Articles tagged with "transportation-innovation"
Tesla launches robotaxi rides in Austin with no human safety driver
Tesla has launched robotaxi rides in Austin, Texas, that operate without a human safety driver in the front seat, marking a significant milestone in autonomous vehicle deployment. The announcement was made via Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s social media post, congratulating the Tesla AI team and simultaneously recruiting engineers to work on advancing real-world AI toward artificial general intelligence (AGI). Previously, Tesla had offered robotaxi rides with a safety operator present and initially limited these rides to influencers and select customers. Currently, only a portion of Tesla’s Austin robotaxi fleet operates fully driverless, with unsupervised vehicles mixed among those still monitored by safety drivers. Tesla plans to gradually increase the ratio of fully autonomous vehicles over time. It remains unclear whether Tesla is charging passengers for these driverless rides, as the company has not provided details on pricing. This cautious rollout contrasts with some competitors like Zoox and Waymo, which initially offered free driverless rides during their early deployments. Tesla has not responded to requests for further clarification.
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslaAIrobotaxidriverless-technologytransportation-innovationKodiak taps Bosch to scale its self-driving truck tech
Kodiak AI, a self-driving truck company, has partnered with global automotive supplier Bosch to develop a scalable hardware and software system that can retrofit standard semi trucks with autonomous driving capabilities. Announced at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show, this collaboration aims to accelerate Kodiak’s ability to deploy its self-driving technology across a broader range of trucks, regardless of manufacturer. Bosch will provide key hardware components such as sensors and steering technologies, which can be integrated either during vehicle production or later by third-party upfitters. Kodiak’s CEO Don Burnette emphasized that this partnership will enable modular, serviceable, and integrated autonomous driving solutions suitable for commercial scale. Kodiak has already deployed self-driving trucks commercially, notably delivering at least eight autonomous trucks to Atlas Energy Solutions in the Permian Basin under an initial 100-truck order. The company, which went public in September 2025 via a SPAC merger, has been working with Roush Industries for truck upfitting but now seeks to
robotautonomous-vehiclesself-driving-trucksBoschKodiak-AIautomotive-technologytransportation-innovation2,700 miles: Tesla's first coast-to-coast autonomous drive completed
A Tesla owner, David Moss, recently completed a 2,700-mile coast-to-coast trip across the United States using Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software version 14.2 without manually taking control at any point. The nearly three-day journey covered diverse driving conditions, including highways, urban streets, complex interchanges, and multiple charging stops. Moss reported zero disengagements, with the vehicle handling navigation, lane changes, traffic signals, merging, and parking autonomously. The event gained significant attention online and was briefly acknowledged by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, highlighting Tesla’s advancements in autonomous driving technology. Technically, the drive demonstrates notable progress in Tesla’s FSD capabilities, managing challenging scenarios such as city traffic and construction zones. However, despite the “Full Self-Driving” label, Tesla’s system remains classified as a supervised driver-assistance technology, requiring drivers to stay alert and ready to intervene. It is not legally recognized as fully autonomous under current U.S. regulations
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslaself-driving-technologyartificial-intelligencedriver-assistance-systemstransportation-innovationWorld-first: China wirelessly runs trains carrying 38,580 tons cargo
China has successfully tested a world-first wireless rail convoy system on the Baoshen Railway in Inner Mongolia, linking seven heavy freight trains into a single convoy carrying a total of 38,580 US tons (35,000 tonnes) of cargo—equivalent to more than three times the weight of the Eiffel Tower. This innovative system, developed by China Shenhua Energy Company and partners, uses wireless signals to synchronize acceleration, braking, and spacing between trains in real time, eliminating the need for physical couplers. The virtual coupling technology allows trains to operate safely at much closer distances than traditional safety regulations permit, significantly reducing braking distances and enabling more efficient use of existing rail infrastructure. China’s motivation for developing this technology stems from the need to increase rail freight capacity without the high costs of building new tracks. With over 3.31 billion US tons of cargo transported by rail in the first three quarters of 2023, and expanding international rail links such as the China Railway Express, the country aims to
IoTwireless-communicationfreight-trainsrailway-technologyenergy-managementtransportation-innovationChina-Shenhua-EnergyZoox offers its first public autonomous rides in San Francisco - The Robot Report
