Nuro, the autonomous vehicle startup backed by Nvidia and Uber, has secured a permit from the California DMV to begin driverless testing of Lucid Gravity SUVs equipped with its self-driving tech. The vehicles are destined for Uber's premium robotaxi service, but Nuro says it isn't ready to rush into things just yet.
The modified permit, confirmed Tuesday, expands Nuro's existing driverless permit - previously limited to low-speed delivery vehicles - to include the Lucid Gravity. That earlier program was scrapped when Nuro pivoted to licensing its tech to companies like Uber. A spokesperson said driverless testing is expected to start later this year, though specifics were left to the imagination.
Before Uber can launch its premium robotaxi service, Nuro must clear additional hurdles: a driverless ride-hailing permit from the California Public Utilities Commission and a deployment permit from the DMV. For now, testing continues with a human safety operator behind the wheel, and Uber employees can already request a ride in a Lucid robotaxi through the app - with a human still along for the ride, of course.
Uber has increased its commitment to Lucid since the three-way deal was announced in July 2025. The original $300 million investment and 20,000 robotaxis has grown to $500 million and at least 35,000 vehicles, including 10,000 Gravity SUVs and 25,000 EVs on Lucid's upcoming mid-size platform. These EVs will be powered by Nvidia's Drive AGX Thor computer and equipped with cameras, lidar sensors, and radars.
Lucid has delivered 75 engineering vehicles to Nuro and Uber, with testing ongoing in multiple U.S. cities. The EV maker says commercial robotaxi operations are on track for late 2026, though they may not be fully driverless depending on regulatory approvals. Lucid executives remain optimistic, noting that development and certifications are proceeding as expected.