Uber Invests Hundreds of Millions in Nuro and Lucid to Expand Robotaxi Program
Uber is making a major push into autonomous vehicles by investing hundreds of millions of dollars in partnerships with Nuro and Lucid. The move is part of Uber’s broader strategy to develop a global robotaxi network. The deal with Lucid, an EV manufacturer based in Newark, will see Uber deploy at least 20,000 of its vehicles over six years. These cars will be equipped with Nuro’s AI-powered autonomous driving technology and will be owned and operated by Uber or its partners. The service will be exclusive to Uber users.
The robotaxi program is expected to launch in late 2026 in a major U.S. city, though the exact location has not been disclosed. A prototype of the autonomous Lucid-Nuro vehicle is already being tested on a closed circuit at a Nuro facility in Las Vegas. The robotaxi will be based on the Lucid Gravity SUV, which boasts advanced technology, redundant electrical systems, and an estimated range of 450 miles.
Nuro will oversee extensive safety testing, including simulations and on-road trials, across dozens of performance categories. Once approved, the Lucid Gravity robotaxi will operate at Level 4 autonomy, meaning it can handle most driving tasks without human intervention.
This year, Uber has been aggressively expanding its robotaxi ambitions through multiple partnerships. Earlier collaborations include deals with Volkswagen and British AI firm Wayve, with plans to introduce robotaxis in the UK next year. In March, Uber launched a robotaxi service with Waymo in Austin, adding to existing operations in Phoenix, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. The Austin service covers 37 square miles, and users can book a ride via UberX, Uber Green, Uber Comfort, or Uber Comfort Electric.
Uber also recently announced a partnership with China’s Baidu to deploy Baidu’s Apollo Go autonomous vehicles in mainland China and other non-U.S. markets. The move underscores Uber’s commitment to bringing self-driving technology to a global audience.
With these investments, Uber is positioning itself as a leader in the future of autonomous ride-hailing, leveraging cutting-edge technology from key industry players. The company’s multi-pronged approach aims to make robotaxis a mainstream transportation option in the coming years.