Zoox has launched its Zoox Explorers program in San Francisco, offering the public free autonomous rides as part of a pilot to gather feedback and refine its robotaxi service before wider deployment. The company, which has been testing autonomous technology in San Francisco since 2017, invites early riders from its waitlist to experience rides within key neighborhoods such as SoMa, Mission, and the Design District. Zoox’s vehicle is uniquely designed for autonomous driving, lacking traditional controls like a steering wheel or driver’s seat, and features two rows of seats facing each other. Riders can hail the robotaxi via the Zoox app and select destinations within the service area, with drop-offs near the final location accompanied by walking directions. Zoox’s San Francisco initiative follows its earlier launch of a fully driverless ride-hailing service in Las Vegas, marking it as the first company to operate purpose-built robotaxis without safety drivers in that city. The company is also testing fleets in multiple other U.S. cities,
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiZooxself-driving-carsmobility-technologytransportation-innovationZoox to begin offering robotaxi rides to public in San Francisco
Zoox, an Amazon-owned autonomous vehicle company, is beginning to offer limited robotaxi rides to the public in San Francisco through its early rider program called Zoox Explorer. While the service is not yet a full commercial launch, select individuals from the waitlist will be invited to use the robotaxis for free within a small service area covering the SoMA, Mission, and Design districts. Zoox currently operates about 50 robotaxis in San Francisco and Las Vegas, and aims to eliminate the waitlist entirely by 2026 as it expands its fleet and coverage. The company’s custom-built, driverless vehicles—lacking steering wheels and pedals—have been tested in San Francisco since 2017. Zoox faces two main regulatory hurdles before commercial service can begin: obtaining a permit from the California Public Utilities Commission to charge for rides, and securing expanded approval from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to use its vehicles commercially. While NHTSA granted Zoox an exemption in
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiself-driving-technologyZooxmobilitytransportation-innovationSelf-driving trucks startup Einride plans to go public via a SPAC
Swedish electric and autonomous truck startup Einride announced plans to go public through a merger with the special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) Legato Merger Corp., valuing Einride at $1.8 billion pre-money. The deal is expected to raise approximately $219 million in gross proceeds, excluding potential redemptions, and the company is also seeking up to $100 million in private investment in public equity (PIPE). The merger is anticipated to close in the first half of 2026, with Einride debuting on the New York Stock Exchange. Founded in 2016, Einride aims to revolutionize freight transport with electric trucks and autonomous electric pods—vehicles without steering wheels or pedals designed for self-driving. Einride operates a fleet of 200 heavy-duty electric trucks across Europe, North America, and the UAE, serving clients such as Heineken, PepsiCo, Carlsberg Sweden, and DP World. It is also advancing its autonomous pod technology with customers like Ap
robotautonomous-vehicleselectric-trucksself-driving-technologytransportation-innovationSPAC-mergerfreight-industryRemote driving startup Vay could grab up to $410M from Singapore’s Grab
Berlin-based remote driving startup Vay is poised to receive up to $410 million in investment from Singapore’s Grab, pending regulatory approval, with the deal expected to close by the end of 2026. An additional $350 million could be unlocked within the first year if Vay meets specific milestones related to U.S. market expansion, including regulatory approvals, city coverage, and consumer revenue targets. Vay’s technology enables human operators to remotely drive rental cars to customers, who then take over driving themselves, offering a hybrid alternative to traditional car ownership and ride-hailing services. This approach reduces costs compared to ride-hailing and eliminates parking concerns for users. Although Grab does not operate in the U.S., it plans to support Vay’s growth there amid increasing competition in remote driving, with companies like Waymo expanding their autonomous vehicle services. Grab views Vay’s service as complementary to robotaxis and aligned with its strategy to cater to consumers who prefer not to own cars. The partnership also aims to
robotautonomous-vehiclesremote-drivingmobility-technologyelectric-vehiclestransportation-innovationdriverless-carsGlīd is building an autonomous shortcut to move freight from road to rail — catch it at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
Glīd Technologies, founded by mechanical engineer and logistics enthusiast Kevin Damoa, is addressing the complex and costly challenge of moving freight containers from road to rail, particularly focusing on the critical "first mile" from ports to railheads. Drawing from his extensive background in the military and private sector, Damoa identified that the current multi-step process involving cranes, hostler trucks, and forklifts is inefficient and expensive. Glīd aims to streamline this process by developing innovative hardware and software solutions that reduce handling steps and costs. The company's flagship product, GliderM, is a hybrid-electric vehicle capable of picking up and moving 20-foot containers directly to rail without the need for additional equipment like forklifts or hostler trucks. Additionally, Glīd is developing the Rāden, an autonomous, low-profile platform designed to lift trailers and move them seamlessly between road and rail. Their logistics software, EZRA-1SIX, complements these hardware solutions to optimize container movement. Glīd offers a
