text or call for a Free Consultation
Self-driving cars are no longer science fiction—they’re a fast-evolving reality. From ride-hailing fleets in Phoenix to advanced driver assistance in luxury vehicles, self-driving technology is reshaping the way we move.
While full autonomy (Level 5) isn’t here yet, the progress made by key players in the autonomous vehicle (AV) industry proves that the future is closer than we think. With over 250 manufacturers developing self-driving cars and the AV market projected to reach $2.3 trillion by 2030, the race is on.
In this article, Shapiro Law Team will break down the top 5 self-driving car companies to watch in 2025, explore how autonomous vehicles work, and dig into the legal shifts personal injury lawyers must prepare for.
Table of Contents
ToggleTo understand where self-driving car brands are today, it’s important to know how their autonomy is measured. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) defines six levels of automation:
SAE Level: 4
Test Miles: 20+ Billion
Deployment: Phoenix, San Francisco, LA, Austin
Fleet: Over 25,000 vehicles
Service: Waymo One Robotaxis
Waymo, Alphabet’s self-driving division, evolved from Google’s self-driving car project. Currently, it is the only company operating a commercial level 4 robotaxi service. Waymo’s vehicles use a mix of LiDAR, radar, and AI to navigate city streets safely. Its ride-hailing fleet runs without safety drivers in select U.S. cities, completing over 250,000 weekly trips.
With backing from Alphabet and partnerships with Toyota and Uber, Waymo is arguably the industry leader in fully driverless urban mobility.
SAE Level: 2+
Testers: 160,000+ FSD Beta Users
Approach: Vision-only (no LiDAR or radar)
Notable Tech: Full Self-Driving (FSD), Enhanced Autopilot
Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving” Beta is one of the most widely recognized AV platforms. Despite its name, FSD is still a Level 2 system requiring consistent human supervision. Tesla stands out for its vision-only approach, powered by neural nets and billions of miles of data.
While Tesla’s FSD has drawn regulatory attention and lawsuits, it shows just how far consumer-ready self-driving can go. Tesla is one of the few companies actively deploying autonomous tech at scale on public roads, and its progress is closely watched by fans, critics, and regulators alike.
SAE Level: 4
Service: Cruise robotaxis (San Francisco, previously)
Fleet Size: 300 vehicles
Parent Company: General Motors
GM’s Cruise subsidiary launched robotaxi operations in 2021. Cruise quickly became one of Waymo’s closest competitors, running a fleet of Chevy Bolt EVs equipped with Level 4 autonomy. However, a high-profile accident in 2023 led to a temporary shutdown and raised concerns about safety and oversight.
Looking ahead, GM is leveraging Cruise’s technology in its Super Cruise system, a level 2+ Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS) currently available in GM consumer models. The system has covered 750,000+ miles of mapped roads in North America.
SAE Level: 4 (experimental prototype)
Unique Offering: Bidirectional, no-front-no-back robotaxi
Markets: California and Nevada (internal employee transport)
Parent Company: Amazon
Zoox, acquired by Amazon in 2020 for $1.2B, is building fully autonomous electric shuttles from scratch. That means no steering wheels, no pedals, and no need for human oversight in geofenced areas. Unlike others who retrofit existing vehicles, Zoox vehicles are purpose-built for autonomy and urban ride-hailing.
The company is operating internal transport services and working toward public deployment. Amazon’s logistics empire may soon include robotaxis, deliveries, and more.
Role: AV AI Infrastructure
Tech: DRIVE Orin, Thor, Omniverse Simulation
Partners: Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, GM, Zoox, Aurora
Unlike others on this list, NVIDIA doesn’t build self-driving cars—it builds the brains behind them. Its DRIVE platform powers everything from Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) to Level 5 autonomy using high-performance chips and simulation tools.
NVIDIA’s automotive partners include Mercedes-Benz (Drive Pilot), Zoox, and Aurora. It uses a new Thor chip, built for level 4-5 automation. This technology consolidates dozens of vehicle processors into one, enabling smarter, more efficient AVs.
As more automakers embrace software-defined vehicles, NVIDIA remains at the center of this growing evolution.
As autonomous technology matures, the legal system needs to evolve to answer a critical question: Who is liable in a crash involving a self-driving car?
AV-related crashes blur the lines between human driver negligence and product liability, especially when features like Tesla’s FSD are engaged.
In many states, the driver is still legally responsible even when automation is active. However, as vehicles reach Level 4 and beyond, the shift from driver responsibility to self-driving car manufacturers’ liability grows.
For victims of these crashes, navigating insurance claims and legal accountability can be complex. This is where personal injury lawyers must begin specializing in AV litigation.
Need Legal Support After a Crash?
Arizona is a hub for autonomous vehicle testing. Cities like Phoenix and Chandler are AV proving grounds for Waymo, Cruise, and others. But as AVs go mainstream, personal injury law will face a lot of new challenges, including:
Attorneys need to partner with engineers, understand the AV logs, and litigate against tech companies, not just drivers. AV lawyers will become vital in determining liability and securing fair compensation, especially in Arizona.
Injured in a rideshare or AV-related accident? Call Us
From Alphabet’s Level 4 robotaxis to Tesla’s widely used beta program, the world’s top self-driving car manufacturers are changing transportation forever. But alongside convenience and innovation comes the pressing need for clear regulation and legal adaptation.
For law firms and consumers, staying informed is no longer optional. Whether you’re curious about AV tech or looking for guidance after an accident, understanding this landscape empowers safer decisions.
If you’ve been injured in a crash involving self-driving or semi-autonomous technology, don’t wait. A Phoenix personal injury attorney is here to help.