Uber To Invest $1.25B In Rivian For Robotaxi Rollout

Written by Sandra Leggero

Sandra Leggero has a background in financial markets, having spent more than 9 years in commodities trading for several European and Asian companies. She holds a degree in Economics from the University of Pavia and specializes in emerging markets.

, | Updated: March 19, 2026

Key Moments From Uber-Rivian Robotaxi Deal Announcement

Uber plans to invest up to $1.25B in Rivian through 2031.
Deployment of 10,000 R2 autonomous SUVs as robotaxis begins 2028.
Rivian shares jumped about 9% in premarket trading.

Uber Commits Initial $300M Investment To Rivian

Uber will make an initial $300 million investment in Rivian. The remaining funds will be released gradually through 2031, tied to autonomous milestones.

This long-term deal aligns Uber’s platform with Rivian’s upcoming R2 robotaxi launch. It also signals growing confidence in AI-driven mobility.

Rivian Prepares For R2 Robotaxi Launch

Rivian has not yet deployed a robotaxi. However, it recently unveiled its first custom chip for autonomous driving and is preparing to release smaller R2 SUVs this quarter.

The R2 model will be exclusively available on Uber’s platform initially in San Francisco and Miami, with potential expansion to 25 cities by 2031.

Robotaxi Market Gains Momentum

Interest in driverless taxis has surged, aided by AI and technology partnerships. Rivian joins competitors like Waymo and Tesla, who are expanding autonomous services in U.S. cities.

Uber aims to act as a marketplace for multiple robotaxi operators, partnering with companies including Waymo, Baidu, and Lucid to broaden its autonomous offerings.

Long-Term Deployment Plans And Expansion

If all milestones are met, Uber and Rivian plan to deploy thousands of R2 robotaxis across North America and Europe by the end of 2031.

Additionally, Uber has the option to purchase up to 40,000 more vehicles starting in 2030, positioning itself for a major role in the autonomous mobility market.

Technology Partnerships Support Autonomous Development

Uber is leveraging Nvidia’s AI and simulation platforms to enhance Rivian’s robotaxi capabilities. These collaborations aim to accelerate development and scale autonomous operations efficiently.