Ford's Iconic Capri Returns as a Stylish Four-Door EV, Exclusive to Europe | July 12th, 2024
Cyclists worry about self-driving cars; micromobility insurance faces challenges; and tech mandates raise costs for shared micromobility operators.
Issue [#247] - Every week, we deliver analysis and curation of emerging mobility news - post a job listing here!
Micromobility
Cyclists are increasingly wary of self-driving cars in San Francisco due to rising biking fatalities. Autonomous vehicles, while potentially reducing accidents, have faced numerous complaints from cyclists about close calls and unsafe behaviors. Companies like Cruise and Waymo claim their cars prioritize safety, but incidents and DMV complaints highlight ongoing concerns. As self-driving technology expands, balancing its promise with cyclist safety remains a critical challenge | The Washington Post
The micromobility insurance market has been destabilized by bankruptcies of companies like Bird and Superpedestrian, leading to unpaid premiums and significant liabilities. Insurers are now reducing coverage limits and increasing costs. Christensen Group is responding by creating a Risk Protection Group to help smaller operators access scalable insurance. Despite challenges, the micromobility sector is expected to grow significantly, driven by urbanization, environmental concerns, and technological advancements | ZAGDaily
A California resident sued electric bike maker Delfast for non-delivery after a successful crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo. Despite Delfast initially promising a refund, the company failed to deliver. In court, Delfast's owner admitted they never intended to provide the bikes. The court ruled in favor of the plaintiff, awarding $2,298 for breach of contract. Delfast has yet to pay the awarded amount or respond to requests for comment | Electrek
Mandating advanced technology for shared micromobility operators can significantly increase costs for both the operators and users, argues Tom Nutley of Urban Sharing. This can negatively affect service distribution, limiting access to town centers. Industry experts suggest cities should focus on identifying core problems and improving infrastructure, rather than penalizing operators. Nutley calls for cities to either share the costs of these technologies or remove the mandates to support broader micromobility adoption | ZAGDaily
Product Launches & Updates
DJI, known for their drones, has launched a new e-bike brand, Amflow, featuring the Amflow PL Carbon and PL Carbon Pro. These eMTBs boast the Avinox motor with 850W peak power, 105Nm torque, and Boost mode for 1000W output. The bikes include high-end components like Fox shocks, SRAM drivetrains, and an OLED display. With top-notch power-to-weight ratios and advanced features, these bikes aim to disrupt the eMTB market | Electric Bike Report
Ford is reviving the Capri as a four-door EV, available only in Europe. Built on Volkswagen's MEB platform, it features a base model with 282 horsepower, 390-mile range, and a Premium model with 335 horsepower, 368-mile range. Both models offer fast charging and various tech features like automated lane changes and cyclist detection. Prices start at €49,400 for the base and €53,000 for the Premium | Engadget
MG unveiled the Cyber GTS at the 2024 Goodwood Festival, a two-door electric sports car compared to the Porsche 911. Celebrating MG's 100-year anniversary, this hardtop version of the Cyberster boasts a 400 kW dual-motor system, accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in 3.2 seconds. With ranges up to 360 miles, it combines iconic design with modern electric performance, potentially hitting the market next year | Electrek
CYCLR unveiled the CYCLR-FLEX, the world’s first extendable cargo bike, at Eurobike. Designed for versatility, it extends to carry groceries or children, solving the size issue of traditional e-cargo bikes. Developed by CYCLR and VROEGH Design, it supports up to 175kg and features a patented extension system. Expected to retail at €7,500, CYCLR aims for a Q3 2025 release in Europe, potentially licensing the extension system to other brands | ZAGDaily
Ridehailing, Carsharing, & Delivery
Uber's launch of Uber for Teens has reopened the debate about fingerprinting drivers for safety. This service allows teens aged 13-17 to order rides but raises questions about whether Uber should follow stricter background checks for drivers. Competing companies advocate for fingerprinting, citing safety concerns. Although Uber claims its screening methods are sufficient, the California Public Utilities Commission is reviewing the issue, highlighting ongoing safety challenges in the ride-hailing industry | TechCrunch
Waymo is finally opening up their waitlist in los angeles and the rideshare guy can tell you all about it | Harry Campbell via LinkedIn
In the ridehailing, carsharing, and delivery sector, safety and regulatory compliance are crucial. The recent incident with Cruise, where a pedestrian was dragged, underscores the importance of transparency with regulators. Ensuring proper safety protocols and open communication can prevent such issues and enhance trust. The future involves integrating technology like remote driving and autonomous vehicles to improve efficiency and safety in urban transport systems | This Week in Startups
A Waymo self-driving car in Phoenix was pulled over after running a red light and entering oncoming traffic. The incident, captured on bodycam footage, occurred due to inconsistent construction signage, according to Waymo. No passengers were in the vehicle, and it occupied the wrong lane for about 30 seconds. Waymo has faced increased safety scrutiny and has recalled its software twice this year after crashes | TechCrunch
