Top Electric Vehicle and Autonomous Driving Stocks Poised for the Future of Transportation

Global Automotive Industry Faces Major Transformation

Revised version as of January 12, 2026.

The automotive sector worldwide is undergoing a significant transformation, with electric vehicles (EVs) and self-driving cars (AVs) reshaping transportation. Improvements in battery technology and the expansion of charging infrastructure are making EVs increasingly viable for daily life.

Once synonymous with the EV movement, Tesla is no longer the sole leader. Last year, China’s BYD Co Ltd surpassed Tesla in annual global sales, marking a pivotal change in the industry. Chinese manufacturers are rapidly scaling up, legacy automakers are investing heavily, and new EV-focused companies are entering the market. As competition heats up, consumers benefit from a broader range of options.

Industry forecasts remain optimistic. Battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales are projected to climb by about 19% in 2026, reaching approximately 17.4 million units and representing nearly 19% of total auto sales worldwide. Including hybrids and plug-in hybrids, electrified vehicles could approach 30% of all global sales by 2026. However, the pace of growth is moderating due to policy shifts in the U.S. and Europe, changes in subsidies, and evolving automaker strategies. Despite these adjustments, the transition to electrification continues, with hybrids serving as a practical intermediary.

Meanwhile, autonomous driving technology is emerging as a powerful growth catalyst. The worldwide market for autonomous vehicles, valued at $3.37 trillion in 2025, is expected to reach $4.4 trillion in 2026 and exceed $41 trillion by 2034, growing at a compound annual rate of 32.3% from 2026 to 2034.

Breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, sensor technology, connectivity, and machine learning are enhancing the safety and capabilities of autonomous vehicles. Companies such as Baidu’s Apollo Go and Tesla are already piloting robotaxi services in real-world environments.

For investors, the rise of EVs and AVs presents compelling long-term prospects, blending innovation, expansion, and increasing demand. The Electric Vehicles & Autonomous Driving Screen spotlights firms well-positioned to capitalize on these trends, including Albemarle Corporation, Beam Global, and WeRide Inc..

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Top 3 Stocks to Watch

Albemarle

While EV manufacturers often make headlines, the battery supply chain is just as critical. Albemarle is a key player in this space as one of the largest lithium producers globally. The company anticipates that global lithium demand will grow at an annual rate of 10-20% between 2025 and 2030, fueled mainly by the increasing adoption of EVs. Additionally, the rise of energy storage solutions is creating new avenues for lithium demand.

To meet this growing need, Albemarle is expanding its lithium conversion capacity worldwide while focusing on high-return projects and operational efficiency. The company is enhancing plant productivity and optimizing its conversion network to maintain profitability amid price volatility. Cost reduction and efficiency improvements are central to sustaining its competitive edge over the long term.

Operational results are promising. The Energy Storage division saw higher sales volumes in the fourth quarter of 2025, driven by robust output from integrated facilities. In Chile, the Salar yield improvement project is operating at 50% capacity and continues to ramp up, while the Meishan facility in China is ahead of schedule. Albemarle currently holds a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

See the full list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Beam Global

Beam Global focuses on the infrastructure powering EV adoption. The company delivers sustainable solutions for transportation electrification, energy resilience, and smart city initiatives. Its signature product, the EV ARC, is a solar-powered, off-grid charging station that requires no trenching, construction, or grid connection, enabling rapid deployment in areas where grid access is limited or expensive.

Operating in the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East, Beam Global is gaining momentum. Preliminary results for the fourth quarter of 2025 show revenue growth of over 50% sequentially, driven by new product launches, international expansion, and increased commercial sales.

Beam Global is also strengthening its position in the autonomous vehicle ecosystem. A collaboration with Hevo will introduce a wireless charging solution powered by EV ARC, tailored for autonomous and commercial fleets that benefit from hands-free charging. A joint venture with the Platinum Group further expands its reach in the Middle East. As EV and AV adoption accelerates, Beam Global’s role as an infrastructure provider becomes increasingly vital. The company currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

WeRide

WeRide is a pioneer in autonomous driving technology, operating a fleet of over 1,000 self-driving vehicles and providing services or conducting tests in more than 40 cities across 11 countries. The company holds autonomous driving permits in eight regions, including China, the UAE, Singapore, France, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, and the U.S., giving it one of the industry’s most extensive regulatory footprints.

A recent partnership with Uber marked a significant achievement, launching a commercial robotaxi service in downtown Abu Dhabi—the first of its kind in the city’s core. The service now covers about 70% of central Abu Dhabi, with the fleet size quadrupling since late 2024.

Beyond robotaxis, WeRide is rolling out robobuses for public transit, robosweepers for city cleaning, and advanced driver-assistance systems for passenger vehicles. The company is also enhancing its technology ecosystem: robotaxi bookings in China are now available via Tencent’s WeChat, and WeRide has introduced GENESIS1, a proprietary simulation platform that integrates physical and generative AI to accelerate the development and validation of autonomous systems. WeRide currently holds a Zacks Rank #2.

Analyst’s Top Pick for Potential Doubling

Out of thousands of stocks, five Zacks experts have each selected their top pick with the potential to surge by 100% or more in the coming months. From these, Director of Research Sheraz Mian has identified one with the highest potential for explosive growth.

This company targets millennial and Gen Z consumers, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter. A recent dip in its share price presents an attractive entry point. While not all top picks achieve such results, this stock could outperform previous Zacks selections like Nano-X Imaging, which soared over 129% in just over nine months.

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Additional Resources

• For the latest stock recommendations from Zacks Investment Research, download the 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days.
• Baidu, Inc. (BIDU): Free Stock Analysis Report
• Albemarle Corporation (ALB): Free Stock Analysis Report
• Tesla, Inc. (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report
• WeRide Inc. (WRD): Free Stock Analysis Report
• Byd Co., Ltd. (BYDDY): Free Stock Analysis Report
• Beam Global (BEEM): Free Stock Analysis Report

This article was first published by Zacks Investment Research.

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