In this article, we will look at the 10 Best Autonomous Vehicle Stocks to Buy Now.
On January 6, McKinsey & Company released its research report, which discusses insights from autonomous vehicle experts. The report notes that in recent years, the world has witnessed the release of Level 3 vehicles, and now robo-taxis complete more than 700,000 rides per week. The ramp-up of autonomous vehicles is global, as the US and China complete more than 450,000 and 250,000 autonomous rides per week, while Europe has been home to over 35 autonomous vehicle pilots.
However, despite this ramp-up, the survey of industry experts suggests that the adoption timeline of autonomous vehicles has been delayed by a year or two. For instance, experts believe that the global rollout of Level 4 technology will take place in 2030, instead of the previously estimated 2029. Moreover, the urban pilot for Level 4 vehicles for private cars is expected in 2032 and not 2030. The report highlights that one of the key reasons behind the delay is the lack of funding and the increased amount of cost required for testing new technologies. In addition, industry experts also pointed out that the rollout of L4 is expected to take up significantly more funding than previously estimated.
With that, let’s take a look at the 10 Best Autonomous Vehicle Stocks to Buy Now.
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Our Methodology
To curate the list of 10 Best Autonomous Vehicle Stocks to Buy Now, we surfed through various online ranks by reputable financial media and also surfed through the holdings of popular ETFs, including Global X Autonomous & Electric Vehicles ETF and KraneShares Electric Vehicles & Future Mobility Index ETF. Using these sources, we aggregated a list of Autonomous Vehicle stocks and ranked them in ascending order of the number of hedge fund holders sourced from Insider Monkey’s Q3 2025 database.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 427.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 264 percentage points (see more details here).
10 Best Autonomous Vehicle Stocks to Buy Now
10. WeRide Inc. (NASDAQ:WRD)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 23
WeRide Inc. (NASDAQ:WRD) is one of the Best Autonomous Vehicle Stocks to Buy Now. Wall Street is bullish on the stock, with all 13 analysts covering the stock having a Buy rating. On January 18, Jeff Chung from Citi reiterated a Buy rating on WeRide Inc. (NASDAQ:WRD) with a $15.3 price target.
Earlier, on January 14, the company announced the launch of the WeRide Go Robotaxi service as a Mini Program within WeChat. Management noted that WeChat is owned by Tencent with more than 1 billion users in China. As a result of this launch, users would be able to book fully driverless Robotaxi rides directly in WeChat by searching for “WeRide Go.” This allows the user to skip the need for a separate app download.
The service is currently available in Guangzhou’s Huangpu district, Beijing’s Yizhuang district, and Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE. Management noted that this is an important step towards the company’s goal of tens of thousands of Robotaxis by 2030.
WeRide Inc. (NASDAQ:WRD) provides autonomous driving products and solutions for mobility, logistics, and sanitation industries in the People’s Republic of China.
9. Pony AI Inc. (NASDAQ:PONY)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 27
Pony AI Inc. (NASDAQ:PONY) is one of the Best Autonomous Vehicle Stocks to Buy Now. Wall Street has a Strong Buy on the stock, with 94% of the 18 analysts having a Buy rating on the stock. Analysts’ 12-month price target reflects more than 54% upside from the current level. Recently, on January 15, Jeff Chung from Citi reiterated a Buy rating on Pony AI Inc. (NASDAQ:PONY) with a $15.3 price target.
That said, earlier on January 10, the company announced expanding its partnership with BAIC BJEV. Management noted that the collaboration focuses on joint Robotaxi development, ecosystem integration, and global expansion to drive commercialization and growth in autonomous mobility.
Together, both companies have produced over 600 ARCFOX Alpha T5 Robotaxis using Pony.ai’s Gen-7 platform. Management noted that with the extended partnership, the companies plan mass production of next-gen Robotaxi models with cutting-edge vehicle designs and in-cabin tech to improve rider experience. Moreover, Pony AI Inc. (NASDAQ:PONY) also aims to create a full Robotaxi value chain across both upstream and downstream capabilities.
Pony AI Inc. (NASDAQ:PONY), through its subsidiaries, engages in the autonomous mobility business in the People’s Republic of China, the US, and internationally. The company develops a proprietary Virtual Driver that uses a unified AI software stack.
8. NIO Inc. (NYSE:NIO)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 34
NIO Inc. (NYSE:NIO) is one of the Best Autonomous Vehicle Stocks to Buy Now. On January 27, Tim Hsiao from Morgan Stanley reiterated a Buy rating on the stock with a $7 price target. Earlier on January 15, Eugene Hsiao from Macquarie upgraded NIO Inc. (NYSE:NIO) from Hold to Buy and raised the price target from $5.3 to $6.1.
