Nuro Advances Autonomous Testing for Uber’s Premium Robotaxi Service
Nuro, a Silicon Valley-based autonomous vehicle technology company, has received authorization from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to commence driverless testing of Lucid Gravity SUVs equipped with its self-driving technology on public roads. These vehicles are slated to be integral to Uber’s forthcoming premium robotaxi service. Despite this regulatory milestone, Nuro has indicated that it is not yet prepared to initiate testing.
The DMV’s modification of Nuro’s existing driverless permit now encompasses the Lucid Gravity vehicles. Previously, Nuro’s permit was limited to operating low-speed delivery vehicles—a program that was discontinued when the company shifted its focus toward licensing its autonomous technology to partners like Uber.
This updated permit allows Nuro to test the Lucid vehicles without a human safety operator present. However, Nuro spokesperson David Salguero stated that the company anticipates beginning driverless testing later this year, without specifying an exact timeline.
Securing the driverless permit is a significant step, but Nuro must navigate additional regulatory requirements before Uber can launch its premium robotaxi service. These include obtaining a driverless ride-hailing permit from the California Public Utilities Commission and a deployment permit from the DMV.
Currently, Nuro and Uber are conducting tests with the Lucid vehicles operating in autonomous mode, accompanied by a human safety operator in the driver’s seat. In April 2026, this testing phase expanded to allow Uber employees to request rides in these autonomous vehicles through the Uber app, still with a safety operator on board.
As Nuro progresses with its testing, Uber has increased its investment in Lucid Motors. Initially, in July 2025, Uber announced a $300 million investment in Lucid and a commitment to purchase 20,000 robotaxi-ready Gravity vehicles. This agreement has since been expanded to a $500 million investment and a minimum purchase of 35,000 robotaxis. The revised deal includes at least 10,000 Gravity SUVs and 25,000 electric vehicles built on Lucid’s forthcoming mid-size platform.
These vehicles will be equipped with Nuro’s autonomous driving system, which utilizes Nvidia’s Drive AGX platform. This collaboration underscores the growing synergy between ride-hailing services and autonomous vehicle technology companies, aiming to revolutionize urban transportation with premium, driverless options.