robotautonomous-vehicleslogistics-technologyhybrid-electric-vehiclefreight-transportsupply-chain-automationtransportation-innovationWaymo plans to bring driverless robotaxis to London in 2026 - The Robot Report
Waymo LLC announced plans to launch its fully driverless robotaxi services in London by 2026, aiming to integrate with the city's extensive public transportation infrastructure. The company, which has already accumulated over 100 million autonomous miles and provided more than 10 million paid rides in the U.S., intends to collaborate with its fleet partner Moove and engage local authorities to secure necessary permissions. Waymo’s existing presence in the U.K. includes engineering hubs in London and Oxford, and partnerships with British automaker Jaguar Land Rover, whose electric I-PACE vehicles are equipped with Waymo’s autonomous driving technology. The initiative aligns with London’s transportation goals, particularly reducing road injuries and fatalities, as Waymo’s data indicates its vehicles are involved in significantly fewer injury-causing collisions compared to human drivers. The U.K. government supports the move, highlighting the potential for job creation, investment, and technological leadership. Beyond London, Waymo is expanding its robotaxi services globally, with ongoing testing in Tokyo and
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiWaymoelectric-vehiclesdriverless-technologytransportation-innovationGreen GSM Partners With Xentro Motors For Electric Vehicle Fleet In Philippines - CleanTechnica
Green GSM, an electric ride-hailing service under the Vingroup GSM ecosystem, has partnered with Philippines-based AMRC Renewable Corporation/Xentro Motors through a memorandum of understanding to supply 2,000 VinFast electric vehicles for ride-hailing operations in the Philippines. This follows Green GSM’s launch of an all-electric taxi service in Metro Manila in June 2025, which started with 2,500 VinFast Nerio Green vehicles and represented a $500 million initial investment as part of a planned $1 billion commitment over three years. Under the new agreement, the first 1,000 vehicles have been secured, with the remainder to be delivered within two years, operating under the co-branded name “Green Xentro powered by Green GSM” in Metro Manila and other urban centers, pending regulatory approvals. The partnership aims to accelerate electric vehicle adoption in the Philippine ride-hailing market by leveraging local infrastructure and operational expertise. Xentro Motors will provide access to its Xentro Malls network for pick-up
electric-vehiclesEV-fleetride-hailingsustainable-mobilityelectric-vehicle-chargingclean-energytransportation-innovationWaymo plans to launch a robotaxi service in London in 2026
Waymo, the Alphabet-owned autonomous vehicle company, announced plans to launch a commercial robotaxi service in London in 2026, marking its second international expansion after Tokyo. The service will initially deploy all-electric Jaguar I-Pace vehicles equipped with Waymo’s self-driving technology. The rollout will begin with human safety drivers behind the wheel, progressing to driverless testing and eventually allowing the public to hail robotaxis. The timing of the fully driverless service depends on the UK government’s approval process. Waymo will partner with Moove, a fleet operations company already active in Phoenix, to manage the London fleet. This move builds on Waymo’s existing UK presence, including its 2019 acquisition of Oxbotica, a UK startup specializing in self-driving simulation technology, and the establishment of an engineering hub in Oxford. Waymo has expanded its robotaxi operations across multiple U.S. cities such as Phoenix, Austin, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, often collaborating with partners like Uber to
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiself-driving-technologyelectric-vehiclesWaymotransportation-innovationSelf-driving trucks startup Einride raises $100M
Einride, a Swedish startup specializing in electric and autonomous freight vehicles, has raised $100 million from new and existing investors, including its largest shareholder EQT Ventures and quantum computing firm IonQ. The company did not disclose its post-money valuation. Founded in 2016, Einride aims to disrupt the freight industry with its electric big rigs, autonomous pod-like trucks without steering wheels or pedals, and planning software for shippers. Its fleet operates across Europe, North America, and the UAE, serving clients such as PepsiCo, Carlsberg Sweden, and DP World. The startup has made progress with autonomous pods through partnerships with Apotea in Sweden and GE Appliances in the U.S. The new funding will support Einride’s efforts to scale its three core business products and accelerate the deployment of its autonomous freight technology. The company has faced challenges common to the autonomous vehicle sector, including the lengthy and costly transition from development to commercial operations. In recent leadership changes, co-founder Robert Falck stepped
robotautonomous-vehicleselectric-trucksfreight-technologytransportation-innovationstartup-fundinglogistics-automationTechCrunch Mobility: Self-driving trucks startup Kodiak goes public and a shake-up at Hyundai’s Supernal
