Nuru gets driverless test permit before launching Uber robotaxi service

Nuro has been granted permission to begin testing driverless Lucid Gravity SUVs equipped with its autonomous technology on public roads in California — vehicles that will eventually be used in Uber’s premium robo-taxi service. But the Silicon Valley-based startup, which is backed by Nvidia and Uber, says it’s not quite ready to get going.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles, the agency that regulates the testing and deployment of autonomous vehicles in the state, confirmed to TechCrunch on Tuesday that it has amended Nuro’s driverless AV permit to include Lucid Gravity vehicles.

Nuro had a driverless permit for six years, but only applied to operate a low-speed delivery vehicle — a program that was canceled when the startup shifted its business model to focus on licensing its technology to companies like Uber.

This latest driverless permit allows Nuro to test Lucid vehicles without a human safety operator behind the wheel. Nuro spokesman David Salguero told TechCrunch that the company expects to begin driverless driving tests later this year, without providing further information about the timing.

The driverless driving permit is one of several regulatory hurdles Nuro must clear before Uber can launch its premium robotaxi service. Nuro will also have to obtain a driverless transportation permit from the California Public Utilities Commission and a deployment permit from the DMV.

Currently, Nuro and Uber are testing Lucid cars in self-driving mode with a human safety agent in the driver’s seat. Last month, that test was expanded to allow Uber employees to request an autonomous ride in a Lucid robotaxi — with a human safety operator on board — through the Uber app.

As Nuro makes progress in testing, Uber has increased its commitment to Lucid.

When the three-way deal was announced in July 2025, Uber said it would invest $300 million in Lucid and buy 20,000 robotaxi-ready graffiti vehicles. That has since been expanded to $500 million and at least 35,000 robotaxis, with the agreement changed to include at least 10,000 Gravity SUVs and 25,000 electric vehicles built on Lucid’s upcoming midsize platform.

These electric vehicles will be equipped with Nuro’s autonomous vehicle system, which is powered by Nvidia’s Drive AGX Thor computer. The Lucid Gravity robotaxi, unveiled in January, is equipped with high-resolution cameras, solid-state lidar sensors, and radars that help the self-driving system perceive and operate within a real-world environment.

Uber has also made a multi-million dollar investment in Nuro.

Lucid has delivered 75 engineering vehicles to Nuro and Uber, and testing and mileage are continuing in several cities across the U.S., the electric car maker revealed during its first-quarter earnings call on Tuesday.

Lucid said Tuesday that it is on track to begin commercial robotaxi operations in late 2026. Those robotaxi operations likely won’t be driverless or will be otherwise limited, depending on regulatory approvals.

However, Lucid executives struck a positive tone during the call, noting that all development and certification processes are going as expected.