Cycling Boosts Health and Happiness Through Outdoor Activity | November 8th, 2024
Mercedes-AMG, Suzuki, and Rolls-Royce reveal new electric SUVs with strong performance, luxury features, and long driving range, boosting their EV plans.
Issue [#264] - Every week, we deliver analysis and curation of emerging mobility news - post a job listing here!
If you're in Los Angeles next week for Micromobility America or CoMotion LA, our friends at Curbivore x Umojo are hosting a 'Mobility Mixer - Dinner, Drinks and After Party' on Wednesday 11/13 from 7:30-9:00 pm
Micromobility
Japan Airlines (JAL) is partnering with Lime to enhance last-mile micromobility in Japan, starting in Okinawa on November 7. Through this collaboration, JAL Mileage Bank members can earn air miles on Lime rides, a first for Japan. JAL will support Lime’s electric scooters and bicycles with docking stations in cities like Tokyo and Okinawa. This partnership aligns with JAL’s VISION 2030, promoting sustainable and convenient travel across Japan | Aerospace Global News
Cycling supports both physical and mental health, with benefits ranging from reducing stress to boosting self-esteem. Studies show that regular outdoor exercise like biking can alleviate anxiety and even combat depression. According to a 2011 study, outdoor activities enhance energy and lower tension. Cycling also offers a bonus: avoiding stressful traffic. With these mental health perks, cycling proves a practical way to improve well-being and happiness through daily activity | Momentum Mag
Cities are tackling dockless scooter and bike clutter by implementing designated parking zones, locking requirements, and hub zones. Pensacola, Florida, saw complaints drop after requiring e-scooters to be parked in “corrals.” Other cities, like Chicago and Washington, D.C., have introduced “lock-to” rules. According to the Urbanism Next Center, parking compliance improves as parking corral density increases, though benefits level off around 50-80 corrals per square mile | Smartcities Dive
In the aftermath of catastrophic floods in Valencia, Spain, bicycles have proven vital in reaching isolated communities. With roads damaged, volunteers on bikes have delivered essential supplies, including food, water, and medicine for people with diabetes. The extensive use of bicycles highlights their role in disaster response, with bikes becoming the primary way to access and support hard-hit areas. In Valencia, “the bicycle saves lives” has become a reality | Cycling Weekly
Lime has become the first company to support a new e-bike charter created by blind and partially sighted advocates in the UK. Developed by Sight Loss Councils, the charter aims to improve safety for visually impaired pedestrians. It includes guidelines for designated e-bike parking, speed limits, and audible alerts. Lime’s commitment sets a precedent, with hopes for nationwide adoption to make urban spaces more accessible for all | Micromobility Biz
In cities worldwide, transport modes face backlash, from e-scooters thrown into oceans to driverless cars sabotaged. These "modus non grata" actions reflect deeper issues, with transportation modes often symbolizing larger conflicts like gentrification and environmental harm. Cities, gaining political power, may globally enforce transport policies based on values. This trend urges designers to reduce inequality, add local value, and integrate with existing systems, shaping future mobility inclusively and sustainably | Fast Company
Product Launches & Updates
BYD has delayed its Canadian entry, citing the country's 100% tariff on Chinese EV imports. Despite extensive planning, talks with Canadian government officials, and efforts to build a dealer network, the tariff hurdle has stalled progress. However, experts suggest BYD might still launch select models in North America, possibly absorbing some costs. Long-term options include local assembly, as BYD seeks a strategic way into this high-value market | Electrek
Mercedes-AMG is set to launch its first-ever standalone electric SUV, built on its high-performance AMG.EA platform. This full-size luxury SUV boasts Yasa’s axial-flux motor technology, offering quadruple torque and double the power of most EVs, all in a lightweight design. With sleek styling and cutting-edge performance, this model is positioned to challenge Porsche and BMW’s electric SUVs, emphasizing Mercedes-AMG’s commitment to innovation in the electric vehicle market | Electrek
