Following closely on the heels of Tesla's recent robotaxi deployment, Lucid is embarking on its own autonomous ride-sharing program, forging a powerful alliance with Nuro and Uber. This collaboration is poised to introduce Lucid's robotaxi service in a major U.S. city in the near future. The integration of Uber's vast global network with Nuro's advanced Level 4 autonomy system, specifically designed for Lucid's electric Gravity SUV, promises a seamless and efficient transportation solution.
The new Lucid robotaxi fleet will be under the ownership and operational control of Uber or its network of third-party fleet partners. These cutting-edge Gravity SUVs will be exclusively accessible to users through the Uber platform. Prototype testing is already underway at Nuro's proving grounds in Las Vegas, where initial demonstrations have showcased the Gravity's impressive autonomous capabilities, including precise lane navigation and obstacle avoidance.
Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, \"Autonomous vehicles possess immense potential to positively transform urban environments. We are excited to collaborate with Nuro and Lucid on this dedicated robotaxi program for the Uber platform, aiming to extend the advantages of autonomous driving to a broader global audience with utmost safety.\"
Nuro stands firmly behind its Level 4 autonomous system, highlighting its foundation in advanced AI-powered self-driving software and automotive-grade hardware. This sophisticated hardware will be seamlessly integrated into Gravity SUVs during the manufacturing process at Lucid's assembly plant.
Jiajun Zhu, Co-Founder and CEO of Nuro, emphasized, \"Nuro has dedicated nearly a decade to developing an AI-first autonomy system that is robust, scalable, and adaptable across various vehicle platforms, demonstrated through five years of driverless operations in multiple U.S. cities and states.\"
With an impressive range of up to 450 miles on a single charge, the Gravity SUV is ideally suited for robotaxi applications, minimizing downtime for recharging and ensuring greater availability for passengers. This extended range significantly surpasses that of Tesla's Model Y, currently utilized in their robotaxi service.
Lucid, Nuro, and Uber are committed to avoiding the initial challenges encountered by Tesla's robotaxi service, which faced scrutiny for traffic law violations, including speeding and improper stops, and even a minor collision shortly after its launch.
Nuro has assured that the Gravity robotaxi will undergo a stringent "comprehensive safety case" validation process, incorporating extensive simulations and supervised on-road testing to guarantee its safety. While Tesla may have gained an early foothold, Lucid's methodical approach to robotaxi development could ultimately lead to a more reliable and successful long-term service. The true impact of these advanced Gravity SUVs will become apparent as they are progressively introduced to public roads.