Elon Musk Unveils Tesla's Cybercab for Safe and Affordable Urban Mobility | October 11th , 2024
Porsche recalls over 27,000 Taycan EVs due to battery issues, while McLaren unveils its $2.1M hybrid supercar W1.
Issue [#260] - Every week, we deliver analysis and curation of emerging mobility news - post a job listing here!
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Micromobility
Bosch has updated its eBike Flow app to version 1.24, introducing two new features for e-bikes with a Bosch smart system. A new shortcut button for Ride Screen is available to all users, but only Flow+ subscribers can access Extended Navigation and Additional Statistics on their Kiox 300 and 500 displays. A 12-month free trial of Flow+ is available, after which it costs $5.99 per month | Notebook Check
Voi Technology AB, a Swedish micromobility operator, completed its first bond issuance, raising EUR 50 million under a EUR 125 million framework. Proceeds will expand its fleet of 110,000 e-scooters and e-bikes, refinance debt, and cover corporate needs. With a four-year tenor and 3 months Euribor plus 6.75% interest, demand reflects robust investor confidence in Voi and the micromobility industry's future | News Cision
Mosa, a British IoT startup, has launched a cost-effective, self-service docked bicycle-sharing solution for underserved communities, reducing docking costs by 70%. Following a successful Department for Transport-backed trial in Cambridgeshire linking the Wellcome Genome Campus to a train station, Mosa plans to expand to more campuses, hotels, and small towns | ZAGDaily
Industry leaders gathered in London to discuss the future of shared micromobility regulation, hosted by Bolt and Zag. Key topics included financing, fleet caps, and KPIs. Panelists, including Bolt's Haya Verwoord Douidri, emphasized the impact of regulations on business models and the need for flexibility, such as dynamic fleet caps. The event highlighted the importance of balancing regulation with sustainability goals, promoting micromobility as a viable alternative to car usage in cities | ZAGdaily
Product Launches & Updates
Porsche is recalling over 27,000 Taycan electric vehicles in the U.S. due to a potential short circuit risk in LG Chem-produced battery modules. Affected models were built between October 2019 and February 2024. Owners are advised to visit dealerships for a software update to monitor the batteries. A permanent fix is expected in early 2025. Audi is also recalling 6,499 E-tron GT models for the same issue | The Verge
McLaren has unveiled the W1 hybrid supercar, its most powerful model yet, to honor its Formula One history. The $2.1 million vehicle features a hybrid powertrain combining a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine and an electric motor, delivering 1,258 horsepower. With a top speed of 217 mph and a 0-60 time of 2.7 seconds, all 399 units are already sold, with deliveries starting in 2026 | Bloomberg
Elon Musk unveiled Tesla's Robovan prototype at the We, Robot event in Los Angeles. This autonomous electric vehicle, designed for high-density areas, carries up to 20 people and goods. Despite its retro-futuristic design, Musk revealed no details on cost, production, or timelines, while aiming for 20 million annual vehicles by 2030 | TechCrunch
General Motors teased details of the next-generation Chevy Bolt, set to debut in 2025. The new Bolt will offer faster charging than the current model and come in multiple versions, including a lower-cost option. While pricing may increase slightly, GM promises it will still provide great value. The new Bolt will be built on the Ultium platform, signaling GM's commitment to affordable EVs without needing special projects like Ford’s | The Verge
Honda previewed its 0 Series electric vehicles, aiming for a 2026 production launch. These EVs focus on a "thin, light, and wise" design, with improved aerodynamics, battery efficiency, and innovative technology. The series promises Level 3 automated driving, quick charging from 15% to 80% in under 15 minutes, and a range of 300 miles. Honda plans to launch seven models by 2030, competing with other automakers through smart design and user-friendly features | Tech Crunch
Ridehailing, Carsharing, & Delivery
Uber will launch an AI assistant powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4o in early 2025 to help drivers with electric vehicle (EV) questions. The assistant will provide personalized answers on charging locations, vehicle options, and government incentives. Accessible through the Uber driver app, it will evolve to include voice interactions. Uber is also introducing an EV mentorship program and expanding its EV-only ride options in 40 cities, including New York and Paris | Tech Crunch
