Uber, Lucid, and Nuro to Launch Premium Autonomous Robotaxi Fleet

Lucid Motors, Nuro, and Uber have announced a major partnership to develop a global robotaxi fleet, expected to debut in a major U.S. city by late 2026. The initiative combines Lucid’s upcoming Gravity SUV, Nuro’s Level 4 autonomous driving system, and Uber’s ride-hailing platform.

Robotaxi built on Lucid Gravity and Nuro’s Level 4 tech

The robotaxi will be based on the Lucid Gravity SUV, integrating its software-defined platform, 450-mile EPA-estimated range, and spacious interior with Nuro’s AI-powered Level 4 autonomy system. Hardware for autonomy will be installed during vehicle production at Lucid’s factory, with Nuro’s software added later when Uber activates the vehicles for service. The first autonomous prototype is already operating at Nuro’s test facility in Las Vegas, according to a press release.

Lucid Interim CEO Marc Winterhoff said Uber’s investment “validates Lucid’s fully redundant zonal architecture,” while Nuro co-founder Jiajun Zhu called it a demonstration of “what’s possible when proven AV technology meets real-world scale.” Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi emphasized that the project is purpose-built to bring autonomous driving to more people through the Uber platform.

This new robotaxi service will debut next year in “a major U.S. city,” the companies say. It brings together Lucid Gravity’s software-defined vehicle architecture, the Nuro Driver Level 4 autonomy system, and Uber’s global fleet and network management expertise.

Over six years, Uber plans to deploy 20,000 or more Lucid vehicles equipped with the Nuro Driver. Uber or its third-party fleet partners will own and operate the vehicles, which riders can access only through the Uber platform. The first Lucid-Nuro prototype already drives autonomously on a closed course at Nuro’s proving grounds in Las Vegas.

Uber also plans to invest in both Nuro and Lucid, deepening its strategic relationship with each company.

Uber Robotaxi Program to Feature Lucid Gravity and Nuro Driver

The robotaxi will integrate Lucid Gravity’s long-range and redundant controls with Nuro’s Level 4 autonomous system. Lucid will build the vehicles on its assembly line with the necessary hardware already installed. Uber will then commission them with Nuro’s software.

Nuro said its Driver combines automotive-grade hardware and AI software for cost-effective, scalable reliability. Its end-to-end AI model includes safeguards for accuracy and safety, allowing fast adaptation to new environments, features, and vehicle types.

Lucid said its 450-mile EPA-estimated range will reduce charging downtime, meaning more hours in operation and fewer interruptions for fleets using the Uber platform. Uber averages 34 million trips per day across 70 countries, giving the robotaxi a massive reach from day one.

Nuro said it will lead safety validation. It will run comprehensive simulations, closed-course testing, and supervised road tests to prove the robotaxi meets high safety standards.