Lucid and Uber Partner on Robotaxi Program, Lucid Shares Soar

Uber has formed a partnership with Lucid Group and Nuro to launch a next-generation autonomous robotaxi program. The program aims to deploy fully driverless vehicles in 2026. As part of the deal, Uber will invest $300 million in Lucid Group. The partnership is expected to expand Uber's autonomous ride service area in Austin, Texas, and provide Lucid Group with access to Uber's ride-hailing platform. Lucid Group's shares have risen following the announcement.

Uber Technologies Inc. has announced a strategic partnership with electric vehicle maker Lucid Group Inc. and self-driving technology startup Nuro to launch a next-generation autonomous robotaxi program. The partnership aims to deploy fully driverless vehicles on the Uber network by 2026, marking a significant milestone in the company's autonomous vehicle (AV) ambitions.

As part of the deal, Uber will invest $300 million in Lucid Group. This funding will be used to upgrade Lucid's assembly line to integrate Nuro's self-driving hardware into the Lucid Gravity SUVs, which will be used as robotaxis. The companies plan to launch the first vehicle in a major U.S. urban hub in 2026, with plans to deploy at least 20,000 robotaxis over the next six years [1].

The partnership is expected to expand Uber's autonomous ride service area, particularly in Austin, Texas, where autonomous rides are already available through the Uber app. Additionally, it will provide Lucid Group with access to Uber's extensive ride-hailing platform, potentially accelerating the adoption of Lucid's electric vehicles.

Following the announcement, Lucid Group's shares rallied, with the stock rising 26% to $2.94 in premarket trading [1]. The partnership underscores Uber's strategy shift away from developing AV technology in-house and towards investing in and partnering with firms that specialize in the technology [1].

Uber's latest move comes as the autonomous taxi market gains momentum, with competitors like Tesla Inc. also rolling out their own robotaxi services. The partnership with Lucid and Nuro is part of Uber's broader strategy to become the go-to commercial app for robotaxis, following similar deals with other AV tech developers and carmakers [1].

The partnership is a notable step for Lucid Group, which has been working to popularize its Gravity SUV model. The company has been ramping up production and deliveries, estimating it will produce 20,000 vehicles in 2025, more than double the previous year [1].

Lucid Group's interim CEO, Marc Winterhoff, emphasized that the partnership is a "stepping stone" for the company to expand its tech leadership from electric vehicles and licensing into partnerships in other areas. He noted that "a lot can happen in six years," and sees this as the first starting point for Lucid's growth in the autonomous vehicle market [1].

References:
[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-17/uber-partnering-with-lucid-nuro-to-launch-robotaxis-in-2026
[2] https://www.livemint.com/auto-news/uber-puts-robotaxi-plan-in-top-gear-joins-hands-with-lucid-and-nuro-first-vehicle-to-hit-road-in-2026-details-here-11752765933368.html
[3] https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/17/uber-lucid-robotaxi-partnership-300-million-20000-nuro.html