BYD’s 5-Minute EV Charging Aims to Reshape the Market
Plus, tariffs are quietly driving up micromobility costs and Hyundai teases a sleek electric SUV for the Chinese market.
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Micromobility
Tariffs are quietly reshaping micromobility insurance, doubling import costs and increasing risks without reducing exposure | ZAGDaily
Dott has hit 5 million trips in Turin, crediting local partnerships and smart pricing for its success. The service has cut 1,400 tonnes of CO₂ and grown 21% in the past year, covering five municipalities. With over half of users on subscriptions, shared mobility is becoming a daily habit. Turin's climate leadership and Dott's flexible new Minute Pass highlight the city's role as a rising European model for sustainable urban transport | ZAGDaily
Lime e-bike batteries are being stolen in London to power unsafe DIY electric bikes, sparking fire risks and high costs for operators. Thieves sell the £300 batteries online or use them with cheap kits despite fire warnings from safety experts | The Sunday Times
Product Launches & Updates
Tesla has dropped the high-end Model Y Launch Series in the US, cutting the starting price by $11,000 | InsideEVs
BYD has launched the Han L sedan and Tang L SUV, its first EVs with ultra-fast charging on a new 1,000V platform. Priced from $30,000, both models can add around 250 miles of range in just five minutes. With fast charging, smart tech, and low prices, BYD aims to ease range anxiety and reshape the EV market | Electrek
Hyundai has teased a sleek new electric SUV in China, likely the upcoming IONIQ 4. The teaser shows sharp styling, sporty handling, and features like real-time torque control and high-speed cornering. It is designed for the Chinese market and signals Hyundai's push to compete with local EV giants. Built with local tech and suppliers, the SUV will launch later this year, aiming to boost Hyundai's presence with performance and style tailored to Chinese buyers | Electrek
Aurrigo and UPS are testing a self-driving cargo vehicle at East Midlands Airport that can carry up to 16,500 kg. Part of an £800,000 UK-backed project, the Auto-Cargo aims to improve safety, reduce worker strain, and speed up cargo handling. It uses digital simulation tools for efficient operations and follows successful trials at major airports | ZAGDaily
Jaguar Land Rover has paused all US vehicle shipments for April in response to new Trump-imposed tariffs on imports. The 25% tariff could raise car prices by $5,000–$10,000, prompting the company to rethink its long-term strategy. While JLR says it remains resilient, the move may affect jobs and sales, with 25% of its cars typically sold in the US. Enough stock remains for now, but delays could follow | The Verge
Ridehailing, Carsharing & Delivery
A Waymo robotaxi got stuck in a Chick-fil-A drive-through in Santa Monica, causing a brief traffic jam. No one was hurt, but the delay raised concerns about robotaxi reliability. Incidents like this highlight growing safety and regulatory questions as autonomous vehicles expand in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco | TechCrunch
Zipline is launching its innovative delivery service in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, expanding to other locations soon. The company's uncrewed aircraft deliver small packages with precision, using automated technology for efficient operation. This service began in 2016 with medical supplies and now includes retail deliveries through a partnership with Walmart. Zipline's aircraft offer a cleaner, faster alternative to traditional delivery methods, reducing road congestion and emissions while improving accessibility | Ars Technica
Amazon's Zoox has started testing autonomous vehicles in Los Angeles, marking a key step toward launching its robotaxi service. The company is gathering data from manually driven Toyota Highlanders equipped with Zoox's self-driving tech ahead of broader autonomous testing this summer. Unlike Waymo, which offers paid robotaxi rides, Zoox is still in the early stages but plans to expand to public rides in Las Vegas and San Francisco later this year | TechCrunch
Vapaus and Canyon are revolutionizing employee bike-leasing programs in Finland. By partnering, they provide high-quality bicycles through a salary deduction scheme, making them more accessible. The collaboration, now expanding to Sweden and beyond, encourages sustainable commuting | ZAGDaily
Waymo has confirmed that it has no plans to use in-car camera footage from its robotaxis for targeted ads | The Verge
Investment & Deals
