Lucid and Uber have expanded their self-driving robotaxi partnership to at least 35,000 vehicles, backed by fresh investment from Uber and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). The deal between Lucid and Uber includes a 550 million dollar commitment from Ayar Third Investment Company, a PIF affiliate, plus an additional 200 million dollars from Uber. As a result, the partnership scales up dramatically from its earlier 20,000-vehicle target. Moreover, the announcement carries a strong Saudi angle, since the PIF is Lucid’s largest shareholder. Here are the full details, verified against official sources.
The Investment Details
Under the agreement, Ayar Third Investment Company will inject 550 million dollars through convertible preferred stock. In addition, Uber will raise its total investment in Lucid to 500 million dollars, following a further 200 million dollar commitment. Therefore, the combined new funding reaches 750 million dollars.
The PIF affiliate had already committed more than one billion dollars to Lucid in 2024. As a result, this new investment deepens an existing relationship rather than starting a new one. Furthermore, the capital strengthens Lucid’s financial position as it scales production and develops advanced software-defined electric vehicles.
What the Lucid and Uber Partnership Covers
According to Lucid’s statement, both sides agreed to increase the number of vehicles dedicated to the global robotaxi service. Specifically, the expanded fleet will span two vehicle lines. First, the Lucid Gravity SUV, which is already in on-road autonomous testing. Second, a forthcoming midsize electric platform, due to begin production later this year.
The autonomous driving systems are being developed in partnership with Nuro, a self-driving technology startup. Moreover, the companies plan to launch a commercial robotaxi service in the San Francisco Bay Area later in 2026. After that, the service is expected to expand to dozens of global markets over the following years.
Lucid vehicles are not currently part of Carly’s inventory. However, Carly stocks the premium SUV segment that appeals to buyers watching this space. For example, the Toyota Land Cruiser and GMC Yukon are available now. In addition, every vehicle comes with a 150-point inspection and a 12-month warranty.
The New Midsize Vehicles
The new vehicles are expected to offer a high driving range with smaller batteries. In addition, they will provide a comfortable interior and fast charging speeds. Notably, the midsize model will start at less than 50,000 US dollars.
As a result, this price makes the car suitable for both individual and commercial use. In particular, it fits fleet operations well, which aligns directly with the robotaxi goal. Therefore, the midsize platform is central to the Lucid and Uber plan.
A New CEO for Lucid
In a separate statement, Lucid confirmed a major leadership change. Silvio Napoli, former Chairman and CEO of the Swiss elevator manufacturer Schindler Group, will become Lucid’s new CEO. Specifically, he takes the role after receiving a US work visa, effective in mid-April 2026.
Meanwhile, Marc Winterhoff, who served as interim CEO since February 2025, will return to his role as Chief Operating Officer. Napoli brings deep operational and financial experience, although he has no prior background in the automotive industry. For this reason, the appointment signals a focus on cost discipline and manufacturing scale.
Why This Matters for Saudi Arabia
The Saudi angle here is significant. The PIF is Lucid’s majority shareholder, and Lucid is building a manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy. As a result, the expanded Lucid and Uber deal reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as both a consumer and a producer of premium electric vehicles.
Furthermore, the Saudi electric vehicle market has grown rapidly, as reflected in recent sales data where Lucid ranked among the top EV brands. Therefore, this investment supports a broader national push toward electric mobility and smart transport. Meanwhile, Saudi buyers continue to favor premium and full-size vehicles, a segment that platforms like Carly serve directly.
FAQ
What is the Lucid and Uber robotaxi deal?
Lucid and Uber expanded their partnership to at least 35,000 vehicles for Uber’s global robotaxi service. The deal includes 550 million dollars from a Saudi PIF affiliate and an additional 200 million dollars from Uber.
How much did Saudi Arabia’s PIF invest in Lucid?
Ayar Third Investment Company, a PIF affiliate, committed 550 million dollars through convertible preferred stock. The PIF had already invested more than one billion dollars in Lucid in 2024 and is the company’s largest shareholder.
How many vehicles will Lucid supply to Uber?
Uber agreed to purchase at least 35,000 Lucid vehicles, up from an earlier target of 20,000. The fleet will include the Lucid Gravity SUV and a forthcoming midsize electric platform.
When will the Lucid and Uber robotaxi service launch?
The companies plan to launch a commercial robotaxi service in the San Francisco Bay Area later in 2026, before expanding to more global markets in the following years.
Who is the new CEO of Lucid?
Silvio Napoli, former Chairman and CEO of Switzerland’s Schindler Group, is Lucid’s new CEO. Marc Winterhoff, the former interim CEO, returns to his role as Chief Operating Officer.
How much will the new midsize Lucid cost?
The midsize Lucid electric vehicle is expected to start at less than 50,000 US dollars, making it suitable for both individual buyers and commercial fleet operations.
Where can I buy a premium SUV in Saudi Arabia?
Carly (HalaCarly.com) stocks premium and full-size SUVs including the Toyota Land Cruiser and GMC Yukon. In addition, each comes with a 150-point inspection, a 12-month warranty, and several financing options.