Suzuki has partnered with Toyota to launch its first electric vehicle, the E Vitara, a compact 4WD SUV. Set to launch in Europe, India, and Japan next summer, it features a choice of 49 kWh or 60 kWh batteries, offering up to 248 miles of range. The E Vitara will be available in both 2WD and 4WD versions. Despite this step into the EV market, Suzuki is cautious about its future EV plans amid fluctuating demand | The Verge
The $420,000 Rolls-Royce Spectre sets a new luxury standard as the brand’s first electric vehicle. Featuring a refined 577-horsepower engine, 266-mile range, and unique, immersive sound technology, the Spectre combines elegance with cutting-edge tech. Its plush interior, rear-wheel steering, and advanced features ensure a serene driving experience. Though costly, the Spectre’s innovation and design mark a promising future for Rolls-Royce’s planned all-electric lineup by 2030 | The Verge
Lucid Motors has begun taking orders for its electric Gravity SUV, starting at $94,900. The vehicle offers over 440 miles of range and 828 horsepower, making it a strong competitor in the EV market. With seating for up to three rows, the Gravity aims to attract North American buyers. The more affordable version, starting at $79,900, will be available in late 2025, as Lucid seeks to boost sales and secure its future | TechCrunch
Ridehailing, Carsharing & Delivery
DoorDash reported an 18% increase in orders for Q3, marking its first operating profit since 2020. The company also partnered with Lyft, offering DashPass members discounts on Lyft rides and Lyft users a three-month DashPass trial. DoorDash anticipates strong holiday demand to boost Q4 profits. CEO Tony Xu highlighted a growing grocery delivery market, while Lyft’s Audrey Liu emphasized the partnership's added value for riders | Smart Cities Dive
Archer Aviation and Soracle Corporation have partnered to introduce eVTOL air taxis in Japan, with Soracle planning to purchase up to 100 of Archer’s Midnight aircraft in a deal valued at $500 million. The venture aims to establish air taxi routes in major Japanese cities, targeting areas with traffic or geographical constraints. A public flight demonstration at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka will showcase the service, promoting support and further investment | Electrek
Car sharing in Europe has grown by 14% since 2023, reaching 120,000 vehicles, according to Invers’ Mobility Barometer. Germany leads with 43,100 cars, driven largely by free-floating fleets. France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Italy follow. For the first time, free-floating vehicles surpass station-based ones. Invers’ Enrico Howe notes that diverse models, including peer-to-peer car sharing, foster alternative mobility habits and complement strong public transport networks across Europe | Zag Daily
Bingo Technologies will unveil its universal, swappable battery for last-mile delivery at the Milan Motorcycle Show, compatible with various electric vehicles like mopeds and the four-seat E1. Deployed in five countries, Bingo partners with BYD and Ampace, with its largest customer in Africa using 1,000 vehicles for delivery | ZAGDaily
Harry Campbell's new podcast episode features Justin Pappan, founder of EV Access in Phoenix, Arizona, which provides flexible electric vehicle rentals for visitors and Uber drivers. With a fleet of 250 cars and plans for 50 more Teslas, Justin shares insights on customer acquisition, marketing strategies, fleet management challenges, and future plans for autonomous vehicle integration | The Rideshare Guy Podcast
Zoox, Amazon’s robotaxi company, plans to deploy its autonomous vehicles in San Francisco and Las Vegas despite a lack of federal safety exemptions for their unique, control-free design. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating whether Zoox’s self-certification meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. This move highlights ongoing regulatory challenges in autonomous vehicle deployment, raising critical questions about safety compliance in the ridehailing industry | The Verge
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Investment & Deals
