Articles tagged with "urban-transportation"
KGM Musso — A Ute You Can Use - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the introduction of the KGM Musso, an electric utility vehicle (ute) entering the competitive Australian light vehicle market, which is traditionally dominated by models like the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux. Utes make up about 20% of new car sales in Australia, with 200,000–300,000 units sold annually. The Musso is positioned as an urban electric ute designed primarily for light-duty city use rather than off-roading, offering a luxurious interior, competitive pricing (around AU$40,000), and advanced technology comparable to its diesel counterpart. The vehicle aims to meet the needs of customers looking for a practical, environmentally friendly alternative without the premium cost of traditional utes. The dealership manager, who recently received only three Musso units to test market demand, expects the vehicle to compete with other electric models like the BYD Shark. While experienced in selling diesel utes, the dealer is cautious about the electric vehicle market, anticipating that hybrid electric vehicles (HE
energyelectric-vehiclesBEVhybrid-vehiclesautomotive-technologyurban-transportationvehicle-chargingVingroup Signs Strategic Agreements for Green Mobility in Uzbekistan & Kinshasa - CleanTechnica
Vingroup, a Vietnamese conglomerate, has signed strategic agreements to advance green urban mobility and infrastructure projects in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Tashkent, Uzbekistan. In Kinshasa, Vingroup’s subsidiary VinFast will supply around 500 electric buses and 1,000 electric cars for public transportation, with plans to commercially introduce up to 20,000 electric cars and 100,000 electric scooters by early 2026. The partnership also emphasizes renewable energy integration through the development of charging stations and reliable power supply to support the electric mobility ecosystem, aligning with Kinshasa’s sustainable urban development goals. Separately, Vingroup partnered with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade to develop a “Vietnam Town” on roughly 1,000 hectares in Tashkent, featuring residential, commercial, and public infrastructure. This project includes deploying electric taxi and urban mobility services using VinFast vehicles, supported by new charging infrastructure to aid Uzbekistan’s green transition. Both agreements
energyelectric-vehiclesgreen-mobilityrenewable-energycharging-infrastructureurban-transportationsustainable-developmentZoox Becomes 2nd (or 3rd?) Robotaxi Operator in San Francisco - CleanTechnica
Zoox has become the second or possibly third robotaxi operator to launch in San Francisco, following Waymo and Cruise (which exited the market after a rare incident). The company recently expanded its autonomous ride-hailing service to San Francisco through its Zoox Explorers program, inviting members of the public from a waitlist to ride for free and provide feedback. Zoox’s service area covers major neighborhoods like SoMa, Mission, and the Design District, offering point-to-point rides with flexible destination options and walking directions for last-mile convenience. This launch marks Zoox’s second city deployment after starting operations in Las Vegas a few months earlier, where it offered free rides along the Strip using its uniquely designed, fully autonomous electric shuttles. Zoox emphasizes its long-standing presence in San Francisco, having tested autonomous technology there since 2017. CEO Aicha Evans highlighted the city as a hub of innovation and mobility that complements Zoox’s goals. The company is also pursuing partnerships with local businesses, such
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaxielectric-shuttlesmobility-technologyurban-transportationZooxBeloved SF cat’s death fuels Waymo criticism
The death of Kit Kat, a beloved neighborhood bodega cat in San Francisco’s Mission District, after being struck by a Waymo robotaxi on October 27, 2025, has sparked significant local outcry and criticism of autonomous vehicle operations. Residents created a shrine to honor Kit Kat, and the area has seen competing signs—some condemning Waymo, others highlighting the many fatalities caused by human drivers. The incident has intensified debates about accountability and safety in the deployment of driverless cars. Jackie Fielder, a member of San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors representing the Mission District, is advocating for a city resolution that would empower local voters to decide whether driverless cars should be permitted in their neighborhoods. Fielder emphasized the lack of direct accountability with autonomous vehicles, contrasting it with human drivers who can be held responsible and confronted after incidents. Waymo responded by describing the event as the cat unexpectedly darting under the vehicle and expressed condolences to the cat’s owner and the community. The
robotautonomous-vehiclesWaymorobotaxidriverless-carsAI-safetyurban-transportationThe Canta: How an ICE Micromobility Icon Kicked in Personal EV Adoption - CleanTechnica
The Canta microcar, developed by Waaijenberg Mobility, has become an iconic solution in Amsterdam’s urban mobility landscape by addressing specific transportation challenges without exacerbating congestion or pollution. Measuring just 1.10 meters wide—comparable to bike handlebars—the Canta is legally classified as a “mobility aid” rather than a conventional car. This unique status allows it to access bike paths, park on sidewalks, and bypass typical licensing requirements, making it especially valuable for elderly and disabled users seeking independent mobility. Its innovative “Ride-in” model enables wheelchair users to drive without transferring seats, enhancing accessibility and personal freedom. Originally powered by small internal combustion engines, the Canta has transitioned to electric power, reflecting a broader shift toward sustainable urban transport. The latest electric model, the Canta 2 Urban Premium Elektro, features a modest 2.2 kW motor and a compact 4.8 kWh battery, optimized for efficiency rather than speed or power. It adheres to a