Analysts at Morgan Stanley noted that the rating is based on the recent comments by NIO Inc’s founder. The founder believes that the company can achieve a CAGR growth of around 40% to 50% over the next two years. He elaborated that this growth rate will result in around 456,000 to 489,000 units by 2026.
Moreover, management highlighted ES9 as one of the key models, which will help the company improve margins and potentially generate more than 100,000 yuan profit per year. The model has an average per-unit selling price of around 500,000 yuan.
Moreover, Macquarie noted that the adjusted price target reflects a 7% increase in their fiscal year 2026 delivery volume estimate, driven by robust demand for the company’s ES8 SUV and Firefly models.
NIO Inc. (NYSE:NIO) is a renowned electric car manufacturer that focuses on the premium category.
7. Aurora Innovation, Inc. (NASDAQ:AUR)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 39
Aurora Innovation, Inc. (NASDAQ:AUR) is one of the Best Autonomous Vehicle Stocks to Buy Now. Aurora Innovation, Inc. (NASDAQ:AUR) is set to release its fiscal Q4 2025 results on February 11. Wall Street expects the company to post around $1.47 million in revenue along with a GAAP EPS of negative $0.12. Wall Street has a bullish sentiment on the stock, with analysts’ 12-month price target reflecting more than 171% upside from the current levels.
That said, on January 15, Aurora Innovation, Inc. (NASDAQ:AUR) announced successful and ahead-of-schedule integration of its software into McLeod Software’s Transportation Management System. Management noted that this integration allows McLeod customers to book, tender, and manage driverless truck capacity through the TMS platform.
Notably, the integration finished ahead of schedule, driven by the strong demand from users. As a result of this integration, users can benefit from seamless tendering, real-time visibility, and automated status updates. Founder of McLeod Software, Tom McLeod, is set to discuss the strategic benefits of the integration later this month.
Aurora Innovation, Inc. (NASDAQ:AUR) is a Pennsylvania-based self-driving technology company. Founded in 2017, the company is committed to developing Aurora Driver.
6. Aptiv PLC (NYSE:APTV)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 40
Aptiv PLC (NYSE:APTV) is one of the Best Autonomous Vehicle Stocks to Buy Now. On January 23, Dan Levy from Barclays reiterated a Buy rating on the stock with a $105 price target. Earlier, on January 21, Colin Rusch from Oppenheimer also reiterated a Buy rating on Aptiv PLC (NYSE:APTV) and raised the price target from $94 to $102.
Analysts at Oppenheimer noted that the improved sentiment is based on the company showcasing its innovation during CES 2026. The firm noted that the company has made significant advances in synthetic data generation for AI training, improved sensor precision, and benefits from advanced energy storage tech. Oppenheimer noted that these elements combine to enable practical applications, which are now seeing early sales success.
The firm highlighted that they see these technologies scaling in autonomous vehicles, mobile robots, drones, and full systems for warehouses and distribution centers. Lastly, Oppenheimer sees 2026 to be a pivotal year for Aptiv PLC (NYSE:APTV) as it believes that technical proof and commercial wins in the market will allow the company to pave the way for faster product rollouts and growth.
Aptiv PLC (NYSE:APTV) is a global technology company specializing in advanced safety, electrification, and connected car solutions for the automotive industry.
5. Mobileye Global Inc. (NASDAQ:MBLY)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 43
Mobileye Global Inc. (NASDAQ:MBLY) is one of the Best Autonomous Vehicle Stocks to Buy Now. On January 23, Brian Gesuale from Raymond James reiterated a Buy rating on the stock with a $16 price target. On the same day, Canaccord Genuity reiterated a Buy rating on Mobileye Global Inc. (NASDAQ:MBLY) but lowered the price target from $30 to $24.
The ratings follow the company’s Q4 2025 earnings, released on January 22. The company posted quarterly revenue of $446 million, which decreased 8.98% year-over-year, but surpassed estimates by $14.15 million. The GAAP EPS was $0.16 and missed estimates by $0.02. Management noted that they enter 2026 with strong momentum driven by an 8-year future expected automotive revenue pipeline of $24.5 billion.
Analysts at Raymond James noted that the performance was driven by 8.3 million systems, which the company shipped at an average selling price of $50.80. Moreover, the company also benefits from the revenue mix from SuperVision products. The firm sees upside potential for the company in the second half of 2026.
Mobileye Global Inc. (NASDAQ:MBLY) develops and deploys advanced driver assistance systems/ADAS and autonomous driving technologies and solutions worldwide.
4. Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 44
Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) is one of the Best Autonomous Vehicle Stocks to Buy Now. On January 26, Alexander Potter from Piper Sandler reiterated a Buy rating on the stock with a $16 price target. Earlier on January 23, Dan Levy from Barclays reiterated a Hold rating on Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) and raised the price target from $12 to $13.
