Investors’ attention may have turned elsewhere in recent weeks, but the race for autonomous vehicles continues quietly behind the scenes. Just a few days ago, for example, Finland took the important step of approving important self-driving software, and privately held Terawatt Infrastructure received $300 million in debt financing to expand its infrastructure for self-driving cars, among other developments.
Automotive sensing technology is important to the development of this industry, and there is still a lot of competition between firms developing light detection and various instruments (lidars), optical systems, and related components. Many of these companies are on the small side and will rely on their R&D success to continue growing, making them at least a moderately risky business. However, the strength of the time off is also strong, and the names below may be top contenders.
Hesai’s Shipments Rise, But Margins Remain Challenging
Hesai Group Today
As of 06/26/2026 04:00 PM Eastern
- 52 week interval
- $14.40
▼
$30.85
- The P/E ratio
- 33.64
- Target Value
- $30.13
With a market capitalization of just over $2 billion, Hesai Group NASDAQ: HSAI is not the largest independent technology company that can sense cars. However, it may have a huge boost in technology, thanks in large part to its announcement in May 2026 of an important partnership and supply agreement with Mercedes-Benz. With this agreement, the Hesai production facility in Thailand will support Mercedes’ vehicle programs throughout Europe and China. Hesai also recently made breakthroughs in 3D vision that provide a significant advantage to camera-based systems.
In its latest earnings report, the Chinese company noted 30% year-over-year (YOY) revenue growth as lidar shipments increased by 471,000 units, helping Hesai achieve a straight quarter of GAAP profit. The company sees shipments of 3 to 3.5 million lidars this year, nearly doubling the number already recorded last year.
One area of potential concern for investors is margin. Hesai’s gross margin declined in the latest quarter, and if the company continues to focus on low-end products, it may not help it recover. Increasing shipments doesn’t seem to be the issue here—Hesai clearly has products in demand—but the company will need to continue to focus on efficiency to stay competitive. Still, with six buy ratings and one hold, and an upside potential of more than 100%, analysts are very optimistic about the company.
Mobileye Will Take Its Technology To The Streets With Robotaxi Service
Mobileye Global Today
- 52 week interval
- $6.47
▼
$20.18
- Target Value
- $13.77
Advanced driver assistance system developer Mobileye Global Inc. NASDAQ: MBLY recently made headlines not for its autonomous car technology specifically, but rather because it plans to launch a US robotaxi service in 2027. The company is well placed to expand in this direction, as it already has a strong tech stack and tools to go. However, it faces intense competition that already has a foothold in the growing industry.
Competitors like Waymo and Tesla Inc. NASDAQ: TSLA are Mobileye’s best when it comes to driverless taxi services. However, Mobileye has strong cash flow and growing top and bottom lines (revenues were up 27% YOY and adjusted operating income was up 61% over the same period last reported quarter).
Mobileye’s valuation remains fairly attractive based on a price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 3.43, but getting into robotics is a big gamble. Analysts are divided in their assessment of the company, with 10 Buys but 15 Holds and Sells combined.
Aeva: A Riskier Venture With Promising Tech
Aeva Technologies Today
Aeva Technologies
As of 06/26/2026 04:00 PM Eastern
- 52 week interval
- $8.83
▼
$38.80
- Target Value
- $25.33
The smallest company on this list by market cap, Aeva Technologies NASDAQ: AEVAis a $1.3-billion firm that builds and markets lidar instruments. While the company is still looking for a profit, it has reduced its net loss gradually over the past few years, and its revenue has also increased significantly. Revenue for Q1 2026, for example, was $2.9 million more than Q1 2025 figures. The company has breathing room thanks to $100 million in cash and short-term investments.
The company’s strength may lie in its partnerships—it announced a major partnership with NVIDIA Corp. NASDAQ: NVDA in early 2026, for example. The firm’s 4D lidar technology shows significant promise as well, although Aeva has so far had a difficult time translating that potential into revenue growth. If he can turn that around, he could see a moment of relief.
On the other hand, Aeva is probably the riskiest play on this list because of its dilution risk, its stretched valuation, and its ongoing struggles to achieve profitability. Therefore, it’s no surprise that analysts are fairly divided on AEVA shares, with two calling it a Buy and the other two giving it a Hold or Sell rating.
Before you consider Hesai Group, you’ll want to hear this.
MarketBeat tracks Wall Street’s top and most effective research analysts and the stocks they recommend to their clients every day. MarketBeat identified five stocks that top analysts are quietly whispering to their clients to buy now before the broader market catches on… and Hesai Group wasn’t on the list.
Although Hesai Group currently has a buy rating among analysts, top analysts believe these five stocks are the best.
View Five Stocks Here
Nuclear power is entering a new cycle of growth as increased energy demand, increased data centers, and renewed policy support bring the sector back into focus. After strong gains in recent years, the most impactful phase of investment in nuclear may be ahead. The report highlights seven nuclear power stocks positioned across the value chain—including near-term revenue and long-term upside as a next-generation technology scale. Click the link below to open the full list.
Get This Free Report