energyelectric-vehiclesmicromobilityurban-transportationelectric-powertrainsustainable-mobilitymobility-aidsAmsterdam's Tiny Electric Cars Are Not Just Golf Carts That Went To Design School - CleanTechnica
The article explores Amsterdam’s growing adoption of tiny electric vehicles (EVs) known as quadricycles, which occupy a unique regulatory niche between bicycles and cars in Europe. These micro EVs, often resembling small, enclosed golf carts or retro designs, are legally classified to operate under less stringent rules than full-sized cars. In the Netherlands, these vehicles—called brommobiels—are limited to 45 km/h, can be driven with a moped license, and are designed specifically for urban streets rather than bike paths. This classification enables lower costs, simpler licensing, and designs optimized for city mobility, including protection from weather, making them practical for errands in Amsterdam’s narrow streets. Historically, the quadricycle market was dominated by small internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, primarily French diesel-powered models from brands like Ligier, Microcar, and Aixam, which helped establish the viability of ultra-compact cars for urban use. A notable Dutch innovation is the Canta, a very
electric-vehiclesmicro-mobilityclean-energyurban-transportationquadricycle-classificationsustainable-transportelectric-carsTelo raises $20 million to build tiny electric trucks for cities
California-based startup Telo, founded in 2022, is developing a compact electric truck called the MT1 aimed specifically at urban environments. Unlike larger electric trucks struggling in the market, Telo’s MT1 focuses on city use, addressing challenges like parking and maneuverability in downtown areas. The truck, priced around $41,000, offers a unique combination of seating for five and a five-foot bed, maximizing “performance per square foot” compared to competitors like the Rivian R1T and Ford Maverick. Telo currently has about 12,000 pre-orders and plans to produce roughly 5,000 units annually through contract manufacturing, emphasizing rapid path to unit profitability rather than massive scale. Telo recently closed a $20 million Series A funding round co-led by co-founders Yves Béhar and Tesla co-founder Marc Tarpenning, with additional investment from Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and several venture funds. The funds will be used to finalize the MT1’s production design,
electric-vehiclesurban-transportationelectric-trucksautomotive-startupssustainable-mobilityvehicle-manufacturingclean-energyOrphaned Oceans: The Rideshare Fiskers of NYC - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the brief production and current status of the Fisker Ocean, an electric vehicle designed by Henrik Fisker and manufactured under contract by Magna Steyr in Austria. Despite winning design awards and receiving positive reviews for its spacious interior, comfort, and quality, the Fisker Ocean faced financial difficulties. Production began with the first deliveries in May 2023 but ended abruptly in March 2024 after less than 12,000 units were produced due to Fisker Inc. running out of funding. The remaining inventory was purchased by a New York City-based company that leases these vehicles to rideshare drivers, notably partnering with Uber, offering the Ocean at a competitive lease rate compared to other vehicles like the Toyota Highlander. Rideshare drivers and passengers in NYC have responded positively to the Fisker Ocean, praising its smooth ride and comfort. However, with no new production planned and the challenges posed by NYC’s demanding road conditions, concerns remain about the vehicle’s long-term durability and availability of replacement parts
energyelectric-vehiclesFisker-Oceanclean-transportationsustainable-mobilityvehicle-leasingurban-transportationSmol & Mighty: How A French Startup Is Electrifying City Streets - CleanTechnica
J2R Dynamics, a French startup founded in 2022 by Jean Madaule and his engineer father, is innovating urban electric mobility with its first product, the Smol electric motorcycle. Designed specifically for city riders seeking performance without compromise, the Smol features a minimalist, retro-futuristic design and serious engineering under the hood. It is powered by an 8 kW hub motor with a peak output of 35 kW, enabling a top speed of about 110 km/h (68 mph) and instant torque for agile city riding. The bike uses two removable 4 kWh Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) battery packs, offering a range of approximately 90 km (56 miles) per battery or up to 170 km (105 miles) with both installed. Charging is convenient via a standard home socket, taking 3–4 hours per battery. The Smol’s lightweight frame, developed and assembled in France with 80% European-sourced components,
electric-motorcycleelectric-mobilitybattery-technologyurban-transportationenergy-storageelectric-vehiclesustainable-transportUrban Arrow’s FamilyNext Cargo Bike - CleanTechnica
Urban Arrow’s FamilyNext Pro is a highly advanced electric cargo bike designed primarily for urban families seeking to reduce car use without sacrificing safety, comfort, or performance. It can transport up to four children along with groceries and gear, making it a viable second-car replacement for city households. The bike features smart connectivity, powerful Bosch motor performance, and award-winning design, appealing not only to families but also to DIYers and small business owners needing to carry substantial cargo efficiently. Key innovations in the FamilyNext Pro include a front suspension fork for enhanced comfort and stability, an ergonomic cockpit, integrated LED lighting, and a redesigned front box with a one-handed 3-point seatbelt system and higher backrests for child safety. The front box can carry up to 275 lbs (125 kg), while the total bike payload is 550 lbs (250 kg), rivaling compact cars in utility. Weighing 112 pounds (51 kg), it retails for $8,999 USD and $12,499
energyelectric-cargo-bikee-bikeurban-transportationBosch-performancesmart-connectivitysustainable-mobility