WeRide Q2: Robotaxi Revenue Reported, Valuation Still Unconventional

WeRide Inc. (NASDAQ:WRD) aims to become the global leader in robotaxis, with a strategy of securing permits, partnering with major ride-hailing platforms, and starting in regulation-friendly and affluent areas. The company recently reported Q2 revenue from robotaxi services, but its valuation leaves little room for growth. WeRide's management has been executing the same plan repeatedly, with a focus on expanding its reach and improving its technology.

WeRide Inc. (NASDAQ: WRD), a leading autonomous driving technology company, has taken a significant step forward in its quest to establish a 24/7 autonomous ride-hailing network. The company has received approval to conduct late-night testing of its Robotaxi on public roads within the Beijing High-Level Autonomous Driving Demonstration Zone from 10 PM to 7 AM [1].

This approval marks a crucial milestone for WeRide, which aims to build a robust autonomous mobility service in Beijing. The city's complex night-time road conditions, characterized by low lighting, environmental interference, and heavy rain or snow, present substantial challenges for autonomous driving systems. However, WeRide's Robotaxi is equipped with advanced sensors and proprietary multi-sensor fusion algorithms to address these challenges [1].

The Robotaxi features more than 20 sensors, including high-precision cameras and LiDAR systems, which provide 360-degree coverage with a detection range of up to 200 meters. This setup ensures stable perception and rapid decision-making even under poor lighting or adverse weather conditions, enabling safe, continuous night-time operations [1].

WeRide has previously conducted robotaxi testing or operations in 10 cities across four countries, accumulating over 2,200 days of open-road safe experience. In May 2025, the company launched China's first 24/7 autonomous ride-hailing network in Guangzhou, gaining extensive full-day, all-scenario operational experience [1].

The Beijing night testing approval comes as WeRide seeks to validate its technology for around-the-clock operations and potentially address gaps in public transportation during off-peak hours. WeRide's expansion efforts and product innovations have been pivotal in this development. The company's recent earnings report highlighted a significant surge in revenue, despite experiencing a net loss [2].

WeRide's stock is currently valued at $2.47 billion, and analysts maintain a bullish outlook, with price targets ranging from $11.98 to $21.05. The company's diversified product offerings, including L2-L4 robotaxis, robobuses, robosweepers, and robovans, reflect its strategic advancements in the autonomous vehicle sector [2].

As WeRide continues to expand its autonomous ride-hailing services, it is essential to monitor its progress and the potential impact on its valuation. The company's focus on securing permits, partnering with major ride-hailing platforms, and starting in regulation-friendly and affluent areas indicates a strategic approach to growth [3].

References:
[1] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/weride-launches-24-7-robotaxi-testing-in-beijing-advances-towards-full-day-service-ce7c5ed9df8ffe27
[2] https://ca.investing.com/news/company-news/weride-gets-approval-for-latenight-robotaxi-testing-in-beijing-93CH-4139161
[3] https://seekingalpha.com/news/4480023-uber-signals-high-teens-gross-bookings-growth-and-launches-20b-share-repurchase-while