Uber to launch a premium robotaxi service in Waymo’s turf of San Francisco

Uber plans to launch a premium robotaxi service in San Francisco in 2026, deploying Lucid Motors’ all-electric Gravity SUVs equipped with autonomous driving technology developed by Nuro. This move places Uber in direct competition with Waymo, Alphabet’s self-driving division, which currently dominates the Bay Area robotaxi market. Uber’s chief product officer, Sachin Kansal, emphasized the significance of launching in the Bay Area, highlighting the region’s role as a hub for transformative technology and Uber’s commitment to safe, scalable autonomous rides. The partnership involves Uber purchasing at least 20,000 Lucid Gravity SUVs over six years, which will be integrated with Nuro’s self-driving system and operated either by Uber or third-party fleet partners. Testing is already underway with a fleet expected to reach about 100 vehicles, combining public road trials, simulation, and closed-course testing. This initiative follows Uber’s broader strategy of collaborating with multiple autonomous vehicle technology companies globally, including Waymo, Nuro, and Luc