The article from TechCrunch Mobility highlights recent developments in the autonomous vehicle (AV) and transportation sector, emphasizing both progress and challenges. Gatik, an AV logistics startup, announced a significant multi-year partnership with Canada’s largest retailer, Loblaw, to deploy 20 autonomous middle-mile trucks by the end of 2025, with plans to expand to 50 trucks by 2026. These trucks will autonomously manage complex regional deliveries from two distribution centers to over 300 retail stores, marking a notable commercial deployment beyond fixed-route pilots. Additionally, Kodiak Robotics, a self-driving truck startup focused on highway, industrial, and defense applications, went public through a SPAC merger with Ares Acquisition Corporation II, valuing the company at approximately $2.5 billion. Kodiak raised over $212 million in financing, including PIPE funding and trust cash, although some SPAC investors redeemed shares. Founder and CEO Don Burnette explained that going public via SPAC was a strategic choice to access capital
robotautonomous-vehiclesself-driving-trucksKodiak-Roboticslogistics-technologytransportation-innovationAI-in-transportationA New Electric Train Challenges Trucks For Short-Haul Freight
The article highlights a groundbreaking development in short-haul freight transportation by the startup Parallel Systems, which is introducing a novel electric train concept. Unlike traditional trains that rely on a single locomotive, Parallel’s design equips individual railcars with their own batteries and autonomous operating systems, allowing them to operate as independent yet coordinated platoons. These platoons, consisting of 20–30 cars, can reduce aerodynamic drag and dynamically split or merge to serve multiple destinations more efficiently. This innovation promises faster freight flow through facilities, reducing bottlenecks and delivery times, and aims to compete directly with diesel and electric trucks in the short-haul freight market. Parallel Systems has made significant progress since its 2022 debut, raising $100 million in funding, including a $38 million Series B round led by Anthos Capital. The company is collaborating with the short-line rail operator Heart of Georgia on a federally approved seven-phase demonstration project spanning 160 miles of track between Pooler and Cordele, Georgia, set to complete
energyelectric-trainsbattery-technologyautonomous-railcarsfreight-logisticszero-emissionstransportation-innovationBusworld 2025 May Signal the End of Range Anxiety for Public Transport - CleanTechnica
Busworld 2025, Europe’s premier bus and coach exhibition held at Brussels Expo, is poised to mark a significant milestone in the electric public transport industry by showcasing electric buses capable of long-range travel, effectively addressing the longstanding issue of range anxiety for fleet operators. Unlike previous models designed primarily for short urban routes with frequent charging, this year’s vehicles are engineered for extended journeys. Notably, Volvo Buses will introduce its BZR Electric coach chassis with up to 720 kWh battery capacity, promising an unprecedented 700 kilometers of range, enabling nonstop travel between major European cities. Similarly, MAN Truck & Bus will debut its fully electric MAN eCoach with a 500-kilometer range, alongside a city bus model with comparable efficiency, highlighting rapid advancements in battery technology and vehicle design. Asian manufacturers will complement these developments by focusing on next-generation battery technologies. BYD plans to showcase a European-spec city bus equipped with solid-state batteries, which offer higher energy density, faster charging, and enhanced
energyelectric-busesbattery-technologysolid-state-batterieselectric-vehiclestransportation-innovationclean-energyWaymo Opens Up Special Service For Businesses - CleanTechnica
Waymo has launched a new service called "Waymo for Business," aimed at partnering with employers, universities, and event organizers to provide predictable, reliable robotaxi transportation tailored to organizational needs. This initiative builds on successful pilot programs and offers businesses a premium, fully autonomous, and fully electric ride experience that can help improve employee or guest mobility, support sustainability goals, and showcase innovative technology. Waymo emphasizes benefits such as allowing riders to reclaim time during commutes and expanding mobility access for those without personal vehicles. The service includes enterprise-grade management tools like a business portal for setting program parameters, customizable promo codes for events, and reporting tools to track budgets and ride activity. Early adopters, such as the car marketplace Carvana, highlight the value of safety, sustainability, and a premium experience for employees and event guests. While still in the early stages, Waymo plans to evolve and expand its business offerings over time, aiming to bring the advantages of autonomous electric vehicles and smart grid technology to a broader range
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxielectric-fleetmobility-technologyWaymotransportation-innovationXPENG Praises Hong Kong & Preps For Autonomous Driving Tests - CleanTechnica
XPENG has expressed strong support for Hong Kong’s recent policy measures aimed at accelerating the development and commercial operation of autonomous driving technologies. The company welcomed the Chief Executive’s Policy Address, which emphasizes Hong Kong’s ambition to become a leading international innovation and technology hub by promoting unmanned and large-scale autonomous vehicle deployment. XPENG plans to actively collaborate with the Hong Kong SAR Government, leveraging its expertise in smart electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous driving to help build a sustainable, safer, and greener urban transportation ecosystem. A notable aspect of XPENG’s strategy is using Hong Kong as a platform to explore overseas markets, particularly right-hand drive regions, positioning the city as a testing and development hub for autonomous driving technology. XPENG’s Chairman and CEO, He Xiaopeng, highlighted the company’s commitment to supporting Hong Kong’s smart city initiatives and contributing technology and experience to the autonomous driving testing and application process. This move aligns with a broader, incremental approach to expanding self-driving cars and robotaxis,
