Elon Musk Podcast Waymo's Lead Is About to Get Tested by Tesla, Zoox, and Uber
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Jan 11, 2026 San Francisco is set for a thrilling showdown with four robotaxi contenders. Waymo currently leads with 1,000 vehicles and ambitious global plans. Tesla faces challenges with its camera-only approach and a looming legal judgment. Zoox is gearing up for paid rides in 2026 with its unique pod design, while Uber teams up with Lucid for a premium service. The fierce competition raises questions about fares and operational risks as each company navigates the bustling streets.
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San Francisco As Robotaxi Proving Ground
- San Francisco will host four competing robotaxi operators in 2026, creating a rare urban testing ground.
- This concentration will reveal which technologies and business models scale in dense, real-world traffic.
Waymo’s Clear Scale And Global Ambition
- Waymo leads with 1,000+ vehicles, freeway access, and plans to expand into 20+ cities including Tokyo and London.
- Alphabet's global push signals confidence and could cement Waymo as the industry standard.
Tesla's Camera Bet Could Unlock Massive Scale
- Tesla's camera-only strategy could enable massive scale by recruiting owner cars as robo-taxis if it gains regulator trust.
- That flip-the-switch moment would let Tesla leverage millions of vehicles without owning a fleet.