Cities Take the Wheel on Greener, Safer Transportation as Federal Support Fades | January 31st, 2025
Tesla launches autonomous robotaxi in Austin, Waymo expands services, and Lucid’s Gravity uses Tesla's Supercharger without an adapter.
Issue [#274] - Every week, we deliver analysis and curation of emerging mobility news - post a job listing here!
Micromobility
The UK has scrapped a plan to double e-bike power limits from 250W to 500W after pushback from cycling groups. While public opinion was mixed, most organizations favored keeping current restrictions. In contrast, North America allows higher power and throttle use, shaping a different riding experience. The debate highlights how regulations influence e-bike adoption, infrastructure, and safety, especially in cities where bikes compete with cars | Electrek
Shared micromobility can drive UK economic growth by improving transport access, boosting local economies, and creating jobs. Beryl CEO Phil Ellis highlights its role in first- and last-mile connectivity, regional development, and public health. Legalizing e-scooters could accelerate adoption, increasing demand for infrastructure. Micromobility also supports business mobility and international expansion. Investing in shared transport will enhance productivity, reduce car reliance, and improve urban accessibility, benefiting both individuals and the economy | ZAGDaily
Despite the Trump administration’s push for car-focused policies, cities and states can still advance public transit, biking, and walking. Local governments can improve bus services, enforce bus lane rules, enhance sidewalks, and expand bikeshare programs—all without federal support. Strategies like e-bike rebates, transit-friendly housing policies, and parking reform can shift trips away from cars. While federal backing is fading, cities remain key to building greener, safer, and more accessible transportation networks | FastCompany
The UK has scrapped a plan to double e-bike power limits from 250W to 500W after pushback from cycling groups. While public opinion was mixed, most organizations favored keeping current restrictions. In contrast, North America allows higher power and throttle use, shaping a different riding experience. The debate highlights how regulations influence e-bike adoption, infrastructure, and safety, especially in cities where bikes compete with cars | Electrek
Whizz CEO Mike Peregudov highlights the need for practical e-bike regulations, criticizing complex rules like licensing mandates. He stresses that delivery workers rely on affordable rentals, with Whizz maintaining a fleet of 3,500 e-bikes. Peregudov advocates for safer batteries and streamlined classifications, suggesting app-based enforcement to ensure compliance. He also points to European models where platforms subsidize legal bikes, offering a potential solution for New York’s evolving e-bike landscape | StreetsBlog NYC
Product Launches & Updates
Polestar has delayed the Polestar 6 electric convertible, prioritizing the Polestar 7 SUV instead. Initially planned for 2026, the Polestar 6 will now launch after the 7, which introduces a new European-made architecture. The move aims to avoid tariffs and focus on higher-volume models. Despite the delay, the Polestar 6 will retain its bonded aluminum platform, promising high performance when it finally arrives | Green Car Reports
Lucid’s Gravity SUV features a built-in rear motor booster that enhances charging efficiency. This innovation allows the 926V EV to charge faster, even on lower-voltage chargers, without using split-pack solutions like competitors. It supports up to 400kW charging on 1000V chargers and 225kW on 500V chargers. The Gravity also includes a NACS-to-CCS adapter, making it compatible with a wider range of fast chargers for improved convenience | The Verge
Volkswagen has canceled the launch of its ID.7 electric sedan in the US and Canada, citing a challenging market for EVs. Initially aimed to rival Tesla’s Model 3, the ID.7 offered over 400 miles of range and a luxurious design. Despite the setback, VW remains committed to EVs in North America, highlighting the successful release of the ID.Buzz minivan and the continued sales of the ID.4 SUV | The Verge
Mitsubishi will launch its first electric vehicle (EV) in the US in 2026, likely resembling the next-generation Nissan LEAF. The new model will be a small electric crossover, designed on the same platform as the Nissan Ariya. Mitsubishi aims to boost its US sales with this launch alongside a revamped Outlander. However, the EV is not expected to replace the Mirage and faces stiff competition from other automakers entering the electric SUV market | Electrek
