Uber partners with Nuro, invests $300M into Lucid to launch upscale robotaxi service

Core Insights - Uber is investing hundreds of millions of dollars into electric vehicle (EV) maker Lucid and autonomous vehicle technology startup Nuro to launch a premium robotaxi service [1][2] - The deal includes a $300 million investment in Lucid and a commitment to purchase at least 20,000 of Lucid's new Gravity SUVs over the next six years, which will be equipped with Nuro's autonomous vehicle system [2][3] - Uber's investment in Nuro is described as a "multi-hundred-million dollar" amount, reportedly exceeding its investment in Lucid [3][4] Investment Details - Uber's investment in Lucid is part of a broader strategy to establish a robotaxi program, with plans to launch the service in a major U.S. city next year [2][4] - The partnership between Uber, Lucid, and Nuro took a year to finalize, indicating a significant commitment to the robotaxi initiative [3][4] Technological Development - Engineers from Lucid and Nuro have already made progress on the project, with prototype driverless vehicles being tested at Nuro's proving grounds in Las Vegas [4] - Uber has been actively securing partnerships with over 18 autonomous vehicle technology companies globally, covering various applications in ride-hailing, delivery, and trucking [7] Market Positioning - Uber's partnership with Waymo represents its most notable collaboration in the U.S., currently operational in Austin and Atlanta, showcasing Uber's willingness to invest heavily in the autonomous vehicle market [8]