Lucid and Nvidia are collaborating on autonomous driving!

Lucid and Nvidia's New Autonomous Driving Move

Lucid Motors (LCID) and Nvidia (NVDA) have announced a collaboration to develop a Level 4 autonomous driving system for future Lucid vehicles, similar to Waymo's robotaxi. Nvidia stated at the GTC event in Washington DC that the 'mind-free' autonomous driving technology will be supported by Nvidia's DRIVE AGX computers and DriveOS in the new mid-sized Lucid vehicles. Level 4 autonomous technology means that these new Lucid vehicles will be able to drive completely autonomously under certain conditions; this approach is similar to how Waymo robotaxis operate in defined geographical areas.

In relation, Level 5 — as defined by the Autonomous Vehicle Engineers Society — describes a system that can drive in all circumstances. Lucid's new mid-sized vehicle will be introduced in 2026.

Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang said, 'As vehicles become software-defined supercomputers, the opportunity to reimagine mobility with intelligence emerges at every turn.' He added, 'Together with Lucid, we are accelerating the future of autonomous, AI-powered transportation. This is built on Nvidia's full-stack automotive platform.'

Lucid interim CEO Marc Winterhoff stated, 'Now, by combining the latest AI technology with Lucid's engineering excellence, we are taking the next step in delivering the smartest and safest autonomous vehicles on the road.' He further expressed pride in collaborating with Nvidia to sustain American innovation in autonomous mobility.

Before Level 4 applications, Lucid will offer 'Level 2+' hands-free driving features in its Gravity SUV model using Nvidia's DRIVE AV technology. Currently, hands-free driving systems are available, such as Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD), GM's Super Cruise, and Ford's Blue Cruise systems.

Lucid announced that both technologies will be available to customers 'in the coming years.' Earlier this summer, Lucid partnered with Uber (UBER) for a robotaxi service where Lucid electric vehicles will be hailed from the Uber platform. Lucid robotaxis will be supported by autonomous technology company Nuro's Level 4 driving software.

Lucid is pursuing two different paths in the autonomous technology field. One involves using Nuro's solution in B2B environments like robotaxis, while the other is implementing Nvidia technology for non-commercial customer use.

In addition to the autonomous partnership, Lucid is integrating Nvidia's Industrial platform products into its manufacturing processes, adding features such as predictive analytics, robotics, and process optimization. Nvidia's software will support scaling operations through configurable production lines and enhanced quality control, thus making production cheaper and faster.

Look for more information regarding this Nvidia deal when Lucid reports its third-quarter financial results following the closing on November 11.