Tesla unveiled its Cybercab self-driving taxi at the "We, Robot" event in Burbank, California, promising a vehicle "10 times safer than a human." With 20 Cybercabs and 30 Model Y cars presented, production starts in 2026 under $30,000. Musk anticipates unsupervised driving in California and Texas next year, while also introducing a Robovan and advancements in the Optimus personal robot | Yahoo
Uber is rolling out self-identification options this fall for riders who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, blind, or low vision to improve communication during pickups. The company is also piloting options for riders with service animals in the US and Canada, while addressing past legal challenges regarding accessibility and driver discretion | Engadget
Baidu plans to expand its Apollo Go robotaxi service beyond China to compete globally. The company aims to launch in Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Middle East, amid challenges in the domestic market. Baidu is focusing on partnerships with automotive companies like Hyundai, Kia, and Nissan to enhance its technology. This expansion could help Baidu establish a foothold in regions pursuing smart city initiatives, demonstrating the growing interest in autonomous vehicle solutions worldwide | Tech Crunch
Investment & Deals
Vista Outdoor has agreed to sell its Revelyst unit, including bike brands like Bell and Giro, to Strategic Value Partners (SVP) for $1.125 billion, pending approvals tied to its Kinetic Group sale to Czechoslovak Group (CSG). SVP, managing $19 billion in assets since 2001, plans to leverage resources to boost Revelyst's market position | Bycicle Retailer
Lucid Motors has surpassed last year’s total EV sales, delivering 2,781 vehicles in Q3, its third consecutive record quarter. However, it remains below ambitious targets set during its $4 billion 2021 merger. With reliance on Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, Lucid gears up for the Gravity SUV launch amid production challenges | TechCrunch
Nissan has invested in ChargeScape, a vehicle-to-grid (V2G) integration firm alongside BMW, Ford, and Honda, planning to offer its services to EV customers in the U.S. and Canada. ChargeScape’s platform optimizes home charging and enables energy return to the grid, while Nissan's bidirectional charging history includes its Leaf EVs, with current initiatives backed by Fermata Energy | The Verge
Pure Electric raised £2.27 million in a crowdfunding campaign, exceeding its £1 million target by 227%, attracting 974 investors. Founder Adam Norris emphasized climate awareness and management strength as key to investor confidence. With over 295,000 scooters sold since 2018, the company will expand into Germany and Japan. Notable investors include former SoftBank International CEO and Hilton Hotels’ CMO | ZAGDaily
Ryanair Holdings Plc will cease flights to Dortmund, Dresden, and Leipzig and cut most routes to Hamburg, reducing German traffic by 12%, or 1.8 million seats, next summer. Rising aviation taxes and charges prompted this decision, echoed by Deutsche Lufthansa AG and EasyJet Plc, which are also scaling back | Bloomberg
Cities & Policy
The Cablebus, inaugurated in 2021 by former Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum, connects isolated working-class neighborhoods in Mexico City, reducing travel times significantly. Moving 70,000 to 80,000 passengers daily, it enhances safety and stimulates local economies, particularly in Iztapalapa. Critics caution against rapid expansion without corresponding subway improvements | Bloomberg
Laura Narvaz-Zertuche, architect and urban designer, explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming cities. She shares her career journey, beginning with inclusive urban design in Monterrey, Mexico. Now a partner at Foster and Partners, Laura uses data-driven tools to optimize urban layouts and sustainability. She also collaborates with Urban AI, emphasizing ethical AI use in city planning to enhance public safety, traffic flow, and energy use for more inclusive urban environments | Cities First
New York City has enacted a bill allowing authorities to padlock stores repeatedly selling uncertified e-bike batteries, responding to over 200 fire incidents reported by the FDNY this year. Retailers must ensure compliance with safety regulations and display a fire safety disclosure sign to inform consumers about battery certification and storage practices | News12
The U.S. Department of Justice, on behalf of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, objects to bankrupt Fisker’s plan making owners pay labor costs for recalls, claiming it violates the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Despite initial reversals, Fisker now stands firm, leaving some owners with unpaid repair expenses | TechCrunch
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