Many investors are interested in investing in the best self-driving car stocks on the market. Way back in 1908, Ford released the Model T. And with it, the birth of the mass-produced automobile. Of course, many improvements and iterations have been made to the internal combustion engine. Especially since then (the first Model T features a modest 20 horsepower). Still, one could argue that the changes in the past 100 plus years pale in comparison to the changes we’re about to see over the next decade or two.
The combination of self-driving cars and electric vehicles is set to revolutionize the auto industry in a way we’ve never seen before. And the rate of that change will make it even more remarkable. Even if it takes another 20 years for these changes to really take hold, it will nonetheless be incredible given the history.
Here are some of the best self-driving stocks to buy right now:
- General Motors Company (NYSE: GM)
- Volkswagen AG (OTC: VWAGY)
- Alphabet, Inc. (Nasdaq: GOOG)
- Aptiv PLC (NYSE: APTV)
- Luminar Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: LAZR)
Self-Driving Car Stocks to Buy
Those looking to invest in this imminent revolution should consider these stocks. These are some of the best self-driving car stocks. Let’s take a closer look.
No. 5 General Motors
General Motors, also known as GM, is what some refer to as a “legacy” automaker. The company has been around since 1908. That is the year the first Model T was released. But GM is definitely not clinging to its laurels anymore and is going all-in on electric vehicles. Indeed, it plans to release 30 of them by 2025. It just revealed the all-electric Chevy Silverado. The Silverado is Chevy’s most popular vehicle of all time, so this is a big step.
In terms of self-driving, GM has upcoming initiatives that thrust it into the autonomous space, namely, Super Cruise. Super Cruise is a driver assistance technology that enables completely hands-free technology. Numerous upcoming GM vehicles will have Super Cruise. This includes the 2022 Cadillac CT4 and CT5, 2022 Cadillac Escalade and the Silverado.
No. 4 Volkswagen
Volkswagen is looking to leave past controversies like Dieselgate in the rear-view mirror. It’s looking to become a leader in electric and autonomous vehicles. As a result, it has a partnership with multiple companies to produce autonomous vehicles. These partnerships include the ID Buzz Microbus EV. The Microbus will look like a modern, more aerodynamic version of its classic VW Bus from the 1960s. Those already driving electric vehicles may also have used the Electricfy America charging network, which is a subsidiary of Volkswagen’s parent group.
Volkswagen’s autonomous vehicles will use technology such as sensor fusion. This will use data from various sensors, lidar and cameras to map the world around the vehicle. To make it happen, Volkswagen will be working with several hardware and software developers around the world.
Keep reading for more info on the best self-driving car stocks.
No. 3 Alphabet
Alphabet is best known for a little subsidiary of it called Google. However, the company is not new to self-driving technologies. For instance, Alphabet subsidiary Waymo is a self-driving technology company. It’s been producing cars as far back as 2008. Ground work for the company’s self-driving program began around that time.
Today, Waymo runs a self-driving taxi program available to the public in the greater Phoenix, Arizona area. Called Waymo One, the service allows people to request a ride via the app. And a vehicle without a human in it will magically appear. Expect this service to be available in San Francisco in the future.
Self-Driving Car Stocks No. 2 Intel
Intel is another company that isn’t exactly known for its autonomous vehicle capability. Instead, Intel is known primarily as a microchip maker. It manufactures processors for mobile, desktop and laptop computers. However, cars are getting smarter and smarter these days. And it’s actual a natural progression for a company like Intel to get involved. To assist with self-driving capability, Intel acquired Mobileye back in 2017.
In partnering with Mobileye, Intel will develop technologies such as Responsibility-Sensitive Safety (RSS). This is a mathematical model that helps keep autonomous vehicles operating in a safe manner. Intel also announced a collaboration with Waymo. This project will “end human driving errors and lead to safer roads for everyone.” The collaboration, which looks to move forward autonomous driving technologies, features Intel sensors in Waymo self-driving vehicles. One being the upcoming Chrysler Pacifica.
Self-Driving Car Stocks No. 1 Luminar
Luminar is an ideal investment for those looking to invest not in a big conglomerate but more in a company that specializes in self-driving technology. After all, Luminar is a company that develops lidar technology. Its stock ticker, LAZR, is a nod to its specialty. Luminar is one of the leading players in lidar. And it has formulated partnerships with major automakers. In fact, in June 2021 Luminar announced it will be standard on the fully electric successor to the Volvo XC90.
Luminar is one of the few public companies developing lidar. And it’s no wonder why many investors have added to their list of best self-driving car stocks. It went public in December 2020. Its shares initially shot up to more than 300% of its pre-IPO price. Today, its price is only around 50% higher. Given the inclusion in the upcoming Volvo, it looks like Luminar shares could be trading at a discount. Especially given how much it’s come down from its high in February 2021. This stock will be one to watch. This being said, analysts are recommending a buy with a rather large upside in the next 12 months.
About Bob Haegele
Bob Haegele is a personal finance writer who specializes in investing and planning for retirement. His hefty student loan burden inspired him to pay off his loans, and now he’s helping others get their finances in order. When he’s not writing, he enjoys travel and live music.
