Innovation or Risk? Waymo's LA Debut Divides the City | March 29th, 2024

Also, Swifty Scooters debuts UK's first road-legal e-scooter, Volkswagen unveils its flagship electric sedan, the ID.7, and Amazon Pharmacy introduces same-day prescription delivery in NYC.

Issue [#232] - Every week, we deliver analysis and curation of emerging mobility news - post a job listing here!

Ridehailing, Carsharing & Delivery

New York City revolutionizes autonomous vehicle testing with stringent rules, ensuring human safety drivers are always in control. As tech giants Waymo and Cruise face setbacks elsewhere, NYC aims to lead the way in safe urban innovation | The Verge

Waymo's autonomous taxis debut in Los Angeles, promising convenience but sparking debates over safety and job impacts. While some embrace the future of transportation, others remain skeptical, highlighting the ongoing tension between innovation and tradition on the city's streets | The New York Times

Minneapolis City Council defies Uber and Lyft's threats, securing a minimum pay rate for mostly Black and immigrant drivers. This sets a new standard in the fight against corporate coercion | The Hill

Amazon Pharmacy introduced same-day prescription delivery in New York City and Greater Los Angeles, aiming to expand nationwide by year-end. Utilizing smaller-format facilities and innovative transportation methods like e-bikes and electric vans, Amazon aims to streamline urgent-care item delivery. Additionally, the integration of AI technology seeks to expedite prescription processing | Modern Delivery

Micromobility

Despite varying reasons for cycling, individuals from different backgrounds unite to champion safer streets and better infrastructure. From commuting to leisure, cyclists emphasize the importance of creating inclusive urban environments for all road users | StreetsBlog USA

Irene McAleese, co-founder of See.Sense, pioneers cycling safety through data-driven solutions. She unveils insights on See.Sense's data collection, stating, "Our data is a warning indicator for cities, giving them the chance to intervene in hazardous locations." Additionally, McAleese reflects on her journey as a female founder, advocating for more women in the industry to address diverse cycling preferences and needs | ZAGDaily

The global micromobility market is poised to skyrocket to $340 billion by 2030, with Europe leading the charge, driven by regulatory support and e-bike sales. Additionally, the future air mobility sector is witnessing growth, with increased investment and the rise of advanced air mobility in Europe | ZAGDaily

Robert Downey Jr. was spotted enjoying a ride on his new Porsche e-bike, showcasing his passion for electric vehicles. Despite the luxury price tag, these e-bikes boast top-notch components and performance, appealing to affluent customers who seek premium quality in their cycling experience | AutoEvolution

City administrations' stringent KPIs and tender requirements are stifling micromobility initiatives, hindering innovation and progress. A shift towards collaborative approaches is essential to unleashing the full potential of micromobility, paving the way for a more sustainable and mobile future in urban areas | ZAGDaily

Product Launches & Updates

Volvo bids farewell to diesel with its last passenger vehicle, an XC90 SUV, ending a 45-year era. Transitioning to electric, the Torslanda factory now produces electric motors. Volvo aims for an all-electric lineup by 2030, aligning with Europe's tightening emission restrictions and the rising popularity of electric cars | Electrek

Segway redefines e-scooter production by integrating recycled materials, reducing carbon emissions significantly. Yao Yao emphasizes their commitment, stating: "Our continuous efforts span every phase of manufacturing, promoting environmentally friendly products and advocating for recycling programs" | ZAGDaily

Swifty Scooters debuts UK's first road-legal e-scooter, the GO GT500, with a 25-mile range and 24 mph top speed. Co-founder Jason Iftakhar: "This milestone will influence sustainable transportation." Pre-orders start at £3,499 | ZAGDaily

Gocycle, renowned for its sleek commuter e-bikes, unveils its lightweight cargo e-bikes, the CXi and CX+, designed to revolutionize family transportation with their innovative design and premium features. These bikes, weighing just 50 lb, boast custom components and McLaren-inspired technology, setting a new standard for cargo e-bikes. With a capacity to carry up to 420 lb of cargo and a stylish foldable design, Gocycle's Family Cargo bikes offer unmatched versatility and safety, albeit at a premium price point starting at $6,999 | Electrek

Volkswagen unveiled its flagship electric sedan, the ID.7, offered in Pro S and Pro S Plus trims with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive options. Boasting advanced features like IQ.DRIVE technology and luxurious interior options, the ID.7 aims to set a new standard for electric vehicles. With its sleek design, advanced driver assistance systems, and spacious interior, the VW ID.7 is poised to revolutionize the electric vehicle market | Electrek

Hiboy introduced its first folding electric bike, the Hiboy C1, tailored for urban commuters seeking convenience, eco-friendliness, and style. With a powerful 350W motor, long-lasting removable battery, and lightweight yet sturdy frame, the Hiboy C1 offers thrilling acceleration, efficient performance, and easy maneuverability through city streets | PRNewswire

Polestar announces a revised starting price for its upcoming electric crossover coupe, the Polestar 4, aiming to make EVs more accessible. With prices adjusted downwards to $56,300 for the single-motor rear-wheel drive version and $63,400 for the dual-motor variant, Polestar is intensifying its efforts to broaden its lineup and compete in the growing EV market | The Verge

Investment & Deals

Tier and Dott have merged to become Europe's top micromobility operator, generating €250 million in combined revenue. With €60 million in equity investment, they will support over 125 million trips annually across 20+ countries | ZAGDaily

Hyundai announced a $50 billion investment to become a top-three EV maker by 2030, hiring 80,000 people in Korea | Electrek

Lucid Group has entered into an agreement with majority stockholder Ayar to purchase $1.0 billion of convertible preferred stock through a private placement | Lucid Motors