robotautonomous-vehiclessmart-driving-technologyXPENGself-driving-carssmart-citytransportation-innovationWaymo’s Tekedra Mawakana on Scaling Self-Driving Beyond the Hype
The article highlights Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana’s upcoming appearance at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, where she will provide an in-depth discussion on the current realities and challenges of scaling autonomous vehicle (AV) technology. Moving beyond the common hype and sensational headlines about crashes or overpromises, Mawakana aims to address the practical aspects of deploying self-driving cars at scale, including rider safety, public trust, regulatory hurdles, operational complexities, and competition from companies like Tesla. Her session promises a grounded perspective on what is working in the AV industry, what still requires improvement, and the broader implications of bringing autonomous mobility to mainstream use. Mawakana brings over 20 years of experience in global tech strategy to her leadership role at Waymo, where she is focused on advancing the Waymo Driver technology and expanding its reach. In addition to her role at Waymo, she serves on Intuit’s board and advises various tech and social impact ventures. The article positions her session
robotautonomous-vehiclesself-driving-carsWaymomobility-technologyAI-roboticstransportation-innovationNHTSA Rule Changes Favor Autonomous Cars - CleanTechnica
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is proposing significant updates to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) to accommodate the rise of autonomous vehicles (AVs) that operate without human drivers. Current FMVSS rules, established decades ago, mandate features like accelerator pedals, brake pedals, and steering wheels, which are irrelevant for fully autonomous cars. Recognizing this, NHTSA announced plans to modernize these standards by removing requirements tied to manual controls, thereby reducing costs and enhancing safety for AVs. The proposed rule changes specifically target FMVSS No. 102, 103, 104, and 108, which cover transmission controls, windshield defrosting and wiping systems, and vehicle lighting—areas that assume human driver interaction. Beyond technical adjustments, NHTSA’s initiative aims to create a unified national regulatory framework that supports innovation while prioritizing safety. The agency emphasizes preventing a fragmented patchwork of state laws and regulations that could hinder the deployment of autonomous
robotautonomous-vehiclesNHTSAautomated-driving-systemstransportation-innovationvehicle-safety-standardsFMVSSLyft and China’s Baidu look to bring robotaxis to Europe next year
Lyft has announced a strategic partnership with Chinese tech giant Baidu to bring Baidu’s Apollo Go autonomous vehicles to several European markets, targeting launches in Germany and the United Kingdom in 2026, subject to regulatory approval. Baidu’s RT6 robotaxis, equipped with its Apollo Go self-driving system, will be integrated into Lyft’s ride-hailing app, exemplifying Lyft’s “hybrid network approach” that combines autonomous vehicles (AVs) with human drivers to enhance rider options. This move marks a significant expansion for Lyft, which has historically focused on the U.S. market. Earlier in 2025, Lyft entered the European market by acquiring the German multi-mobility app FREENOW from BMW and Mercedes-Benz Mobility, enabling its expansion beyond the U.S. and Canada. Lyft and Uber, both having discontinued their internal autonomous vehicle programs, are now competing to form partnerships with AV technology companies like Baidu. While Uber has partnered with over 18 companies to develop its robot
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxisLyftBaiduself-driving-technologytransportation-innovationWaymo’s Tekedra Mawakana on the truth behind autonomous vehicles at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana will provide an in-depth, realistic perspective on the current state and future of autonomous vehicles (AVs). Moving beyond sensational headlines about crashes and hype, Mawakana will discuss the practical challenges of scaling AV deployment, including rider safety, public trust, regulatory complexities, operational hurdles, and competition from companies like Tesla. Her session aims to clarify what aspects of AV technology are working, what still requires development, and what it truly takes to bring fully autonomous vehicles to widespread use. Tekedra Mawakana brings over 20 years of experience in global tech strategy and leadership to her role at Waymo, where she drives the company’s mission to make the Waymo Driver accessible to the masses and advance autonomous innovation. Beyond Waymo, she contributes to other tech ventures and social impact initiatives. Her appearance at Disrupt offers attendees—ranging from founders and investors to enthusiasts—a rare, insider view of the autonomous
robotautonomous-vehiclesself-driving-carsWaymomobility-technologyAI-roboticstransportation-innovationAurora’s autonomous trucks are now driving at night. Its next big challenge is rain.
