Just a few weeks ago, Tesla launched its own line of Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, that gets you most places for just $4.20. However, most experts think they are a bit too late to the party as multiple other robotaxi companies were already operating in different states. Now, a new player might turn the whole robotaxi market upside down! Uber has just announced a partnership with Lucid to create their own robotaxi network! Keep reading to discover more.
Uber becomes Lucid’s Second-Biggest Shareholder
While there are multiple self-driving taxi services available in the US, most people still don’t use them as they’re just not part of the ecosystem they’re used to. However, Uber, decided to join the party as well by investing in their own fleet of robotaxis. To achieve this, they have partnered up with US EV maker Lucid by buying a stake in the company. Uber is planning to invest $300 million, which would make it the second-largest shareholder of Lucid.
Alongside the investment that Uber will put into Lucid, they will also make a major investment in partner company Nuro. The company is responsible for building the sensors and the self-driving software of these new cars. And while the real number has not been disclosed yet, it is rumored to be more than 100 million dollars!
20.000 Vehicles in their Robotaxi Fleet!
In the deal, Uber promises to buy 20.000 Lucid Gravity SUV vehicles from the electric car company. However, these won’t be the ones you could buy yourself. These SUVs are going to be modified versions of the car that use Nuro’s self-driving technology to be implemented as self-driving taxis. These 20.000 cars will be produced in America, and Nuro’s tech will be installed during the production of the cars. All of the modified SUVs should be on the road in 6 years. The giant ride company has not confirmed which US state will receive the first Uber Robotaxis yet, but it is rumored to be in a big city.
- Featured image credit: Uber Investor Relations