Nuro raised $106 million in Series E funding, bringing its total to $2.2 billion and a $6 billion valuation. The funding will support expansion plans through 2027 | TechCrunch
CEO Anthony Aquila will purchase Canoo's assets for around $4 million following approval from the bankruptcy court. Aquila plans to offer services to clients like NASA and the Department of Defense | TechCrunch
Nowos, a micromobility battery repair company, has secured €6 million in funding to expand its operations across Europe. Led by Impact Venture Fund Shift4Good, with participation from Fair Capital Impact Fund and Goeie Grutten Impact Fund, the investment aims to scale battery repair services for various sectors. Nowos plans to open new hubs in Poland and Germany and develop a Battery Passport system, supporting sustainability in micromobility and reducing e-waste | ZAGDaily
Trevor Milton, the founder of Nikola, is attempting to buy the bankrupt startup's assets following its Chapter 11 filing in February 2025. Despite a chilly reception and being denied access to inspect the company's Arizona factory, Milton's interest has sparked controversy. Other bids for Nikola's assets were also submitted, but the company plans to hold an auction to select the best offer. Milton's bid follows his recent pardon after a securities fraud conviction | TechCrunch
Infineon Technologies will buy Marvell's automotive ethernet business for $2.5 billion to strengthen its microcontroller segment. The unit, expected to bring in up to $250 million in 2025, will join Infineon's automotive division. Marvell is shifting focus to AI and custom silicon. Infineon secured bank financing and expects the deal to close this year, aiming to boost its position in smart mobility and automotive connectivity markets | Reuters
Republic Airways will acquire Mesa Air in an all-stock deal, giving Republic 88% ownership of the combined company. The merged airline will operate 310 jets and generate $1.9 billion in revenue, with plans to better handle market cycles and pursue strategic growth | Bloomberg
Cities & Policy
New York's congestion pricing plan, which charges most drivers $9 to enter Manhattan, faces federal pushback. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy may cut funding to the MTA unless the tolls stop, but no final decision has been made. Despite legal threats, the MTA says it will keep tolls in place unless a court orders them to stop | Bloomberg
China has hit back at the US with steep new tariffs, adding a 50% levy on American goods, bringing the total tax to 84%. This move follows Donald Trump's earlier tariff hike and adds pressure to global trade. China also restricted exports to 12 more US companies | The Verge
The Trump administration's Department of Transportation seeks public input on cutting trucking safety and emissions rules. While framed as reducing red tape, experts warn it risks reversing proven health and safety gains, especially near ports where clean trucks have improved air and child health | Electrek
Stellantis is offering financial help to suppliers struggling with rising costs to soften the blow of new US tariffs. The program would let eligible parts makers apply for monthly payments to cover tariffs, aiming to protect supply chains and prevent price hikes | Bloomberg
Trump's new tariffs are hitting Apple and Tesla hard, mainly due to their reliance on China. Analyst Dan Ives warns Apple faces the most significant risk, with 90% of iPhones made in China. With falling stock prices and shifting consumer trust, experts say leadership and strategy changes are urgent to avoid deeper economic fallout | TechCrunch
New Products, Features, and Data Points
Slate Auto, a secretive EV startup backed by Jeff Bezos, plans to produce an affordable $25,000 electric pickup. With strong backing and expertise from companies like Ford and Harley-Davidson, Slate aims to differentiate itself by offering customizable vehicles and accessories. The startup, founded in 2022, plans production by 2026 despite challenges in the EV market. Slate's unique approach combines low-margin vehicles with high-margin accessories to enhance profitability | TechCrunch
GM's UK design team unveiled an electrified Corvette concept with an aviation-inspired design, gullwing doors, and an augmented windshield. The concept integrates EV battery tech and efficient airflow for performance, with deployable dorsal fins for improved cornering. The team is also working on a spacious, futuristic GMC van concept, expected later this year, with potential for camping use | The Verge
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