Aurora Innovation is advancing its autonomous trucking operations in the U.S. Sunbelt region, focusing on routes between Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, and Fort Worth. As of mid-2024, the company has three self-driving trucks commercially operating on the Dallas-Houston route, logging over 20,000 driverless miles. These trucks include human observers who do not intervene in driving. Aurora has also established a terminal in Phoenix and is piloting a 15-hour autonomous route from Fort Worth to Phoenix, requiring trucks to navigate highway exits and surface streets. A key breakthrough enabling longer routes is the trucks’ validated ability to operate safely at night, surpassing human driver limits regulated by federal hours-of-service rules. Aurora credits its proprietary long-range lidar technology, capable of detecting objects over 450 meters away in the dark, for enabling nighttime operation. This lidar can identify hazards up to 11 seconds earlier than a human driver. The company has acquired two lidar startups to bolster this capability. The
robotautonomous-truckslidar-technologyself-driving-vehiclestransportation-innovationAurora-Innovationdriverless-technologyLyft to add autonomous shuttles in 2026 as Uber inks more self-driving deals
Lyft announced it will introduce autonomous shuttles manufactured by the Austrian company Benteler Group under its Holon brand to its network in late 2026. These shuttles, designed without steering wheels or pedals, will accommodate up to nine seated and six standing passengers with inward-facing seats. Initially, the deployment will focus on partnerships with U.S. cities and airports, with potential expansion depending on the program's success. The shuttles utilize Mobileye’s autonomous driving technology, although this collaboration is separate from Lyft’s other ongoing partnerships with autonomy providers. Meanwhile, Lyft’s main competitor, Uber, is aggressively expanding its autonomous vehicle offerings by incorporating robotaxis from multiple companies such as Waymo, WeRide, Baidu, Pony AI, and others across various global cities. Uber recently secured deals with Nuro and Lucid Motors as well. Despite years of testing, Lyft has yet to fully integrate autonomous vehicles into its fleet but plans to launch AV services using May Mobility vehicles in Atlanta later this
robotautonomous-vehiclesself-driving-technologymobilitytransportation-innovationAIelectric-vehiclesChina's bullet train nears debut as US project faces fresh setbacks
China is on the verge of launching its new CR450 bullet train, capable of reaching speeds of 400 km/h (250 mph), marking a significant advancement in high-speed rail technology. Developed by the China Academy of Railway Sciences and manufactured by CRRC, the CR450 incorporates innovative aerodynamic designs inspired by fast-flying birds to reduce air resistance by about 2.6 percent at the front and 22 percent under the train’s undercarriage. Despite the speed increase from 350 km/h to 400 km/h, the train maintains energy efficiency comparable to the existing CR400 Fuxing model. Additionally, the CR450 features a newly developed braking system that can safely stop the train from 250 mph to zero within 6.5 kilometers (4 miles), using advanced heat-resistant brake materials validated through extensive testing. While China accelerates its high-speed rail development, expanding a network that already covers 48,000 kilometers and connects most major cities, the United States is retreating from similar
energyhigh-speed-trainsaerodynamic-designbraking-systemmaterials-scienceenergy-efficiencytransportation-innovationTechCrunch Mobility: Uber makes a bet on premium robotaxis
The article from TechCrunch Mobility highlights Uber’s significant investment and strategic focus on autonomous vehicle (AV) technology, particularly in premium robotaxi services. Over the past two years, Uber has formed partnerships across various AV sectors, including delivery and trucking. Recently, Uber invested $300 million in EV maker Lucid and reportedly over $400 million in AV startup Nuro, signaling a strong commitment to expanding its presence in the autonomous mobility market. This move underscores Uber’s ambition to secure a substantial share of the emerging robotaxi industry. Additionally, the article touches on other notable developments in the AV and mobility space. Boris Sofman, formerly of Waymo’s self-driving trucks program, co-founded Bedrock Robotics, a startup focused on autonomous heavy equipment for construction, backed by investors like Eclipse and 8VC. Other funding news includes Amogy’s $80 million raise for ammonia-to-power technology applicable to shipping, and Gridserve’s $134 million funding round for mobile EV charging in the U.K. The
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiselectric-vehiclesself-driving-trucksmobility-technologytransportation-innovationLucid, Nuro, Uber team up on global robotaxi fleet
Lucid Group, Nuro, and Uber have partnered to launch a global robotaxi program exclusively available through the Uber app, with plans to debut the first service in a major U.S. city by next year. Uber intends to deploy over 20,000 Lucid electric Gravity SUVs equipped with Nuro’s SAE Level 4 autonomous driving system, the Nuro Driver, over six years across dozens of markets worldwide. These vehicles will be owned and operated by Uber or its third-party fleet partners. Uber is investing several hundred million dollars into both Lucid and Nuro as part of the collaboration. This partnership reflects Uber’s strategic shift from developing its own autonomous vehicle division to collaborating with third-party developers, allowing it to leverage its large user base while mitigating technical risks. Nuro, valued at $6 billion following a recent $106 million Series E funding round, provides advanced autonomous driving technology combining automotive-grade hardware and self-driving software. The company is currently focusing on expanding operations in Mountain View, California
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxielectric-vehiclesself-driving-technologymobilitytransportation-innovationBaidu & Uber Partner to Launch Thousands of Robotaxis - CleanTechnica
Uber is strengthening its position in the autonomous vehicle market by partnering with Baidu, a leading Chinese self-driving technology and search-engine company, to launch thousands of Baidu’s Apollo Go robotaxis through the Uber platform. This multi-year collaboration will initially roll out in select Asian and Middle Eastern markets before the end of the year, marking a significant global expansion for Baidu’s autonomous driving technology. Apollo Go’s sixth-generation robotaxis have already provided over 11 million rides across 15 cities, with more than 1,000 vehicles currently in operation. Baidu’s CEO Robin Li emphasized the partnership as a major milestone in scaling autonomous driving technology worldwide. The company is also expanding its presence into Europe, with plans to launch services in Switzerland and establish an office there. This move aligns with Uber’s broader strategy of exclusive partnerships with leading robotaxi providers—such as Waymo in Austin and WeRide in other cities—to maintain its competitive edge as the ride-hailing industry transitions toward fully autonomous transportation.
