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🚗Nuro Gets Permit to Test Driverless Lucid SUVs in CA

Driverless testing for Uber's robotaxi fleet starts soon

TL;DR

Nuro has been granted a permit to test driverless Lucid Gravity SUVs on public roads in California. The company will begin tests later this year, paving the way for Uber's premium robotaxi service.

Nuro just got permission to test its autonomous tech in full-size vehicles without safety drivers in California. This is a big deal because it means Uber can start rolling out driverless robotaxis with Lucid SUVs as early as late next year, pending more regulatory approvals. If you're involved in the ride-hailing industry or following self-driving car developments closely, this news could shift your timelines and investment strategies significantly. Nuro's technology will be integrated into at least 10,000 Gravity SUVs for Uber's premium service, plus another 25,000 EVs on Lucid's mid-size platform. Nuro must still clear hurdles like a driverless ride-hailing permit from the CPUC and a deployment permit from the DMV. Testing is ongoing in multiple cities across the U.S., with 75 engineering vehicles already delivered for evaluation.

Nuro Gets Permit to Test Driverless Lucid SUVs in CA — TechCrunch

Key Points

1

Nuro received a permit allowing driverless testing of Lucid Gravity SUVs in California starting later this year

2

Uber has invested $500 million and committed to buying at least 35,000 EVs from Lucid for its robotaxi fleet

3

10,000 Gravity SUVs and 25,000 mid-size platform EVs will be equipped with Nuro's autonomous system

4

Nuro must secure additional permits from CPUC and DMV before launching driverless services commercially

5

75 engineering vehicles have already been delivered for testing in multiple U.S. cities

Why It Matters

If you're tracking the ride-hailing industry or self-driving car developments, Nuro's new permit could shift your timelines and investment strategies significantly. Uber's premium robotaxi service will rely on Lucid Gravity SUVs equipped with Nuro's autonomous tech, aiming for commercial operations by late 2026. However, regulatory hurdles remain before full driverless deployment can begin.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does this matter?

If you're tracking the ride-hailing industry or self-driving car developments, Nuro's new permit could shift your timelines and investment strategies significantly. Uber's premium robotaxi service will rely on Lucid Gravity SUVs equipped with Nuro's autonomous tech, aiming for commercial operations by late 2026. However, regulatory hurdles remain before full driverless deployment can begin.

What happened?

Nuro has been granted a permit to test driverless Lucid Gravity SUVs on public roads in California. The company will begin tests later this year, paving the way for Uber's premium robotaxi service.

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