Nuro receives driverless testing permit ahead of Uber robotaxi service launch

Nuro has been granted a permit to conduct driverless testing of Lucid Gravity SUVs equipped with its autonomous technology on California public roads. The vehicles are planned for use in Uber's premium robotaxi service. The company indicated it is not ready to begin such testing. The California Department of Motor Vehicles modified Nuro's existing driverless permit to include the Lucid vehicles. Nuro had previously operated under a permit for low-speed delivery vehicles over six years. That program ended following a business pivot toward technology licensing. Nuro spokesperson David Salguero said the company anticipates starting driverless testing later this year. The permit represents one of several regulatory requirements. Nuro must also obtain a driverless ride-hailing permit from the California Public Utilities Commission and a deployment permit from the DMV. Testing currently occurs with a human safety operator present. Last month the program expanded to permit Uber employees to request rides through the app while an operator remains on board. Uber has expanded its commitment to Lucid to 500 million dollars and a minimum of 35,000 robotaxis. This includes at least 10,000 Gravity SUVs and 25,000 electric vehicles on Lucid's upcoming midsize platform. Lucid delivered 75 engineering vehicles to Nuro and Uber for testing across several U.S. cities. The company stated it remains on track for commercial robotaxi operations to start in late 2026.