Lucid has taken a major step into the autonomous vehicle space by unveiling its new Gravity robotaxi SUV in partnership with Uber and autonomous technology firm Nuro. The vehicle was revealed this week at CES in Las Vegas and is expected to enter service later this year, with initial operations planned for the San Francisco Bay Area.
Testing of the Gravity robotaxi began in December, signaling that the project has moved beyond the conceptual phase. Lucid describes the vehicle shown at CES as a production-intent model, indicating that it closely reflects the version expected to reach the road following final validation. Manufacturing is scheduled to begin later this year at Lucid’s Arizona facility.
The Gravity robotaxi is designed as a fully electric, self-driving SUV capable of carrying up to six passengers along with luggage. A defining exterior feature is a roof-mounted halo that houses key autonomous driving hardware, including lidar, high-resolution cameras, and radar. Additional sensors are integrated throughout the vehicle’s body, while illuminated elements on the halo help riders identify their assigned vehicle.
Inside, the Gravity focuses on passenger comfort and personalization. The system recognizes individual rider preferences for seating temperature, climate settings, and entertainment options. A central display provides real-time information about the vehicle’s surroundings, showing obstacles, traffic conditions, and street layouts. Passengers can also use the interface to contact support or instruct the vehicle to pull over.
Lucid’s entry into the robotaxi market places it among several established and emerging competitors. Autonomous services from Amazon-backed Zoox are already operating in Las Vegas, while Tesla has deployed robotaxis in Austin. Waymo continues to expand its presence across multiple U.S. cities, creating an increasingly crowded and competitive field.
For Lucid, the Gravity robotaxi represents more than a new product line. The company has faced financial and market pressures tied to a broader slowdown in electric vehicle demand. While Lucid’s vehicles are widely regarded as high-quality and technologically advanced, they occupy a premium segment that limits volume. A successful autonomous service could significantly expand the company’s reach and relevance.
The collaboration with Uber provides access to a large ride-hailing network, while Nuro contributes autonomous driving expertise developed by former Waymo engineers. If the Gravity enters service as planned, it could mark a turning point for Lucid, positioning the automaker as a serious player in the next phase of urban mobility.
