Uber-backed Nuro has received an updated permit to test its Lucid Gravity robotaxis on California roads, according to recent DMV documents. This is a significant step in Uber’s plan to deploy 100,000 driverless vehicles in the US, including up to 35,000 vehicles powered by Nuro’s self-driving technology. The companies expect to begin fully autonomous testing later this year, a spokesperson said techcrunch.
Neuro, backed by NVIDIA, Toyota and Uber, has become a major player in the robotaxi and autonomous vehicle sector, having already received a California DMV permit for driverless delivery with its R3 Neuro robot vehicle. At CES 2026 in January, Nuro and Uber unveiled their robotaxi design based on the three-row Lucid Gravity electric crossover. It will feature a multi-dimensional sensor system, including a ceiling-mounted LED display as well as high-resolution cameras, lidar sensors and radar. The interior will offer luxuries like rider-controlled heated seats.
Until now, Uber and Nuro have operated the Lucid Gravity EV only in autonomous mode with a human safety driver and limited those rides to Uber employees. However, the new permit will allow companies to test vehicles at speeds up to 45 mph without human operators, day or night, in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. Nuro is also testing its Lucid robotaxis in Tokyo with human drivers as backup.
As part of its earnings release yesterday, Lucid said it planned to launch a robotaxi service “later this year.” The EV maker also revealed that Uber has increased its funding in the company to $500 million and increased its order from 20,000 to 35,000 vehicles. Before commercial services can begin, Nuro and Uber will need a ride-hailing permit as well as a DMV deployment permit.
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