Lucid Expands Uber Robotaxi Deal, Appoints New CEO from Elevator Giant

Lucid, the luxury electric vehicle company, is making some major moves. The company announced that it is expanding its robotaxi deal with Uber, increasing the number of Lucid Gravity SUVs purchased for Uber's autonomous fleet from 20,000 to 35,000. This significant expansion comes as Lucid also appoints a new CEO from an unexpected background - the world of elevators, escalators, and moving walkways.

Last year, Lucid, Uber, and autonomous delivery startup Nuro announced a major robotaxi partnership, which will see Lucid's all-electric vehicles deployed in Uber's self-driving ride-hailing service. This latest move further solidifies that agreement, with Uber doubling down on Lucid's high-end SUVs for its autonomous fleet.

Interestingly, Lucid has also named a new chief executive officer, tapping John Krafcik, the former CEO of Google's self-driving car project Waymo. Krafcik is not coming from the electric vehicle industry, but rather hails from the world of elevators, escalators, and moving walkways, having served as the CEO of Otis Elevator Company.

This unexpected leadership change signals Lucid's intention to expand beyond just electric vehicles and into the broader mobility space, leveraging Krafcik's experience in the transportation and logistics sectors. The company is clearly positioning itself as a key player in the autonomous driving and robotaxi future, with this Uber deal and new CEO appointment.

The Lucid Gravity SUV, which will be the backbone of Uber's expanded robotaxi fleet, is the company's first foray into the SUV market. The all-electric vehicle boasts impressive performance and range, making it an attractive option for autonomous ride-hailing services.

As Lucid continues to grow its presence in the EV and mobility space, the appointment of John Krafcik, with his extensive experience in transportation and logistics, could be a strategic move to help the company navigate the complex and rapidly evolving autonomous driving landscape. The expanded Uber deal is a clear sign that Lucid is doubling down on its robotaxi ambitions, cementing its position as a key player in the future of urban transportation.

The partnership between Lucid, Uber, and Nuro represents a significant collaboration in the autonomous driving and robotaxi space. By combining Lucid's electric vehicle expertise, Uber's ride-hailing platform, and Nuro's autonomous delivery technology, the companies are working to shape the future of urban mobility. This latest development is a testament to the rapid advancements and growing importance of self-driving vehicles in the transportation industry.