Uber has re-entered the autonomous vehicle arena by investing $300 million in Lucid Motors, partnering with the EV maker and self-driving tech firm Nuro to build a fleet of robotaxis based on the Lucid Gravity electric SUV. 12 This move positions Uber to compete in the growing robotaxi market, with launches planned for a major U.S. city late next year.

Details of the Strategic Partnership

Uber’s investment supports the development of vehicles tailored for its platform. Lucid will supply the Gravity EVs, which serve as the base for the robotaxis. Nuro provides the autonomous driving technology. Uber plans to deploy 20,000 of these vehicles over the next six years. The company has already tested a prototype operating autonomously on a closed circuit at Nuro’s Las Vegas proving grounds.

This partnership revives Uber’s ambitions in self-driving tech. More than four and a half years ago, Uber sold its autonomous vehicle division to Aurora amid challenges from the pandemic. Since then, Uber has offered rides in Waymo vehicles through its app in Atlanta and Austin. Building on that, this new deal allows Uber to own and operate its own fleet, potentially reducing reliance on third-party drivers over time.

Uber Partners With Lucid And Nuro To Launch Electric Robotaxis In 2026

Technological Advancements and Timeline

The Lucid Gravity platform brings advanced features to the robotaxis, including redundant electrical and control systems for safety. Nuro’s software handles the self-driving capabilities, enabling Level 4 autonomy where vehicles operate without human intervention in specific conditions. Uber expects the service to start in one major U.S. city later next year, expanding from there.

Autonomous vehicles promise to reshape urban mobility.

“Autonomous vehicles have enormous potential to transform our cities for the better,” said Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, according to Business Insider. “We’re thrilled to partner with Nuro and Lucid on this new robotaxi program, purpose-built just for the Uber platform, to safely bring the magic of autonomous driving to more people across the world.”

This raises questions about integration with existing EV charging infrastructure and how the long-range capabilities of the Gravity will support extended operations.

Competitive Landscape in Robotaxis

The robotaxi sector has intensified recently. Waymo, under Alphabet, leads with services in multiple states. Tesla rolled out a limited program in Austin this summer, though with employees onboard for safety. Lyft aims to introduce autonomous rides in Dallas next year.

Uber’s entry adds pressure to these players. By combining Lucid’s electric vehicle expertise with Nuro’s autonomy tech, Uber seeks to catch up. However, challenges remain, including regulatory approvals and public trust in self-driving systems. Uber’s CEO noted in January that robotaxis would not replace gig drivers for at least a decade, suggesting a gradual shift rather than abrupt change.

Implications for EV Adoption and Operations

This deal highlights growing synergies between ride-hailing and electric vehicles. Robotaxis could boost EV usage by optimizing fleet efficiency and reducing emissions in cities. For Lucid, the partnership provides a steady customer base and validates its Gravity model in commercial applications.

Economically, it offers Uber a path to lower operational costs long-term, bypassing human driver expenses. Regulatory shifts will play a key role; federal and state rules on autonomous vehicles continue to evolve, influencing deployment speed. This development underscores trends toward integrated mobility solutions, where EVs and autonomy converge to address urban transport needs.

Overall, Uber’s initiative with Lucid and Nuro signals confidence in electric robotaxis as a viable future for transportation. As prototypes advance to public roads, stakeholders will watch closely for safety milestones and market impacts.