Analysts at Piper Sandler noted that they expect warranty improvements, which will act as a potential catalyst for 2026 earnings. The firm noted that the company has historically struggled with quality and has outspent General Motors in warranty expenses as a percentage of vehicle price in 24 out of 27 quarters. The firm expects Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) to address these issues in 2026. If the company tackles these challenges, it can generate around $2.8 billion in incremental EBIT year-over-year and boost its EPS by $0.54.
On the other hand, Barclays noted that the updated price target reflects the company’s updated outlook on the mobility group as part of its Q4 earnings preview. The firm finds the car market attractive, driven by healthy production rates and reduced electric vehicle losses.
Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) develops, delivers, and services Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans, and cars, and Lincoln luxury vehicles worldwide.
3. Baidu, Inc. (NASDAQ:BIDU)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 54
Baidu, Inc. (NASDAQ:BIDU) is one of the Best Autonomous Vehicle Stocks to Buy Now. On January 26, Jiong Shao from Barclays reiterated a Hold rating on the stock and raised the price target from $100 to $147. Earlier on January 7, Freedom Capital reiterated a Buy rating on Baidu, Inc. (NASDAQ:BIDU) and raised the price target from $120 to $160.
Analysts at Freedom Capital noted that the company’s ongoing transformation had required higher expenditures. However, now the investments have started to yield positive results amidst strong competition for its core business. The firm noted that the company might continue to face pressure on margins as it works on its strategic initiatives.
That said, Baidu, Inc. (NASDAQ:BIDU) is set to release its fiscal Q4 2025 results on February 26. Wall Street expects the company to post revenue around $4.7 billion, along with a GAAP EPS of $1. Overall, Street remains a Strong Buy on the stock, with 78% of the 41 analysts having a Buy rating on the stock.
Baidu, Inc. (NASDAQ:BIDU) operates China’s leading search engine alongside AI-driven services such as ERNIE Bot and AI Cloud. The company generates revenue through online marketing, apps, and cloud computing. Its three core growth engines include Mobile Ecosystem, AI Cloud, and Intelligent Driving.
2. General Motors Company (NYSE:GM)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 71
General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) is one of the Best Autonomous Vehicle Stocks to Buy Now. On January 27, Mark Delaney from Goldman Sachs reiterated a Buy rating on the stock with a $98 price target. On the same day, Joseph Spak from UBS also reiterated a Buy rating on the stock with a $97 price target.
Analysts at UBS noted that they view the company’s additional EV-related charges as anticipated and not surprising. The firm highlighted that the company had already signaled more costs after its Brightdrop restructuring and an ongoing EV strategy review. In Q4 2025, the latest charges totaled $6 billion, bringing the company’s full-year 2025 EV impairments to $7.6 billion. The firm compared this to Ford’s larger $19.5 billion write-down, noting the figures aren’t perfectly analogous but underscoring GM’s smaller scale.
That said, on January 23, Barclays analyst Dan Levy raised the firm’s price target on General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) from $85 to $100, with a Buy rating. The firm noted that the increased price target reflects their improved outlook on the mobility segment. Barclays sees the market as well-positioned due to healthy production rates and reduced electric vehicle losses.
General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) designs, manufactures, and sells trucks, crossovers, cars, and automotive parts, as well as software-enabled services and subscriptions.
1. Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 120
Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) is one of the Best Autonomous Vehicle Stocks to Buy Now. On January 27, Dan Levy from Barclays reiterated a Hold rating on the stock with a $360 price target. On the same day, Andres Sheppard from Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated a Buy rating on the stock with a $510 price target.
Previously, on January 23, analysts at Barclays had raised the price target on Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) from $350 to $360. The analysts noted that the improved price target follows a major milestone for the company, which is the launch of robotaxi rides without monitors in Austin. The firm highlighted that this is the first time since June 2025 that Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) is offering fully autonomous rides. This brings the company up to speed with competitors, including Waymo and Zoox.
The adjustment follows Tesla’s milestone of beginning to offer robotaxi rides without safety monitors to the public in Austin, marking the first time since the robotaxi service launched in June 2025 that riders can experience fully autonomous rides similar to competitors like Waymo and Zoox. The firm highlighted that only a few vehicles are operating fully autonomous yet, with other vehicles still using safety monitors.
Barclays also noted that Tesla’s Austin robotaxi operations remain modest, with only 30 to 50 total vehicles active after seven months of launch and only 10 running at once. The firm highlighted that this falls far short of Elon Musk’s October 2025 goal for 500 vehicles by year-end.
Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) is an automotive and clean energy company that leverages advanced artificial intelligence in its autonomous driving technology and robotics initiatives.
While we acknowledge the potential of TSLA to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than TSLA and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
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