Ridehailing, Carsharing & Delivery
Tesla will launch its autonomous robotaxi service in Austin this June, initially using its internal fleet. Next year, Tesla owners can add their vehicles to the fleet. Meanwhile, Lucid’s Gravity SUV is the first non-Tesla to use the Supercharger network without an adapter. Waymo is expanding its autonomous robotaxi service in Los Angeles, adding freeways to its routes, with plans for international expansion in Japan and further US launches | Engadget
Waymo plans to test autonomous vehicles in 10 new cities in 2025, starting with Las Vegas and San Diego. However, these vehicles will be manually driven, not fully autonomous. Waymo already operates robotaxi services in Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, with upcoming launches in Austin, Atlanta, and Miami. The tests aim to assess how its system adapts to different city environments, but no commercial operations are confirmed yet | TechCrunch
Waymo may soon introduce a tipping feature for its robotaxi service, but it appears to be a way to encourage charity donations, not tips for the ride itself. This new option was discovered in the app and could shape public opinion about robotaxis. As Waymo continues to address safety concerns, including past incidents and vandalism, this feature could affect how people view the company’s self-driving vehicles and their role in city transportation | The Verge
Indigo Technologies showcased its SmartWheels EVs at the #Connect351 event, discussing sustainable, affordable light electric transport with Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. The company’s goal is to support the 351 towns and cities in Massachusetts with solutions for transporting people, packages, and non-emergency medical services. Their innovative approach to vehicle design aims to improve municipal operations and workforce opportunities, bringing economic and environmental benefits | Will Graylin via LinkedIn
GM expects to save $1 billion annually by ending its Cruise robotaxi program, CEO Mary Barra announced. The company plans to integrate Cruise employees into GM and shift its focus to personal vehicle autonomy. While Cruise's future remains uncertain, GM may use its technology to enhance Super Cruise. The decision follows a $2.9 billion fourth-quarter loss, though GM’s full-year adjusted profit reached $14.9 billion | TechCrunch
Amazon is preparing to launch drone deliveries in Darlington, UK, pending approval from the Civil Aviation Authority. The company plans to hire staff and work with the local community to introduce Prime Air. Other companies, like Skysports and Zipline, have already deployed drone deliveries in the UK. Amazon previously tested its MK30 drone in Italy and operates similar services in Arizona and Texas under FAA approval | The Verge
Waymo’s self-driving taxis offer a premium experience, but scaling remains a challenge. The company operates far fewer rides than Uber and faces hurdles in fleet maintenance, regulatory approval, and cost reduction. Meanwhile, Uber dominates with availability and surge pricing flexibility. To expand, Waymo is integrating with Uber’s app in new markets like Atlanta and Austin, positioning itself as a vehicle supplier rather than a direct competitor | The Driverless Digest
Investment & Deals
Lime is investing £20 million to improve e-bike parking in London, its largest parking investment globally. The plan includes 2,500 new parking spaces, a 60% increase in on-street patrols, and AI-powered parking enforcement. With e-bike demand surging, Lime aims to ease congestion and support London’s cycling goals. The investment also includes £250,000 for accessibility initiatives, reinforcing Lime’s commitment to safer, more efficient urban mobility | ZAGDaily
UVeye secured a $191 million extension to its 2023 Series D round, led by Toyota’s Woven Capital. The funding includes $41 million in equity and a $150 million debt facility from Trinity Capital. The investment will help UVeye deploy 700 AI-powered vehicle inspection systems in 2025, expanding beyond security to broader automotive diagnostics. Customers like Amazon and CarMax are driving demand for its vision-based scanning technology | TechCrunch
Moove, a mobility fintech backed by Uber, has acquired Brazilian rideshare financing firm Kovi in an all-share deal. The acquisition boosts Moove’s annual revenue to $275 million and strengthens its presence in Latin America. Kovi will continue operating under its brand while contributing proprietary technology to Moove’s AI mobility strategy. The deal supports Moove’s goal of building the world’s largest rideshare fleet, with plans for further expansion across the region | TechCrunch
