| Cover | Oct. 17, 2023 |
| Entity Addresses [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | S-3 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Registrant Name | Nxu, Inc. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001722969 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 92-2819012 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1828 N Higley Rd. |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 116 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Mesa |
| Entity Address, State or Province | AZ |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 85205 |
| Entity Filer Category | Non-accelerated Filer |
| Entity Small Business | true |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | true |
| Elected Not To Use the Extended Transition Period | false |
| Business Contact [Member] | |
| Entity Addresses [Line Items] | |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1828 N Higley Rd. |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 116 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Mesa |
| Entity Address, State or Province | AZ |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 85205 |
| City Area Code | 760 |
| Local Phone Number | 515-1133 |
| Contact Personnel Name | Mark Hanchett |
