Autonomous Trucks Market Forecasts to 2030 - Global Analysis By Truck Type (Light-Duty Trucks, Medium-Duty Trucks and Heavy-Duty Trucks), Propulsion Type (Diesel, Electric and Hybrid), Component, Automation Level, Application and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Autonomous Trucks Market is accounted for $34.59 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $75.17 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 12.8% during the forecast period. Autonomous trucks are self-driving commercial vehicles that use artificial intelligence (AI), sensors, cameras, radar, and advanced software to navigate roads with minimal or no human intervention. They operate using technologies like LiDAR, GPS, and machine learning to detect obstacles, interpret traffic signals, and optimize routes. They aim to enhance efficiency, reduce human error, and lower transportation costs in industries like logistics, freight, and supply chain management, ultimately revolutionizing long-haul trucking and delivery services.

According to a study conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in collaboration with trucking industry leaders, the implementation of autonomous technologies has enabled a 50% reduction in rear-end crashes and an increase in asset uptime and driver retention.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Growing demand for logistics & freight transportation

The rapid expansion of e-commerce, just-in-time delivery models, and globalization have increased the need for efficient, cost-effective, and scalable transportation solutions. Autonomous trucks help address challenges like driver shortages, rising fuel costs, and supply chain inefficiencies by offering 24/7 operation, reduced human errors, and lower operational costs. Companies are investing in self-driving technology to optimize fleet management and enhance delivery speed. As freight volumes continue to rise, the adoption of autonomous trucks accelerates to meet demand efficiently, boosting market growth significantly.

Restraint:

Regulatory & legal uncertainty

Regulatory and legal uncertainty in autonomous trucks arises from varying laws across countries and states, lacking standardized policies for testing, operation, and liability. Governments struggle to define responsibility in accidents, cybersecurity risks, and ethical concerns, delaying large-scale deployment. Inconsistent regulations create barriers for manufacturers and fleet operators, increasing compliance costs and limiting investment confidence. This uncertainty slows technological adoption, ultimately hampering the growth of the autonomous trucks market.

Opportunity:

Advancements in AI & sensor technology

Advancements in AI and sensor technology are key drivers of the autonomous trucks, enhancing vehicle perception, navigation, and decision-making. AI-powered algorithms process real-time data from LiDAR, radar, cameras, and GPS, improving object detection, obstacle avoidance, and route optimization. These innovations reduce human errors, optimize fuel consumption, and lower operational costs, making autonomous trucking more viable. As sensor accuracy and AI capabilities improve, adoption accelerates across logistics, freight, and industrial sectors, thereby propelling the market expansion.

Threat:

Increasing incidence of lactose intolerance

Autonomous trucks have high initial investment costs due to the expensive hardware and software required for self-driving technology. Advanced LiDAR, radar, cameras, AI-powered processors, and connectivity solutions significantly increase production costs. Additionally, R&D expenses, regulatory compliance, and infrastructure upgrades add to the financial burden. These high costs hamper market growth by limiting adoption, especially for small and mid-sized logistics companies.

Covid-19 Impact:

The covid-19 pandemic disrupted the autonomous trucks market, causing supply chain delays, semiconductor shortages, and slowed R&D activities. However, it also highlighted the need for automation in logistics due to labor shortages and rising e-commerce demand. Regulatory progress was delayed in some regions, but long-term interest in self-driving technology grew, accelerating partnerships and innovation in freight automation to enhance efficiency and resilience in future supply chain operations.

The sensors segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The sensors segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period. Sensors play a crucial role in autonomous trucks, enabling real-time perception, navigation, and decision-making. Technologies like LiDAR, radar, cameras, and ultrasonic sensors enable real-time object detection, lane-keeping, and adaptive cruise control. These sensors improve road safety by reducing human errors, enhancing obstacle detection, and enabling precise navigation in various weather conditions.

The port & terminal operations segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Over the forecast period, the port & terminal operations segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate owing to their improved efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing safety. These self-driving vehicles automate container transport, reducing reliance on human drivers and minimizing delays. Using AI, LiDAR, GPS, and IoT, they navigate complex environments, optimizing cargo handling and logistics. Overall, they enhance supply chain efficiency in global trade hubs.

Region with largest share:

During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share due to rising e-commerce, increasing freight demand, and government initiatives supporting automation. Countries like China, Japan, and South Korea are leading in autonomous vehicle development, driven by advancements in AI, 5G, and smart infrastructure. China's tech giants and automakers invest heavily in self-driving trucks, while Japan focuses on mitigating driver shortages. Further, strong industrialization and logistics expansion positioned Asia-Pacific as a key player in the global autonomous trucking industry.

Region with highest CAGR:

Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR driven by high demand for freight transportation, a shortage of truck drivers, and strong technological advancements. The U.S. leads the market, with companies like Tesla, Waymo, and TuSimple developing self-driving truck technology. Government support, including testing approvals and regulatory frameworks, accelerates adoption. Canada is also investing in autonomous trucking for long-haul routes. North America remains a key hub for innovation and deployment of autonomous trucking solutions.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Autonomous Trucks market include Hyundai Motor Company, Iveco Group, Scania, Traton Group, Gatik, Volvo Autonomous Solutions, Kodiak Robotics, Daimler Trucks, Tesla, Waymo, TuSimple, Embark Trucks, Aurora Innovation, Einride, Torc Robotics, Pronto.ai, Caterpillar Inc. and Plus.

Key Developments:

In November 2024, Caterpillar Inc. has launched the fully autonomous Cat(R) 777 off-highway truck. The Cat(R) 777, a mid-sized off-highway truck widely used in mining and construction, has been successfully operated without human intervention. With this successful demonstration, Caterpillar strengthens its position as a leader in autonomous heavy machinery, paving the way for broader adoption of self-driving construction and mining equipment worldwide.

In October 2024, Traton Group and Plus launched the Level 4 autonomous truck operations in the US and Europe. The companies have also mapped hub-to-hub routes for phased commercial deployment in Texas. This milestone signifies the successful completion of their initial phase of collaboration to bring driverless trucks to the global market.

Truck Types Covered:

• Light-Duty Trucks
• Medium-Duty Trucks
• Heavy-Duty Trucks

Propulsion Types Covered:

• Diesel
• Electric
• Hybrid

Components Covered:

• Hardware
• Software
• Services

Automation Levels Covered:

• Driver Assistance
• Partial Automation
• Conditional Automation
• Full Automation
• Other Automation Levels

Applications Covered:

• Logistics & Freight Transportation
• Construction & Mining
• Port & Terminal Operations
• Agriculture
• Waste Management
• Military & Defense
• Other Applications

Regions Covered:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Italy
  • France
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:

• Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
• Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
• Covers Market data for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026, and 2030
• Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
• Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
• Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
• Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
• Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

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