Uber will cut driver pay next month as it reduces fares, aiming to increase rider demand. Despite dominating the market, this change will further squeeze drivers already burdened by rising costs. Uber, which takes a 27.5% cut of fares, argues the move will lead to more trips. Regulatory efforts are underway to set enforceable standards for gig economy workers, highlighting the need for a safety net in the industry | Startup Daily
Cabify and Polestar are partnering to add 100 electric Polestar 2 cars to their fleets in Barcelona and Madrid, promoting sustainable urban mobility. This initiative supports Cabify’s goal to decarbonize its fleet by 2025. The new vehicles will help reduce emissions, saving over 500,000 liters of fuel and avoiding 800 tons of CO2. The partnership also offers discounted electric cars to Cabify’s collaborating companies and freelancers | Tech.eu
Investment & Deals
Squad Mobility, founded in 2019 by ex-Lightyear employees Robert Hoevers and Chris Klok, received €1.35 million from GIANTS' €12 million Horizon Europe fund. Their solar car, The SQUAD, features a solar panel for up to 22 km range on sunny days in the Netherlands and swappable batteries for 100 km range, retailing at $6250 (excl. tax). The distributed Microfactory concept reduces costs and environmental impact. GIANTS, with 23 EU partners including Renault, Toyota Europe, and Valeo, focuses on frugal vehicles and innovative charging solutions | Tech.eu
Micromobility giant Lime is pouring €6 million into Parisian e-bikes for the 2024 Olympics, anticipating a 90% ridership surge. To handle the influx, Lime's fleet balloons 50% to 15,000 bikes, with bolstered mechanics, patrol officers, and charging stations. A €30.75 (3-day, 180-minute) package entices Olympic visitors, while service area expansion to Saint Denis and Versailles widens reach. Capitalizing on Paris' existing 60km cycling network, Lime hopes to convert visitors into cycling champions for their hometowns | ZAGDaily
The U.S. Department of Energy's loans office issued a conditional $1.2 billion loan to ENTEK Lithium Separators LLC for an Indiana plant to make lithium-ion battery separators for electric vehicles, supporting 1.9 million mid-size EVs or 1.3 million electric SUVs and creating 760 construction and 635 operational jobs in Terre Haute. The loan, part of the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program, will meet rising North American demand, facing stringent $7,500 EV tax credit requirements. DOE also planned a $9.2 billion loan to Ford's Blue Oval SK joint venture | Reuters
UK business class seat maker Unum snagged £3.5 million to expand sales and R&D. Founded in 2020 by industry veteran Chris Brady, Unum's focus is on lightweight, spacious lie-flat seats that boost airline capacity without sacrificing passenger comfort. Their seats are 30kg lighter than average, translating to fuel savings. Unum is the first seating company to join the Green Cabin Alliance, underscoring their commitment to sustainability. This funding round, led by ACF Investors, comes after Unum secured regulatory approval and moved to a new Gatwick facility | Tech.eu
The Biden administration granted GM and Stellantis $1.1 billion of the $1.7 billion Domestic Manufacturing Auto Conversion Grants to support their EV transition, with GM receiving $500 million for Lansing Grand River and Stellantis $334.8 million for Belvidere and $250 million for an Indiana plant. This funding will create 2,900 jobs and retain 15,000 workers, helping U.S. automakers compete with subsidized Chinese EVs. Additionally, automakers face challenges with consumer reluctance to pay for in-car subscriptions and maintaining data privacy | InsideEVs
Cities & Policy
Electric bicycles, a significant leap from traditional bikes, face global performance limits. Users tamper with speed governors, creating hazardous high-speed e-bikes. In response, California’s Assembly Member Diane Dixon proposed AB 1774 to ban speed modifications, enhancing safety. Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature would enact the law within 60 days, likely before January 1, 2025. Rising e-bike injuries underscore the urgency. CBS8 quoted Dixon emphasizing the bill’s focus on safety through education and prohibition of illegal enhancement devices | RideApart
Rapid regional rail systems are transforming cities like London, Seoul, and Delhi, with London’s Elizabeth Line and Seoul’s Great Train Express leading innovations. Arpit Gupta and Blair Lorenzo highlight their potential to cut commute times and expand urban reach. In the US, projects in New York, Boston, Northern California, and Philadelphia face political and infrastructural hurdles. Paris' RER system and Germany's S-Bahns are historical precedents, while Asia continues to pioneer advancements with China’s Pearl River Delta integration | Bloomberg
House Republicans are battling the Biden administration's $7,500 EV tax credit, calling it a handout to China and environmentalists. The administration counters that the credit is spurring American EV sales, citing rising production figures. This clash echoes Trump's anti-EV rhetoric, with both sides pointing to recent sales growth. A wrinkle: a two-year grace period for China-sourced battery minerals, a potential backdoor for the credit to benefit China anyway | The Verge
Michigan's car-free Mackinac Island, nestled between the state's peninsulas, joins a growing trend of e-bike regulation. Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Senate Bill 682, which imposes new speed limits on electric bicycles. The law, championed by Senator John Damoose and supported by the Mackinac Island Convention and Visitors Bureau, sets a 15 mph limit for most of the island, with a stricter 10 mph zone in the business district. This aligns with similar restrictions recently implemented in California and Key Biscayne, Florida. While Senator Ed McBroom raised concerns about enforcement, the new law aims to ensure safety for cyclists, pedestrians, and horse-drawn carriages sharing the island's roadways | Electrek
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