PUBLISHER: Prescient & Strategic Intelligence | PRODUCT CODE: 1803189
PUBLISHER: Prescient & Strategic Intelligence | PRODUCT CODE: 1803189
The autonomous truck market reached a value of USD 36 billion in 2024 and is poised to grow at a robust CAGR of 15.7% from 2025 to 2032, ultimately reaching USD 114.4 billion by the end of the forecast period. This substantial growth reflects the rising demand for safer, more efficient transportation systems and the growing necessity to cut fuel and labor costs.
Autonomous trucks, equipped with advanced GPS and camera systems, are transforming logistics by operating without human input. Governments across major economies are developing the necessary legal frameworks and smart infrastructure to support this transformation. In the U.S., for example, the Department of Transportation has been upgrading roads with dedicated AV lanes and traffic management technologies, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has outlined regulatory frameworks for testing.
The sharp increase in global trade-expected to surpass USD 33 trillion in 2024-along with the critical role of trucks in domestic logistics, is further catalyzing market growth. As these trucks improve connectivity among key logistical nodes, they are quickly becoming essential assets for trade and freight movement.
Key Insights
The heavy-duty truck segment held the largest market share at 60% in 2024, driven by its dominance in long-haul freight, mining, and port logistics. In contrast, the light-duty segment is projected to witness the fastest CAGR due to the growing demand for urban and last-mile delivery in e-commerce.
SAE Level 1-2 autonomous trucks led the market with a 65% share in 2024, as these assistive systems are easy to integrate and are already widely accepted. However, Level 4 autonomy is expected to grow the fastest, with major manufacturers like Volvo planning commercial launches in 2025.
Adaptive cruise control dominated the ADAS feature segment with a 70% share, fueled by safety regulations and integration with RADAR-based systems. Meanwhile, the Highway Pilot feature is emerging as the fastest-growing, as it enables near-full autonomy on highways.
The FMCG sector held a commanding 75% market share in 2024, owing to the surge in high-frequency, short-distance deliveries. The construction and mining industry will experience the fastest growth, driven by rising global infrastructure demand and the use of autonomous heavy equipment.
RADAR systems were the top component, accounting for 80% of the market in 2024, favored for their cost-efficiency and all-weather durability. LiDAR systems, known for high-precision 3D imaging, are anticipated to witness the highest growth due to declining costs and tech advancements.
Internal combustion engine (ICE) trucks retained an 85% share due to their long-distance reliability and infrastructure compatibility. However, battery-electric autonomous trucks will grow the fastest, driven by sustainability goals and initiatives like the EU's Green Deal.
Regionally, North America led the market in 2024 with a 40% share, supported by strong government backing and active participation of key players like Tesla, Waymo, and Aurora. Asia-Pacific is set to grow the fastest, led by China's smart highway initiatives and India's freight-heavy road logistics.
The market is highly fragmented, with major players including AB Volvo, Aurora Innovation, TuSimple, Kodiak Robotics, PACCAR, and Waymo. Companies are increasingly collaborating to integrate AI, automation, and clean energy solutions.
Recent strategic moves include a USD 1.2 billion merger between Plus Automation and Churchill Capital Corp IX, Aurora's partnership with Nvidia and Continental, and Volvo's alliance with Waabi Innovation for AI integration.
Innovative projects such as Hyundai's hydrogen-powered autonomous trucks and Daimler-Volvo's Coretura software platform further illustrate the momentum in this space, as stakeholders invest in scalable, zero-emission autonomous logistics networks.