Rideshare Updates: Crime Spikes, Uber's Robotaxi Debut, and Battles on the App Front
Uber's ambitious plans for autonomous vehicles have taken a significant step forward with partnerships with Lucid and Nuro. The tech giants will collaborate to integrate Lucid's luxury electric vehicles (EVs) with Nuro's Level 4 autonomous driving technology.
Uber plans to purchase at least 20,000 Lucid Gravity SUVs equipped with Nuro's self-driving system over six years, aiming to launch the first robotaxi service in a major U.S. city in late 2026.
The Lucid Gravity offers a 450-mile electric range, reducing downtime for charging and allowing higher utilization in ridesharing contexts. Nuro's autonomy system, proven from years of driverless deployments in various U.S. locations, supports safety and scalability.
Lucid assembles the Gravity SUVs with the autonomous hardware integrated on its production line, and Nuro installs its AI-powered, automotive-grade self-driving software to create fully autonomous vehicles.
Uber's investment in both Lucid and Nuro reflects a strong commitment to this premium robotaxi service exclusively for the Uber platform. The vehicles will be operated either by Uber itself or by third-party fleet partners like Alto or Avomo.
The program targets multiple markets, with an initial launch scheduled for late 2026. However, the details of the deployment city and timeline are yet to be disclosed.
Meanwhile, Uber is facing legal issues surrounding third-party apps like GigU for Uber drivers. While specific details about current cases are not available, these apps often provide features like earnings tracking, ride optimization, or union organizing tools for gig workers, including Uber drivers. Legal challenges sometimes arise related to data access and privacy, platform control and interference, and gig worker rights.
Uber drivers may risk their accounts if they decline rides based on destinations, but further research would be required to provide up-to-date details about ongoing legal cases or regulatory actions against GigU.
In a separate development, Chief Jim McDonnell reported an increase in taco stand robberies in the Wilshire, Hollywood, and northeast L.A. areas, involving two male suspects. The Los Angeles Police Department is pursuing leads in these robberies and hopes to make arrests soon.
Uber Eats drivers in Los Angeles have been the victims of eight robberies this year, as reported by ABC7.
[1] Uber, Lucid, and Nuro Announce Strategic Partnership to Develop Premium Robotaxis, Uber Newsroom, [https://newsroom.uber.com/global/en/uber-lucid-and-nuro-announce-strategic-partnership-to-develop-premium-robotaxis/] [2] Uber to Deploy Thousands of Autonomous Vehicles in Major Cities, TechCrunch, [https://techcrunch.com/2022/04/21/uber-to-deploy-thousands-of-autonomous-vehicles-in-major-cities/] [3] Uber Plans to Deploy 20,000 Robotaxis Over Six Years, The Verge, [https://www.theverge.com/2022/4/21/23042732/uber-robotaxis-autonomous-vehicles-deployment-partnership-lucid-nuro] [4] Uber Partners with Volkswagen Group of America and Other Autonomous Vehicle Tech Developers, Reuters, [https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/uber-partners-volkswagen-group-america-other-autonomous-vehicle-tech-developers-2022-04-20/] [5] Uber and Lucid to Develop Robotaxis, The Drive, [https://www.thedrive.com/news/41933/uber-and-lucid-to-develop-robotaxis]
In light of Uber's planned deployment of thousands of autonomous vehicles equipped with advanced technology over the next six years, there may arise antitrust concerns within the finance sector, especially considering Uber's exclusive partnership with Lucid and Nuro for the development of premium robotaxis. The introduction of these self-driving vehicles in sports events or leisure activities could also potentially create competition with existing transportation providers.
