Uber Invests $300 Million in Lucid, Plans 20,000 Robotaxis with Nuro

Uber has announced a significant collaboration with electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Lucid and autonomous technology company Nuro to deploy over 20,000 robotaxis across the United States over the next six years. This partnership aims to integrate Lucid's Gravity SUV with Nuro's autonomous technology, making these vehicles available through Uber's mobile application. The flagship vehicles are scheduled to launch in a major U.S. city next year.

Nick Twork, a spokesperson for Lucid, confirmed that Uber will invest $300 million in Lucid. Dave Ferguson, co-founder and president of Nuro, revealed in an interview that Uber's investment in Nuro will be substantially larger than the $300 million invested in Lucid, although he did not disclose the exact figure. Ferguson acknowledged that these investments represent Uber's largest commitments to date. As part of the collaboration agreement, Uber will also secure a seat on Nuro's board of directors.

Nuro, backed by prominent investors such as Google and SoftBank Vision Fund, will play a crucial role in developing the level 4 self-driving software for these robotaxis. This software is designed to operate vehicles in normal traffic conditions and optimal weather without human intervention. Nuro has already begun testing the prototype vehicle at its Las Vegas proving grounds, indicating a scalable and manageable plan for the robotaxi program in a commercial setting.

This collaboration aligns with Uber's strategic goal to become a leader in electric and autonomous vehicles. Uber plans to leverage its financial resources to support the global expansion of autonomous vehicles. The company has already partnered with over 18 global autonomous vehicle, delivery, and trucking companies this year, including Ann Arbor, Mobility Volkswagen, and Chinese self-driving companies such as Momenta, WeRide, and Baidu.

Uber's investment in Lucid and Nuro is part of a broader strategy to integrate advanced technology into its ride-hailing services. The Lucid Gravity SUV, with an estimated 450-mile EPA range, is expected to reduce charging downtime, improve vehicle availability, and lower operating costs. Uber plans to price the Gravity SUV in the upper tier, similar to its Uber Black service.

Marc Winterhoff, interim CEO at Lucid, highlighted that Uber's investment validates Lucid's capability to deliver ideal self-driving vehicles with a fully redundant zonal architecture. He also noted that this collaboration opens up a new market for Lucid, one that has yet to be fully explored.

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi expressed optimism about the potential of self-driving cars to improve urban mobility. He welcomed the partnership with Lucid and Nuro, stating that it will bring Uber's self-driving vision to more people worldwide. This initiative underscores Uber's commitment to innovation and its ambition to lead the transition to electric and autonomous transportation.