Uber partners with Nuro, invests $300M into Lucid to launch upscale robotaxi service

In a bold move to enhance its presence in the autonomous vehicle market, Uber is pouring significant funds into both electric vehicle manufacturer Lucid Motors and the self-driving technology startup Nuro. The ride-hailing giant announced a substantial investment of $300 million in Lucid, along with a plan to purchase at least 20,000 units of the upcoming Gravity SUV over the next six years. These vehicles will be outfitted with Nuro's cutting-edge autonomous driving technology, with ownership and operations handled by Uber or its third-party partners. The company has set ambitious plans to roll out a premium robotaxi service in a major U.S. city as early as next year. According to regulatory filings, production of the specially modified Lucid Gravity SUVs is expected to commence in late 2026. Additionally, Uber is making a significant, undisclosed investment in Nuro, described by insiders as exceeding its commitment to Lucid. Nuro co-founder and president Dave Ferguson revealed that the partnership negotiations spanned over a year, highlighting the deep commitment Uber is making to its robotaxi initiative. He expressed excitement about being selected as Uber's partner after an extensive search for the right fit. Progress is already underway, with engineers from both Lucid and Nuro collaborating on prototypes of a driverless vehicle, currently being tested on a closed track at Nuro's facilities in Las Vegas. Over the past two years, Uber has been actively securing partnerships with various autonomous vehicle technology firms, exploring a wide range of applications for self-driving systems across different sectors. This year alone, Uber has forged alliances with more than 18 companies worldwide, spanning ride-hailing, delivery, and trucking. Notably, its partnership with Waymo stands out as a significant collaboration in the U.S., currently operational in cities like Austin and Atlanta, under the service branded as "Waymo on Uber." This latest investment strategy underscores Uber's determination to lead in the rapidly evolving autonomous vehicle landscape.