub in Luxembourg, obtained testing permits, and is partnering with Emile Weber to promote autonomous mobility.
Momenta: Through Uber, will introduce autonomous vehicles in Europe from 2026, initially with safety operators on board.
Uber and its partners plan to expand the service to several European cities in the coming years.
Apollo Go in China
Baidu’s Apollo Go operates one of the largest robotaxi fleets in China, with significant operations in Beijing, Guangzhou, and Wuhan. In Wuhan, hundreds of fully driverless vehicles are already in service. Since February 2025, the service has transitioned to fully autonomous operations, with no safety drivers on board.
Key data:
130 million kilometers driven in autonomous mode.
1.1 million rides completed in Q4 2024 (+36% year-over-year).
The Apollo RT6 vehicle costs less than $30,000, making the service more accessible.
The Chinese government has authorized 32,000 kilometers of roads for autonomous driving tests in about twenty cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen.
The Launch of Apollo Go in Hong Kong
In November 2024, Baidu obtained permits to test autonomous vehicles in Hong Kong, marking its first entry into a right-hand drive market. This is a strategic starting point for expansion into other right-hand drive territories, such as the UK, Asia, and Africa.
How Apollo Go Works
Users can book fully autonomous robotaxis through Baidu’s apps in pilot areas. The latest generation of robotaxis, the Apollo RT6, features:
40 sensors and detectors to ensure safety and automation.
The Apollo ADFM model, supporting Level 4 autonomous driving.
Depending on local regulations, Apollo Go offers both fully driverless robotaxis and vehicles with safety operators on board.
Cost Reduction
Baidu has focused heavily on reducing robotaxi costs. The Apollo RT6 is much cheaper than previous models, making the service more accessible than traditional taxis. Eliminating the human driver reduces operating costs and encourages the spread of transportation as a service (TaaS).
National Security Risks
National security concerns mainly involve data collection, the risk of espionage, and vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. Robotaxis are true “computers on wheels,” equipped with:
Cameras
Microphones
Lidar
GPS
Other sensors
These devices collect vast amounts of data, including sensitive information such as geolocation, user routines, and biometric data. Chinese companies are subject to China’s national security laws, which could require them to share data with the government.
Risks include:
Potential remote access and control of vehicles by hostile actors.
Vulnerabilities in hardware and software supply chains.
A potential technological advantage for China due to the data collected.
For these reasons, the United States has banned the use of connected software from China in vehicles, and lidar sensor manufacturer Hesai has been blacklisted by the Pentagon.
Government Actions and Expressed Concerns
The US Department of Commerce has issued rules to ban the sale or import of connected vehicles from China and Russia, citing national security risks. The European Union is also closely examining Chinese automotive software and technology for potential cyber threats.
Some countries have adopted strict rules on data collection and storage, requiring that data collected remain within national borders. The introduction of robotaxis in Europe also faces challenges related to stricter regulations, the need for third-party certifications, and public caution toward autonomous technology.
A Rapidly Growing Sector
The robotaxi sector is still in the early stages of commercialization, but exponential growth is expected in the next decade. According to Goldman Sachs, by 2030 there will be over 500,000 robotaxis operating in major Chinese cities. The global ride-hailing market share is expected to rise from 1% in 2025 to 9%, with the market value growing from $54 million to $47 billion.
Baidu, the industry leader, has surpassed 9 million total rides with Apollo Go. Despite regulatory, safety, and public acceptance challenges, analysts agree that the robotaxi sector is set to become a huge global market within the next decade.
Conclusion
The global expansion of Chinese robotaxi services marks a significant shift in the future of urban mobility. While these technological advancements promise greater efficiency, accessibility, and innovation in transportation, they also raise important questions about data security, regulatory oversight, and fair competition. As Chinese companies continue to lead the way and enter new markets, Western governments and societies must carefully balance the benefits of autonomous mobility with the need to protect critical infrastructure and personal data. The coming years will be crucial in determining how these opportunities and risks are managed, and whether robotaxis will become a truly global solution for smart, safe, and sustainable urban transport.
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