Lucid stock spikes on news the California EV maker has signed a new deal with Uber

A new robotaxi partnership with Uber sends Lucid shares soaring nearly 40%—here is what it means for you

Modified on:
July 18, 2025 5:00 pm

Lucid Motors just got a major boost. The California-based electric vehicle company announced a big partnership with Uber, and Wall Street loved it. The news sent Lucid’s stock soaring almost 40%, showing just how much excitement this new deal has created.

If you are wondering why this matters or how it could affect the future of EVs and ride-sharing, let us walk through it together in simple terms.

What is the new deal between Lucid and Uber?

On Thursday morning, Lucid, Uber, and autonomous tech company Nuro revealed they are teaming up to launch a brand-new robotaxi service.

Here is what the partnership looks like:

  • Uber will buy 20,000 Lucid electric vehicles over the next six years.
  • These vehicles will be outfitted with Nuro’s Level 4 autonomous driving software, meaning they can drive themselves under certain conditions without human input.
  • The cars will run exclusively on Uber’s platform, meaning when you order a robotaxi on Uber in the future, it could be a Lucid EV driving itself to you.
  • A prototype is already being tested at Nuro’s Las Vegas proving grounds.
  • The full service is expected to launch next year in a major U.S. city.

This is a huge leap into the future of mobility—and Uber wants to be at the center of it.

Why did Lucid stock jump so much?

Lucid’s stock price jumped nearly 40% right after the announcement. That is a big move, especially for a company that has had its fair share of ups and downs.

Here is why investors are excited:

  • 20,000 vehicle order gives Lucid a clearer path to higher production volumes.
  • This could help Lucid reach its delivery target of 20,000 EVs in 2025.
  • Uber’s $300 million investment into Lucid adds a lot of confidence and credibility.
  • This deal signals Lucid is not just a luxury EV company—it is now a serious player in autonomous transportation.

In the words of Lucid’s interim CEO Marc Winterhoff, “This is the start of our path to extend our innovation and technology leadership into this multi-trillion-dollar market.

Will these robotaxis replace regular Uber drivers?

This is a question many people are asking, especially drivers who rely on Uber for income.

Here is what we know for now:

  • The robotaxis will roll out gradually, starting in just one city in 2026.
  • They will be part of Uber’s premium ride options, so they may not replace all ride types.
  • Uber has said little about replacing human drivers, and the demand for regular Uber rides is still very high.
  • That said, the long-term goal seems clear: to create a more automated, scalable, and profitable ride-hailing system.

If you drive for Uber, this does not mean your job is going away tomorrow—but it does mean the landscape is changing.

What makes Lucid vehicles a good fit for autonomous rides?

Lucid cars, like the Gravity SUV that will be used in this project, are known for:

  • High-tech architecture that supports advanced software systems
  • Strong battery range and energy efficiency
  • Premium design and smooth ride quality

Lucid’s platform is already well-equipped for automation. That is why Nuro and Uber saw it as the right fit for this next-gen robotaxi fleet.

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said, “We are thrilled to partner with Nuro and Lucid… to safely bring the magic of autonomous driving to more people across the world.”

What role does Saudi Arabia play in this deal?

One detail that is raising eyebrows is the connection both companies have to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF):

  • The PIF owns a $5.31 billion stake in Uber.
  • It also owns a $4.29 billion stake in Lucid, making it the majority owner of the EV maker.

So while this deal makes sense from a technology point of view, there is also likely a financial alignment behind the scenes helping to bring it together.

Is Lucid now competing with Tesla and Waymo?

Yes—this deal puts Lucid in direct competition with some of the biggest names in autonomous vehicles:

  • Waymo, owned by Google’s parent company Alphabet, is already running robotaxis in Phoenix and is expanding.
  • Tesla just started testing its own robotaxis in Austin, with plans to expand in the Bay Area.
  • Lucid, with Uber and Nuro, is now aiming to catch up quickly and go big.

So if you are watching the EV and robotaxi race, this new alliance is definitely one to keep an eye on.

Related article:

Major miner stock soars on huge Apple deal

What could happen to Nvidia stock over the next year?

What is Cyngn? The stock that has soared over 150% on news of collaboration with Nvidia

Enobong Demas
Enobong Demashttps://polifinus.com/author/e-demas/
I write on social welfare programs and initiatives for the United States, focusing on how these programs impact the lives of everyday Americans. My background in environmental sciences allows me to approach these topics with a unique analytical lens to provide my readers with a clear and well-rounded insight, eliminating the complexities often common with these topics.

Must read

Related News