Lyft CEO: Robotaxis Are Not Replacing Human Drivers Anytime Soon - CleanTechnica

Lyft CEO David Risher expressed skepticism about the near-term widespread adoption of robotaxis, stating at the Web Summit in Lisbon that the technology, regulations, and consumer readiness are not yet aligned for mass deployment. He predicted that even by 2030, robotaxis would account for less than 10% of Lyft’s business. Risher highlighted challenges such as the technology’s current limitations in adverse weather conditions, regulatory hurdles, and a lack of strong consumer demand, noting that many riders may prefer human drivers for assistance or comfort. Additionally, Risher pointed out significant cost barriers for robotaxi operations. Unlike the current model where human drivers bear vehicle maintenance, fueling, cleaning, and depreciation costs, Lyft would have to cover these expenses for robotaxis. He estimated that robotaxi vehicles currently cost between $250,000 and $300,000 each—roughly ten times the price of typical cars used in ride-hailing—making it financially challenging to offset these costs without human drivers. Overall, R