Geely’s Zeekr 001: Redefining Expectations for Chinese Electric Vehicles | December 1st, 2023
Plus, Harley-Davidson's LiveWire, is working on its next model, the S2 Mulholland, and Uber is set to introduce London's iconic black cabs on its platform.
Issue [#215] - Every week, we deliver analysis and curation of emerging mobility news - post a job listing here!
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Micromobility
Electric bike bans are sweeping through New York City buildings as landlords fear the rising fire risks associated with lithium batteries. With insurance concerns pushing landlords to prohibit e-bike storage, frustrated residents like J. Manuel Mancilla, co-founder of Oonee, find themselves with "zero options and zero alternatives” | Gothamist
In Peachtree City, Georgia, golf carts aren't just for the fairways – they're a way of life. With kids as young as 12 cruising around town in golf carts, these small vehicles offer a sense of adventure and freedom. More than just a mode of transport, the golf cart culture in Peachtree City connects communities, sparks spontaneous outings, and serves as a unique rite of passage for teenagers transitioning to cars | The New York Times
Micro-Mobility for Europe (MMfE), a coalition of seven shared micromobility companies, including Bolt, Dott, and Bird, has issued a guidance document addressing challenges in shared micromobility parking. The letter emphasizes key issues such as a lack of dedicated parking, public education gaps, and compliance measurement and enforcement, offering recommendations and real-life examples through case studies | ZAGDaily
Dott, a European micro-mobility operator, is incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) technology provided by Captur to enhance the correct parking of its shared e-scooters and e-bikes. The AI system will swiftly review parking images submitted by riders, identifying issues like blocked entrances and improper parking, providing immediate guidance to users | Intelligent Transport
Product Launches & Updates
Chinese automaker Geely's premium electric vehicle brand, Zeekr, has gained significant traction in China, selling over 140,000 units, with the flagship model, Zeekr 001, leading the way. The electric sedan boasts impressive design, performance, and innovative features, challenging established brands in the premium EV space. While its U.S. debut is uncertain, Zeekr's innovative approach signals a new era for Geely, challenging assumptions about Chinese-built EVs and their global potential | InsideEVs
Get ready for a game-changing ride as ENVO Drive Systems unveils the Utility Personal Transporter (UPT), a powerhouse of e-mobility versatility. Beyond resembling a golf cart, the UPT transforms into a myriad of configurations, from a micro e-car to a rugged utility platform. With pre-orders expected to kick off soon, this all-terrain marvel is catching the eye of law enforcement, rescue teams, and adventure enthusiasts alike | Envo Drive
Harley-Davidson's electric motorcycle brand, LiveWire, is reportedly working on its next model, tentatively named the S2 Mulholland. Leaked details suggest this could be the comfortable cruiser many have been waiting for, drawing inspiration from LA's iconic Mulholland Drive. Additionally, the S2 Mulholland may offer a relaxed riding experience with a shorter saddle height and a stretched wheelbase, hinting at a more cruiser-styled design | Electrek
Ridehailing, Carsharing & Delivery
Peacock Premium is now free for all U.S. Instacart+ members, marking a strategic partnership between the fastest-growing streaming service and the leading grocery tech company. Instacart+ members can easily access Peacock's content and order their entertainment essentials from over 1,400 retail banners, emphasizing the commitment to providing continued value to shared customers | Instacart
DoorDash and Best Buy team up to deliver tech products on demand. You can now order headphones, game controllers, tablets, and more from Best Buy through the DoorDash marketplace and other non-restaurant businesses. DoorDash is the first delivery service to partner with Best Buy, a leading consumer electronics retailer, after its deal with Walmart ended last year | The Verge
Following a recent pedestrian incident involving a Cruise driverless cab, General Motors (GM) is strategically trimming investment in its self-driving unit. The move comes in the wake of safety apprehensions, sparked when a Cruise autonomous vehicle failed to halt promptly after a pedestrian was struck by a hit-and-run driver last month | Reuters
Nabogo, the innovative Danish carpooling app, is on a mission to transform how we perceive cars – not as problems but as valuable assets. Co-founder Kasper Mikkelsen envisions a future where cars become small buses, connecting communities and offering flexible travel options. With a blend of trust, local networks, and a dash of digital nostalgia, Nabogo aims to revolutionize commuting habits, making carpooling a refreshing and eco-friendly choice for the modern traveler | ZAGDaily
Uber has scored a victory by allowing London's black cabs onto its platform, a move set to launch in early 2024. While Uber aims to integrate traditional taxi services globally, the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association, representing 10,000 London cabbies, expressed reluctance, citing concerns about Uber's safety record and workers' rights | TechCrunch
Investment & Deals
GoMetro, a startup based in South Africa, secures £9 million in funding for its cutting-edge fleet management optimization software | TechCrunch
Indian electric bike manufacturer EMotorad raises $20 million in Series B funding to challenge China's market dominance and expand its global footprint | TechCrunch
Majority of employees previously given notice at Sono Motors have been rehired, securing their continued employment | Tech.eu
Berlin startup unu, aiming to drive electric mobility with stylish e-scooters, faces a setback as sources reveal the company has filed for bankruptcy | Eu-Startups
Cities & Policy
UK government invests £5.3 million in innovative rail projects, including AI-powered live announcements for passengers with hearing impairments and QR code technology to enhance accessibility | Intelligent Transport
Biden administration to unveil criteria for disqualifying EVs from $7,500 subsidy | Electrek
Tesla takes legal action against Swedish government over union demands, while postal workers' solidarity leads to license plate delivery disruption, requiring intervention by the Transportation Agency | The Verge
Michigan becomes 12th state to set 100% clean electricity deadline | Electrek
New Products, Features, and Data Points
South African startup GoMetro secures £9 million funding for cutting-edge fleet management software | TechCrunch
With NFC and ultra-wideband technologies in the spotlight, the debate between tap-to-start and passive signals intensifies. As we increasingly rely on our phones to control our cars, it becomes crucial to address these issues promptly and find clear solutions | The Verge
Uber teams up with Smartcar to develop Battery-Aware Matching, filtering EV driver trip requests based on state of charge | Electrek
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