Google Invests in Namma Yatri, India's No-Commission Ridesharing App Challenging Uber and Ola | July 19th, 2024

MOD Bikes’ Berlin e-bike zooms to 28 mph; CYCLR-FLEX is a stretchable cargo bike; VW’s ID.UNYX SUV goes 385 miles.

Jul 19, 2024

Issue [#248] - Every week, we deliver analysis and curation of emerging mobility news - post a job listing here!

Micromobility

Canyon Bicycles and LeBron James have launched an initiative to inspire new cyclists, showcasing the freedom and joy of biking. The campaign features LeBron and young mountain biker Olivia Silva, aiming to inspire more people to explore cycling. This collaboration aligns with Canyon’s commitment to supporting athletes and promoting cycling for health and independence, also providing bikes to students in LeBron’s ‘I Promise’ program | ZAGDaily

VanMoof, now under new management, offers a €1,000 discount to customers who lost money on undelivered pre-ordered e-bikes. This gesture aims to regain trust by asking them to pay an additional €2,298 for a new bike. Despite past issues with part replacements and service, the company is improving reliability and infrastructure. VanMoof's success hinges on regaining customer trust and delivering on its promises | TechCrunch

The new UK Labour government should focus on micromobility to decarbonize transport, reduce city congestion, and address transport inequality. Key actions include updating legislation for micromobility vehicles, supporting last-mile delivery systems, improving accessibility and training, offering vouchers and incentives for micromobility use, and designing an industrial strategy to boost UK manufacturing and innovation in this sector. This approach will create jobs and drive economic growth while promoting sustainable transport solutions | ZAGDaily

Product Launches & Updates

MOD Bikes has launched the new MOD Berlin e-bike, blending Texas power with European style. Featuring a 750W motor, it reaches 28 mph with pedal assist and offers up to 90 miles of range with an extra battery. Designed for commuters, it includes an aluminum step-through frame, 29" wheels, turn signals, and hydraulic brakes. Now available for pre-order at $2,199, the MOD Berlin combines speed, comfort, and innovative features | Electrek

The CYCLR-FLEX, designed by Nikolaï Carels, is the world’s first extendable cargo e-bike, showcased at Eurobike. This innovative bike allows for variable-length adjustments, solving maneuverability issues of traditional long cargo bikes. With a load capacity of 175kg and a top assist speed of 25kph, it aims for a 2025 release at €7,500. The CYCLR-FLEX is expected to revolutionize cargo e-bikes, offering flexibility and practicality in urban settings | Electric Bike Report

Volkswagen launched its new ID.UNYX electric SUV in China, starting under $30,000. The ID.UNYX targets younger drivers and offers three trims with an 82.4 kWh battery, providing up to 385 miles of range. Built on VW's MEB platform, it aims to compete with Tesla and BYD in the growing EV market. VW plans to release four more models under this sub-brand in the next three years | Electrek

Ridehailing, Carsharing, & Delivery

A new Vertiport network is set to launch in San Francisco by the end of next year, starting with limited commercial rides. Partnered with United Airlines, this service aims to reduce travel time significantly by offering electric aircraft flights connecting various Bay Area locations. The goal is to make urban commuting faster and more efficient, with future plans for expanded use in other congested areas and cities globally | The Rideshare Guy

Google has invested in Moving Tech, which runs Namma Yatri, an Indian ridesharing app challenging Uber and Ola with a no-commission model. Namma Yatri connects drivers and riders without charging fees, unlike competitors. It operates in several Indian cities and has handled over 46 million rides. The $11 million funding, co-led by Blume Ventures and Antler, will help expand its tech and transportation services | TechCrunch

Uber’s new update lets users see average fares and wait times for trips in 10,000 cities globally. This feature helps travelers plan and budget for Uber rides in advance. The update, rolling out on July 16th, aims to reduce uncertainty and improve travel experience, especially for large events like the Summer Olympics in Paris. Uber is also offering perks like loyalty program partnerships and bookable tours | The Verge

Waymo is working to offer robotaxi services at San Francisco International Airport. Though it already has permits for city operations, it needs a new permit for airport access, which requires creating a new permit structure. Despite challenges and delays, Waymo is continuing its efforts, including initial non-commercial mapping at the airport. The process involves collaboration with airport officials and meeting specific safety and regulatory requirements | TechCrunch

Investment & Deals

Fleet-focused fintech Coast snagged a $40M Series B just 4 months after its $25M venture round and $67M debt haul, a rare feat in today's VC market. Their expense management software and commercial fleet cards are growing 10x YoY, targeting industries like HVAC and construction. ICONIQ Growth led the round with participation from Coast's existing backers and Synchrony, a financial services giant with ties to major auto parts retailers. Coast will use the funds for product development (including bill pay) and partnerships | TechCrunch