French e-bike startup Angell has declared insolvency after a critical frame defect made its bikes unsafe. Founded in 2019, Angell offered smart electric bikes with GPS and security features but struggled with reliability. The company partnered with SEB for manufacturing and now faces financial collapse due to costly recall or refund options. Angell owners may lose access to connected services if the company shuts down its servers | TechCrunch
Voi secured €125 million ($130 million) in senior secured bonds from Nordic and American investors to expand its fleet and enter new markets. The Swedish micromobility startup, which operates in over 100 European markets, achieved its first profitable year in 2024. CEO Fredrik Hjelm emphasized financial discipline and efficiency improvements. Voi aims to strengthen its bike fleet and position itself for a potential IPO in two to three years | TechCrunch
Mobility Mojo secured a €4.25M investment from Gresham House Ventures to expand its accessibility analysis platform. The Dublin-based startup will use the funding to enhance its AI-driven SaaS platform, grow its marketing and sales teams, and hire key talent. Founded in 2018, Mobility Mojo helps businesses assess and improve accessibility. With over 100 global clients, the company aims to set new standards for accessible environments across various industries | Tech.eu
Shift4Good closed its first fund with €220 million, one of the largest VC funds focused on sustainable transportation. The diverse investor base includes Renault, BNP Paribas, and Bpifrance. The fund aims to support startups in circularity, AI in energy, innovative materials, and autonomous vehicles. Already invested in 13 companies, Shift4Good plans to invest in 10-15 more startups in Europe, the UK, and Southeast Asia. The fund targets Series A and B investments between €4 million and €20 million | ZAGDaily
Cities & Policy
A Mineta Transportation Institute study suggests that right turns on red lights pose a risk to pedestrians and cyclists, as drivers often fail to stop completely, increasing accidents. The study recommends cities have the power to prohibit right turns on red as the default practice, with exceptions based on intersection design and traffic conditions. It emphasizes the need for updated policies to protect vulnerable road users, especially with the rise of heavier electric vehicles | Smart Cities Dive
Hopp by Bolt, a new shared scooter service, has launched in Washington, D.C., deploying over 700 scooters with plans to expand. The service focuses on increasing accessibility for low-income residents through its "Hopp for All" program, offering free rides for up to 30 minutes. With innovations like distance-based pricing, anti-drunk riding tests, and AI for parking, Hopp aims to improve safety and reduce congestion while promoting equitable transportation options in D.C. | Axios
Sean Duffy was sworn in as U.S. Secretary of Transportation on January 28, 2025, and immediately signed a memorandum to reset Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. This action aims to reduce car prices by eliminating restrictive fuel standards and the electric vehicle mandate. Duffy's decision is designed to make cars more affordable, addressing rising vehicle costs and giving Americans more choices without government overreach | U.S. Department of Transportation
New York City's congestion pricing toll, introduced on January 5, 2025, has improved commute times and reduced traffic. Morning travel times on key crossings, like the Holland Tunnel, dropped by 48%, while weekday traffic south of 60th Street fell by 5%. The toll aims to reduce congestion, improve air quality, and fund transit improvements. It has also boosted subway and bus ridership, with significant increases in weekday and weekend usage | Bloomberg
Washington State is using emissions tax funds to support a $5 million electric bicycle rebate program for lower-income residents. The rebates, ranging from $300 to $1,200, aim to make e-bikes more affordable and reduce transportation costs. Unlike other programs, recipients will be chosen via a lottery. The initiative promotes affordable commuting, transportation equity, and environmental benefits by encouraging e-bike use, reducing car dependency, and cutting carbon emissions | Electrek
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