Uber is currently testing a Lucid Gravity SUV equipped with an advanced self-driving system developed by Nuro in San Francisco. Selected Uber employees can now request rides using the Uber app as part of this testing initiative, ahead of a public launch anticipated later this year. Although the vehicles are operating autonomously, a human safety operator is present in the driver’s seat as a precaution.
This move signifies a step forward for Uber and Nuro, who have made significant investments in their collaboration since announcing a partnership in July 2025. Uber committed $300 million to Lucid and plans to purchase a minimum of 20,000 Gravity SUVs over the next six years to support its autonomous fleet.
The Lucid Gravity robotaxi, revealed in January, is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including high-resolution cameras, solid-state lidar sensors, and radar systems that enable it to navigate and understand its surroundings effectively. Additionally, Uber has invested an undisclosed amount in Nuro, reinforcing its commitment to this venture.
Uber’s strategy is to own and operate a premium robotaxi service, likely collaborating with a third party for management. Production of the specially modified Lucid Gravity vehicles is expected to commence in late 2026, according to a regulatory filing.
Nuro has successfully transitioned from closed-course testing to public road trials with the autonomous Lucid Gravity SUVs, now boasting a fleet of 100 vehicles designed to gather real-world data across various U.S. locations.
The ongoing employee test rides aim to evaluate the integration of the autonomy stack, the vehicle’s performance, and the overall rider experience. This testing phase is crucial for assessing how efficiently the self-driving system manages often complex tasks, such as picking up and dropping off riders in the challenging landscape of autonomous ride-hailing.
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