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiBaiduUberself-driving-technologytransportation-innovationUber’s latest robotaxi partner is China’s Baidu
Uber has announced a multi-year strategic partnership with Chinese tech giant Baidu to deploy thousands of Baidu’s Apollo Go autonomous vehicles (AVs) on the Uber platform across multiple markets outside the U.S. and mainland China. Initial deployments are planned for Asia and the Middle East later in 2025. This deal is part of Uber’s broader strategy to integrate robotaxi services into its ride-hailing business, following recent partnerships with other AV providers such as Waymo, Volkswagen, May Mobility, Pony AI, and China’s WeRide, in which Uber has also made direct investments. Despite the ambitious scale of these collaborations, the integration of Baidu’s AVs into Uber’s platform will begin cautiously. Initially, riders will not be able to directly request Baidu’s autonomous vehicles; instead, they may be offered the option to have their trip fulfilled by a fully driverless Apollo Go vehicle, mirroring the approach Uber has taken with other AV partners. This reflects the early stage of deployment and the
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxiBaidu-Apollo-GoUber-partnershipdriverless-technologytransportation-innovationSouth Luzon's First Electric Jeepney Assembly Plant Begins Operations - CleanTechnica
The LCS-EMON e-Jeepney Manufacturing Corp., South Luzon’s first electric vehicle assembly plant, officially began operations in May 2024. Located in the LIMA Industrial Estate on the border of Lipa City and Malvar Town in Batangas, about 100 kilometers south of Manila, the facility marks a significant advancement for the Philippines’ Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP). While the plant is currently producing Korean-designed electric jeepneys, it has not yet reached its target production capacity of 500 units per month due to incomplete assembly line equipment. The initial focus is fulfilling an export order of 60 units destined for Paraguay. The factory employs skilled local workers and sources key components such as electric motors, batteries, software, and designs from Korea. The project is led by Luis “Chavit” Singson, a prominent Filipino businessman and former politician known as “Manong Chavit,” who envisions modernizing the iconic jeepney with green technology to replace
electric-vehiclese-jeepneyelectric-mobilityenergymanufacturinggreen-technologytransportation-innovationTechCrunch Mobility: The state of EV sales and Rivian secures the next $1B from VW
The TechCrunch Mobility newsletter highlights key developments in the electric vehicle (EV) and autonomous vehicle (AV) sectors amid the recent U.S. holiday. A notable industry update involves Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick’s plans to acquire the U.S. arm of Chinese AV company Pony AI, potentially with Uber’s support. Eric Meyhofer, a former Uber ATG CEO and Kalanick ally, is reportedly involved in this deal. The newsletter also introduces the term "MVAT" (minimum viable autonomy theater), describing companies’ use of minimal autonomous vehicle demonstrations primarily to maintain a narrative of progress, with Tesla’s recent “autonomous delivery” of a Model Y cited as an example. On the EV front, the second quarter’s sales and production data reveal mixed results: the electric Hummer is nearing sales parity with the F-150 Lightning, Lucid is gradually increasing production of its Gravity model, and Rivian has secured an additional $1 billion investment from Volkswagen despite ongoing sales challenges. Tesla
electric-vehiclesautonomous-vehiclesEV-salesroboticsenergy-storageautomotive-technologytransportation-innovationWaymo robotaxis are pushing into even more California cities
Waymo is significantly expanding its robotaxi service area across California, adding 80 square miles in Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Silicon Valley. This growth brings the total commercial service area to over 250 square miles, introducing driverless Jaguar I-Pace vehicles to new neighborhoods in three major metro regions. Despite recent setbacks—including vandalism and arson of Waymo vehicles during immigration-related protests in Los Angeles, which led to temporary service reductions—the company continues to push forward with its expansion plans. Waymo is still limiting service in some parts of Los Angeles, such as downtown, but plans to monitor conditions and gradually restore full operations. The expansion includes new service availability in Bay Area communities like Brisbane, South San Francisco, San Bruno, Millbrae, Burlingame, and Silicon Valley towns Palo Alto and Menlo Park. In Los Angeles, the service now covers Playa del Rey, Ladera Heights, Echo Park, Silver Lake, and the full stretch of Sunset Boulevard, connecting
