#363: Lucid Gravity Review, Nuro, Waymo, Tesla FSD, AV Policy Roundup

The Lucid Gravity impressed the panel with its refined air‑suspension and quiet cabin, yet everyday usability revealed friction points. Setting up the third‑row seat required a cumbersome flat pad and strap, while the glass roof’s removable shades proved fragile. Drivers noted software quirks that persist despite Lucid’s responsiveness, and the latest ADAS package—priced at $6,200—adds lane‑change capability and subtle lane‑centering nudges, a clear upgrade from the earlier “ping‑pong” experience. Charging at a Tesla Supercharger cost about $27, highlighting the practical costs of operating a premium EV outside the home charger network.

Beyond the test drive, the conversation turned to the emerging robotaxi ecosystem. Uber plans to launch a luxury autonomous service using Lucid Gravities equipped with Neuro’s self‑driving stack, while operational responsibilities fall to Hertz’s new Oro Mobility subsidiary. This multi‑partner model spreads vehicle ownership, software integration, and day‑to‑day maintenance across distinct entities, raising questions about liability, data governance, and cost allocation. The panel emphasized that such layered arrangements are becoming standard as automakers, tech firms, and mobility providers converge on shared‑fleet solutions.

Comparisons with Waymo’s fleet underscored design trade‑offs. Waymo retrofits Jaguar I‑Paces, which demand extensive part inventories and labor‑intensive sensor pods, whereas the upcoming Geely‑based Ojai platform is purpose‑built for easy sensor access and service. The Lucid Gravity sits between these extremes: a premium vehicle with a sleek sensor suite but not originally engineered for high‑turnover fleet use. Observers noted that maintenance efficiency and vehicle uptime will be decisive factors as autonomous services scale, and the industry will watch how Lucid’s luxury approach competes with Waymo’s utilitarian designs.