Uber Raises Lucid Robotaxi Order to 35,000 After Permit Approval
California DMV granted Nuro a modified driverless AV permit to test Lucid Gravity SUVs without safety operators on public roads later this year, paving the way for Uber’s premium robotaxi rollout. Uber has increased its commitment to Lucid from $300 million for 20,000 units to $500 million for 35,000 robotaxi vehicles.
1. Permit Modification for Lucid Gravity SUVs
The California Department of Motor Vehicles modified Nuro’s existing driverless AV permit to include Lucid Gravity SUVs, allowing these electric SUVs to operate without a human safety operator behind the wheel. This approval marks the first time Lucid’s Gravity model can undergo fully driverless testing on public roads in California.
2. Expanded Uber Investment and Vehicle Orders
After initially committing $300 million to acquire 20,000 Gravity robotaxis, Uber has increased its investment to $500 million for a total order of 35,000 vehicles, including 10,000 Gravity SUVs and 25,000 mid-size EVs. This expansion underscores Uber’s growing confidence in Lucid’s manufacturing capabilities and autonomous technology.
3. Testing Plans and AV Technology
Nuro plans to begin driverless testing of Lucid Gravity SUVs later this year, following ongoing trials with human safety operators. The vehicles are equipped with Nvidia’s Drive AGX Thor computer, high-resolution cameras, solid-state lidar, and radar sensors to enable safe navigation in varied environments.
4. Remaining Regulatory Hurdles
Before Uber can launch its premium robotaxi service to the public, Nuro must secure a driverless ride-hailing permit from the California Public Utilities Commission and a final deployment permit from the DMV. These approvals are essential to transition from testing to commercial operations.