Uber's Autonomous Vehicle Partnership with Lucid and Nuro to Create 20,000 Robotaxis, Disrupting Tesla's Dominance

Uber and Lucid Group are partnering with Nuro to build a fleet of 20,000 robotaxis using Lucid's electric SUVs and Nuro's AV system. The companies plan to deploy the first robotaxis next year in a major US city. This deal is seen as a challenge to Tesla's dominance in the autonomous vehicle market. The partnership aims to create a hybrid model that combines the benefits of robotaxis and human drivers.

Uber, Lucid Group, and Nuro have formed a strategic partnership to develop a fleet of 20,000 robotaxis using Lucid's electric SUVs and Nuro's advanced autonomous vehicle (AV) system. The companies aim to deploy the first robotaxis in a major U.S. city next year, marking a significant milestone in the autonomous vehicle market.

The partnership leverages Lucid's advanced vehicle architecture and Nuro's Level 4 autonomy system to create a hybrid model that combines the benefits of robotaxis and human drivers. Uber, with its vast global network and dynamic fleet management, will oversee the deployment and operation of the robotaxis.

Uber plans to invest multi-hundred-million dollars in both Nuro and Lucid, reflecting a deepening relationship between the companies. The first Lucid-Nuro robotaxi prototype is already operating autonomously on a closed circuit at Nuro’s Las Vegas proving grounds, showcasing the technology's potential.

The robotaxis will feature Lucid Gravity's advanced technology platform, redundant electrical and controls architectures, and a long 450-mile range, minimizing downtime for charging. Nuro's Nuro Driver, a Level 4 self-driving system, will enable the Lucid Gravity to operate autonomously, integrating an AI model with safeguards for precision and reliability.

Uber's extensive platform, handling 34 million trips daily, provides the necessary scale to make the benefits of self-driving vehicles accessible globally. The partnership is seen as a challenge to Tesla's dominance in the autonomous vehicle market, aiming to bring the technology to a broader audience.

The collaboration underscores the companies' commitment to advancing autonomous driving technology and expanding its reach. The partnership's success will depend on overcoming technical challenges, regulatory hurdles, and market acceptance. [1]

References:
[1] https://investor.uber.com/news-events/news/press-release-details/2025/Lucid-Nuro-and-Uber-Partner-on-Next-Generation-Autonomous-Robotaxi-Program/default.aspx