Loss-making US electric automaker Lucid Motors said it would work with Estonia-based European ride-hailing platform Bolt to deploy automated taxis in Europe, in a move Lucid chief executive Silvio Napoli said was “a very important step” toward stabilising the company’s finances.

The robotaxis are to be built on an upcoming midrange EV model and Napoli said the first batch could be deployed as early as 2028.

The companies said the deal should involve at least 25,000 vehicles, but did not indicate financial terms or a timeline.

European deal

Automated taxis remain largely at the pilot stage in Europe, with the first commercial services launched only last month, in Zagreb, under a partnership between local fleet operator Verne and China’s Pony AI.

The deal is Lucid’s second major push into robotaxis, after Uber agreed to buy at least 35,000 Lucid vehicles for its automated taxi network.

As part of that deal, Uber said it would take a $300 million (£225m) stake in Lucid, expanding the agreement in April.

Autonomous vehicle tech

Lucid competitor Rivian is also supplying vehicles to Uber to be used as robotaxis.

Lucid initially focused on selling high-end EVs, and delayed plans for a midrange vehicle until next year, while also moving into robotaxis as a further source of revenues.

The company, based in California and majority owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, also supplies powertrain technology to other automakers, including Aston Martin.