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxisdriverless-technologyurban-mobilitytransportation-innovationZevo’s EV-only car-share fleet is helping Tesla owners make money
Zevo is a Dallas-based peer-to-peer car-sharing startup founded in 2021 by Hebron Sher and Saimah Chaudhry, focusing exclusively on electric vehicles (EVs), primarily Teslas. The company emerged from Sher’s frustration with Elon Musk’s unfulfilled promise of Tesla robotaxis generating income for owners. Zevo has rapidly grown in about 10 months, raising $6 million in funding and tracking over $8 million in annualized recurring revenue, with a waitlist exceeding 3,500 customers. Most renters are gig economy workers using Zevo EVs for ride-hailing or delivery services, attracted by the platform’s affordability and streamlined, contactless rental process that leverages EVs’ technological capabilities. Zevo’s “secret sauce” lies in its deliberate avoidance of large venture capital funding, opting instead for private capital to maintain a sustainable growth model without excessive spending. This approach has allowed Zevo to offer higher earnings to vehicle owners—who can recoup 35%
energyelectric-vehiclescar-sharingEV-fleetcontactless-technologygig-economytransportation-innovationTechCrunch Mobility: How Jony Ive’s LoveFrom helped Rivian and what Uber’s next-generation playbook looks like
The article from TechCrunch Mobility provides insights into recent developments in the transportation and mobility sector, focusing on key industry players and emerging partnerships. It highlights Elon Musk’s ongoing turbulent relationship with political figures, particularly his fallout with former President Donald Trump, which may have broad implications for Tesla’s business, including its autonomous vehicle initiatives and regulatory dealings. The article notes Musk’s pattern of volatile alliances and predicts continued instability affecting Tesla’s robotaxi experiments and legislative efforts like the Autonomous Vehicle Acceleration Act. A significant revelation is that Jony Ive’s design firm LoveFrom collaborated with Rivian’s design team during the development of a skunkworks program that eventually became a standalone company, underscoring the importance of creative partnerships in automotive innovation. The piece also covers notable deals such as Joby Aviation’s memorandum of understanding with Saudi Arabian conglomerate Abdul Latif Jameel, potentially accelerating Joby’s electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle market entry in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, several startups received funding rounds, including Obvio, which uses AI to improve driving safety, Portless, an e-commerce logistics startup, and Toma, an AI voice technology company targeting car dealerships. The article briefly mentions executive changes at Uber, suggesting these shifts may signal strategic moves for the company’s next-generation mobility playbook, though details are incomplete. Overall, the piece offers a snapshot of dynamic collaborations, funding activities, and leadership changes shaping the future of transportation technology.
robotautonomous-vehicleselectric-vehiclesTeslaRivianmobility-technologytransportation-innovationJony Ive’s LoveFrom helped design Rivian’s first electric bike
LoveFrom, the creative firm founded by former Apple chief designer Jony Ive, collaborated with Rivian on the development of the electric bike that marks Rivian’s first entry into micromobility. Over approximately 18 months, LoveFrom staff worked closely with Rivian’s design and engineering teams within a skunkworks program led by former Specialized executive Chris Yu. This secretive project, which began in early 2022, aimed to leverage Rivian’s EV technology to create a smaller, modular, and more affordable vehicle than its existing electric trucks and vans. LoveFrom’s involvement, starting in early 2023, focused on refining prototypes, user interface, user experience, and industrial design, bringing an interdisciplinary and international perspective to the product’s aesthetics and packaging. The skunkworks program eventually evolved into a startup called Also, backed by $105 million in funding from Eclipse Ventures and staffed by talent from Apple, Google, Tesla, and others. While details about the bike remain scarce, Rivian’s CEO RJ Scaringe described it as “bike-like” with basic components such as a seat, two wheels, a screen, computers, and a battery. Both Scaringe and Yu hinted at a broader vision for Also to explore various micromobility formats beyond the initial electric bike. The company plans to unveil its first designs later in 2024. LoveFrom’s collaboration with Rivian extends beyond this project, having previously consulted on Rivian’s infotainment system and retail experience, underscoring a close and ongoing relationship between the two firms.
electric-bikeRivianmicromobilitybattery-technologyEV-technologymodular-designtransportation-innovation