Tesla has secured a massive contract to supply 15.3 GWh of Megapack storage to California’s Intersect Power over five years. This makes Intersect one of the largest global Megapack operators, integrating this capacity into their solar and storage projects through 2030 | Electrek

Fisker, bankrupt EV startup, got court approval to sell remaining Ocean SUVs to American Lease. Funds will pay employees and support recalls. Sale overcame objections about Fisker's sales effort. Lender Heights Capital, with a secured $500M+ claim, wants to convert Fisker's Chapter 11 to Chapter 7 liquidation. Further drama: Fisker Austria, Fisker's manufacturing subsidiary, is in its own insolvency and wanted SUVs for its process. U.S. Trustee raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest involving a Fisker co-founder | TechCrunch

Lisbon-founded Indie Campers, a global RV rental platform with over 7,000 vehicles in 70+ locations across three continents, raised €35 million in a funding round led by Indico Capital Partners, with Cedrus and GED Ventures participating. Founded in 2013 and employing 500+ globally, the company plans to enhance its digital platform, streamline operations, improve customer experience, and recruit top talent. CEO Hugo Oliveira emphasized this investment will accelerate growth and innovation, while Indico’s Stephan de Moraes lauded Indie Campers' entrepreneurial journey | Tech.eu

Cities & Policy

The US Commerce Department will issue new rules in August to limit Chinese vehicle software imports, aiming to prevent market flooding with cheap electric vehicles. Alan Estevez, under secretary of commerce, stated the rules will require critical vehicle software to be US-made or from trade partners, focusing on key components and data management. Reflecting national security measures against Huawei, these rules stem from an investigation into connected vehicle software. China accuses the US of misusing national security to target its companies. Proposed rules may also mirror federal EV tax credit provisions and include steep tariffs on Chinese vehicles | The Verge

DOT's July 2024 report proposes decarbonizing transportation, the biggest U.S. GHG source, to meet net-zero goals. It details land-use planning, public transit investment, and EV charging stations, acknowledging a legal challenge to Biden's rule mandating emissions cuts on major roads | Smart Cities Dive

Dubai’s Green Spine, an ambitious 40-mile sustainable corridor part of the 2040 Urban Master Plan, aims to transform Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road. Designed by UAE-based Urb and led by CEO Baharash Bagherian, it will feature lush greenery, one million trees, and a solar panel farm producing 300 megawatts. Inspired by Madrid Rio, it incorporates smart irrigation and water-saving strategies. This project envisions shifting Dubai from car-centric to human-centric, enhancing urban livability by reducing the carbon footprint and improving air quality | FastCompany

Labour’s King’s Speech unveils Product Safety Bill targeting e-bike battery fires—a win for Electrical Safety First and Brompton Bikes, but a disappointment for e-scooter advocates hoping for legalization. The bill proposes mandatory third-party certification for e-bike batteries, mirroring regulations for fireworks and heavy machinery. This follows a surge in e-bike battery fires, with Electrical Safety First calling for stricter measures since 2020 | ZAGDaily

New Products, Features, and Data Points

MATT3R, a Vancouver startup founded by serial entrepreneur Hamid Abdollahi, introduces the K3Y device, transforming Tesla's cameras into smart dashcams. Priced at $199, it offers surround views, flags critical events via AI, and allows remote access through the CONSOL3 app. Pre-orders are open with shipments starting late 2024 | Techcouver

Generac, known for gas-powered home backup generators, has launched its first electric vehicle charger, priced at $649 (40amp) and $699 (48amp). Compatible with all EVs, including Tesla, it features Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Power Sharing, and Power Boost. Made by Wallbox but running Generac’s software, this charger complements Generac’s clean energy shift, started in 2020 with its PWRcell home battery. Despite owning Ecobee, there are no plans to integrate the charger with its smart thermostats or the Matter standard | The Verge

Ex-Arrival exec Pegg's Helixx ditches automation for McDonald's-style franchises. Their $50m license gets you a "factory in a box" for cheap, swappable-battery delivery vans like Daisy, targeting dense cities with subscription plans. Aiming high on utilization, Helixx prioritizes affordability over Arrival's automation dreams | TechCrunch

Urban Sharing will launch Version 2.0 of its Urban Crew fleet optimization platform next month, targeting shared micromobility operators. Available as a web and Android application, it optimizes rebalancing, battery swapping, and maintenance through historical and real-time data. The platform integrates Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to help operators meet city standards and maximize efficiency. Urban Crew offers detailed task suggestions and flexible task focus for field teams. The platform launches at the end of July, with market availability in August. Tom Nutley highlights the platform's potential to address technological fragmentation and resource constraints | ZAGDaily

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