Xavveo, a startup enhancing autonomous vehicle sensors, raised $8.6 million in a Seed round co-led by Vsquared Ventures and imec.xpand. This funding will develop its photonic radar system, expand engineering efforts, and explore applications in industrial, defense, consumer, and medical markets, addressing current sensor limitations. Dr. Sven Otte emphasizes the complex engineering challenges ahead, while Michael Jobst highlights the transformative potential of Xavveo’s innovations for future mobility | Tech.eu
Aptera Motors is testing its first production-intent solar electric vehicles, seeking an additional $60 million for low-volume production planned for late 2025. Co-CEOs Steve Frambro and Chris Anthony have partnered with US Capital Global for convertible notes but raised only $400,000. Community support remains strong, aided by Munro and Associates since 2020 | Electrek
Lucid Motors (LCID) secured funding through 2026, reporting Q3 2024 revenue of $200 million and a net loss of $992.5 million after delivering 7,142 vehicles. CEO Peter Rawlinson announced production of the Gravity SUV, starting at $79,800, alongside plans for a midsize SUV and sedan to rival Tesla's offerings | Electrek
Yelp has acquired RepairPal, a car repair estimate site, for $80 million, aiming to expand in the $4 billion U.S. auto services advertising market. CEO Jeremy Stoppelman highlighted RepairPal's expertise and partner network, including CarMax and USAA. All RepairPal employees will join Yelp, enhancing its service offerings | TechCrunch
Vanguard slashed Ola's valuation to $2 billion, down from $7.3 billion in 2021, reflecting a drop in its investment in ANI Technologies to $14.3 million. Co-founder Bhavish Aggarwal, whose Ola Electric recently went public at a $4.2 billion market cap, also launched AI startup Krutrim, valued at $1 billion | TechCrunch
DeepRoute.ai, a Shenzhen-based autonomous driving startup, secured $100 million from Great Wall Motor to expand its Level 2+ and Level 3 technology in China before Tesla's launch. The funding will advance visual-language-action models and support a future robotaxi business, aiming for deployment in 200,000 vehicles by 2025 | TechCrunch
Waymo recently secured a $5.6 billion Series C funding round, led by Alphabet, boosting its valuation to over $45 billion. This follows Alphabet’s July pledge of $5 billion. With participation from firms like Andreessen Horowitz and Fidelity, Waymo aims to expand its robotaxi services in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix, serving over 100,000 customers weekly | TechCrunch
Cities & Policy
The Toronto Police Service is enforcing an educational campaign, “Safe Streets, Safe Roads,” until November 17, targeting unsafe practices among micromobility vehicle operators, including e-bikes and e-scooters, following nine serious incidents this year. Fines start at $90, highlighting the urgent need for clear operational guidelines | Toronto City News
Paris has implemented the Zone à Trafic Limité (ZTL) to cut congestion in the core, starting with a six-month educational phase before imposing €135 fines for violations. Exemptions include residents and certain vehicles, amid criticism of feasibility and economic impact. This reflects broader European efforts to reduce urban traffic | Bloomberg
Accelerated energy efficiency improvements are vital for meeting the 2030 global emissions reduction goal, yet the IEA forecasts only a 1% increase in energy intensity for 2024. Governments, including the EU, China, and the U.S., are implementing policies, while investment reached $660 billion, highlighting efficiency’s crucial role in the energy transition | Electrek
California voters approved a $10-billion bond measure, Proposition 4, to fund vital environmental projects: $3.8 billion for water infrastructure, $1.5 billion for wildfire protection, and $1.2 billion for coastal defense. Supported by groups like the Nature Conservancy, it faces opposition from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association over debt concerns | LA Times
Deputy Mayors from nine major European cities, including Laia Bonet (Barcelona), Arianna Censi (Milan), and Kristjan Järvan (Tallinn), signed a European Declaration in Barcelona, committing to sustainable public transport. Supported by UITP and Eurocities, the initiative aims for multi-modal integration, climate resilience, and new funding mechanisms while urging EU policymakers for further backing following commitments from the Commissioner-designate for Transport | ZAGDaily
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