Uber signs a six-year robotaxi partnership with Lucid Motors
Uber, Lucid, and Nuro have announced a strategic partnership to deploy at least 20,000 robotaxis over the next six years, with the first launch planned in a major US city in 2026 [2][3][4][5]. The robotaxis will be based on Lucid's luxury electric SUV, the Lucid Gravity, which offers an industry-leading range of up to 450 miles per charge [1].
The vehicles will be equipped with Nuro’s Level 4 autonomous driving system called “Nuro Driver™”, integrating automotive-grade hardware and AI-powered software for safe, efficient, and cost-effective self-driving capabilities. The autonomous technology will be seamlessly installed at Lucid’s assembly plant in Casa Grande, Arizona [1][4].
Uber is investing heavily in this initiative, with a $300 million investment in Lucid and a separate, larger multimillion-dollar investment in Nuro—reportedly more than what it invested in Lucid [2][3][5]. Additionally, Uber has committed to purchasing at least 20,000 Lucid Gravity vehicles over the six years, which will be operated either by Uber or third-party fleet partners and booked exclusively through the Uber app [2][3][5].
Testing and development are currently underway at Nuro’s facility in Las Vegas, with full-scale production expected to begin in late 2026 [1][2]. This partnership aims to address the growing market for autonomous rideshare services by combining Lucid’s advanced electric vehicle platform with Nuro’s sophisticated self-driving technology, targeting widespread robotaxi deployment across multiple global markets [4][5].
Key Points:
- Vehicle Model: Lucid Gravity luxury electric SUV with ~450-mile range
- Self-Driving Technology: Nuro Driver™ Level 4 autonomous system
- Uber Investment: $300 million in Lucid; larger undisclosed multimillion-dollar investment in Nuro
- Deployment Scale: At least 20,000 robotaxis over 6 years
- Production Start: Late 2026
- Initial Launch: Major U.S. city, planned for 2026
- Operation & Booking: Owned/operated by Uber or fleet partners; available via Uber app
- Current Development: Testing at Nuro facility in Las Vegas; integration at Lucid’s Casa Grande plant
This partnership represents a major advancement in robotic ride-hailing by leveraging autonomous vehicle technology and electric mobility to provide a premium, scalable robotaxi service [1][2][3][4][5].
The strategic partnership among Uber, Lucid, and Nuro will incorporate Lucid's luxury electric SUV, Lucid Gravity, with industry-leading range, equipped with Nuro's Level 4 autonomous driving system, Nuro Driver™, to facilitate safe, efficient, and cost-effective self-driving capabilities. This alliance in the transportation and automotive industry is further bolstered by financing from Uber, including a $300 million investment in Lucid and a larger undisclosed investment in Nuro, focusing on the deployment of at least 20,000 robotaxis utilizing technology in the finance and technology sectors.
