Uber will offer driverless robotaxi rides in Houston using Lucid and Nuro vehicles starting mid-2027, challenging Waymo’s service. It has committed to at least 35,000 robotaxis and signed a lease for a 50,000-sq-ft depot with 40 fast chargers and 15 maintenance bays.
Uber will introduce driverless rides in Houston starting mid-2027 using vehicles from Lucid and Nuro, marking its second planned market after the Bay Area. The service launch follows ongoing safety validation and certification of vehicles produced at Lucid’s Arizona facility.
The company expanded its purchase commitment with Lucid to at least 35,000 robotaxis, scheduled for deployment across dozens of markets over coming years. These autonomous vehicles will be integrated into the Uber app alongside the existing network of human drivers.
Uber signed a multiyear lease for a 50,000-sq-ft facility in Houston equipped with 40 fast chargers and 15 maintenance bays to handle charging, repairs, and cleaning. Construction of the depot is slated to begin in early 2027 to support large-scale fleet operations.
This initiative positions Uber to directly challenge Waymo, which operates independently in major U.S. cities including Houston. Uber’s strategy focuses on partnerships and infrastructure investment rather than in-house vehicle development.
