Uber announced on Wednesday that it will introduce its autonomous taxi service in the San Francisco Bay Area, marking a significant step in its ongoing efforts to integrate self-driving technology into its operations. The launch is expected to occur in late 2026, with the company planning to roll out specially designed autonomous vehicles, developed in collaboration with electric vehicle manufacturer Lucid and self-driving technology firm Nuro Inc.
The new robotaxi will be based on the Lucid Gravity SUV, a vehicle exclusive to Uber. Recently, Lucid delivered test vehicles to Nuro as part of this initiative. In the coming months, Uber plans to have 100 test vehicles on the roads, paving the way for a more extensive rollout. By 2032, the company aims to deploy over 20,000 autonomous taxis across various locations.
Collaborations and Expansions
In addition to its partnership with Lucid and Nuro, Uber is also working with tech company Nvidia and automaker Stellantis to expedite the deployment of its robotaxis. According to Uber, Stellantis anticipates starting production of at least 5,000 vehicles powered by Nvidia software for autonomous taxi operations in the United States by 2028.
This initiative follows Uber’s recent launch of autonomous taxi rides in Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with Chinese autonomous tech company WeRide. As the world’s largest ride-hailing service, Uber’s foray into autonomous vehicles underscores its position in the evolving transportation landscape.
Market Context and Competition
The introduction of autonomous taxis is not a new concept, but Uber’s commitment to this technology is noteworthy given its extensive global reach. The company operates in over 15,000 cities across more than 70 countries. Competitors such as Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet, have been testing their own autonomous taxi services for years, with operations currently available in cities including Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Austin. Notably, Waymo has plans to expand its services to London in the coming year.
Uber’s partnership with Waymo in Austin reflects its strategy to collaborate with other industry leaders to enhance its autonomous vehicle offerings. As the race for self-driving technology intensifies, Uber’s forthcoming taxi service represents a pivotal moment for the company and the broader transportation sector.