Indigo Technologies, an automotive tech innovator from the US, announced a strategic investment from Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn) today. The investment, initially revealed late last year and now approved by regulators, will bolster Indigo's advancement of smart, smooth, and efficient light utility EVs geared toward sustainable ride-hailing, delivery, and autonomous transportation services | PRNewswire

Ember, a Scottish startup, has raised $14 million in funding to establish the UK's all-electric intercity bus network. The company plans to expand its operations nationwide | TechCrunch

SP Tech Solutions secures nearly €3 million funding from Vinci HiTech fund for rail transport optimization. Founded in 2019, the company's Raily system suite addresses rail industry challenges with three essential tools. Revenue grew around 1000% to €9.52 million in 2023. With €19 million raised to date, the focus is on expanding in Poland and Western Europe, enhancing AI technology, and growing the team by 50% | Tech.eu

First Bus is investing £89 million in 178 zero-emission buses and infrastructure across four regions, aiming for a fully zero-emission fleet by 2035. With £16 million from the DfT’s ZEBRA scheme, upgrades in power and infrastructure at depots in Taunton, Weston-super-Mare, Basildon, and Hengrove are planned. This initiative emphasizes air quality improvement and carbon emission reduction, benefiting rural and inter-urban routes. It's a significant step towards sustainable public transportation | Intelligent Transport

Bankrupt Arrival sold assets, including manufacturing equipment, to struggling EV startup Canoo. Canoo aims to cut capital expenditures by 20%. Arrival, once valued at $13 billion, faced financial woes despite plans for microfactories. Canoo, also struggling, merged with a SPAC but faced production challenges. Despite a $1 billion sales pipeline, Canoo struggled with deliveries, resorting to stock splits to survive. Both companies face uncertainty amid the competitive EV market | TechCrunch

Fisker faced challenges with tracking millions in customer payments during a period of rapid growth. Lax procedures led to lost payments and internal disarray, diverting resources from core operations. Issues with internal accounting practices and inventory management compounded problems.  Despite efforts to rectify the situation, Fisker's financial woes deepened, leading to delisting from NYSE and potential bankruptcy. The company's struggle highlights the importance of robust financial controls for sustainable growth | TechCrunch

Cities & Policy

Hollywood Boulevard in L.A. is set to receive upgrades, including pedestrian improvements, a mile of bus lanes, and two and a half miles of protected bike lanes | StreetsBlog LA

The NY State Assembly has approved a bill mandating the sale of used e-bikes with UL-certified batteries. This measure aims to address the issue of fires caused by defective e-mobility devices, prohibiting the sale of an e-bike without a certified battery | Electric Bike Report

The Feds aim to address community impacts of interstate highways through the $3.3 billion Reconnecting Communities program. However, most projects fall short of complete highway removal | Governing

Jayden Bryant, an executive at Neuron, shares significant findings from their comprehensive study on e-scooter usage in New Zealand. The study encompasses insights on safety perceptions, economic impact, and rider demographics | ZAGDaily

Pittsburgh's $150 million light rail upgrade project aims to enhance reliability and safety, starting in April 2024. Combining various projects, including track replacements and station rehabilitations, seeks to streamline operations. Funded initiatives will commence between Steel Plaza and Gateway stations, with subsequent projects until 2028. This overhaul signifies a vital investment in Pittsburgh's transit future, ensuring a stronger and more dependable system, per Pittsburgh Regional Transit CEO Katharine Kelleman | Construction Dive

At a House hearing, rural transportation challenges were highlighted, stressing the need for stable federal funding and state autonomy in transportation policies. Concerns were raised over the Federal Highway Administration's CO2 emissions rule and its impact on rural states. Witnesses emphasized unique needs and hurdles in transitioning to zero-emission vehicles, citing issues like infrastructure and funding. The debate intersects with Biden administration efforts amid ongoing legal disputes | Smart Cities Dive

London’s cycling network expands significantly, quadrupling from 90 to 360 kilometers since 2016, benefitting a quarter of the city's residents. Recent completion of Cycleway 4, alongside 20 new routes, brings over 600,000 Londoners closer to cycling options. This initiative, supported by Transport for London and local councils, promotes commuting, school journeys, and reduces environmental impact. The Mayor's commitment to cycling accessibility aligns with future plans for infrastructure improvements and bike fleet expansion | ZAGDaily

San Francisco Bay Area considers new taxes for public transit. State senators propose SB 1031 to allow a 2026 ballot measure. Funding aims to allocate $750 million yearly for transit operations, enhancing coordination among agencies. COVID-19 impacts prompt measures as ridership declines. Proposed reforms include fare simplification and revenue diversification. Voters may approve payroll, parcel, sales taxes, and vehicle registration surcharge. Aim is to modernize transit and ensure prudent investment | Smart Cities Dive

New Products, Features, and Data Points

Ionobell utilizes recycled silicon to enhance EV range. Automakers are turning to silicon, a fragile yet abundant ingredient, to boost battery capacity by at least 20% | TechCrunch

Americans favor Tesla's wall-mounted EV charger for home charging, per J.D. Power's study. Satisfaction with home charging outweighs public charging concerns. Tesla leads in Level 2 wall-mounted chargers for four years. Overall, Level 2 chargers are popular, with wifi connectivity being a common issue. Utility programs offer cost-saving benefits, but awareness remains low. Consumer education is crucial for maximizing EV ownership benefits | Electrek

The MTA has released its revamped subway app, which offers a visually appealing interface and exciting new features. The update includes real-time estimated time of arrival (ETA), live tracking of trains and buses, service alerts, and the ability to plan multi-modal trips | The Verge

American media is dissecting a significant bridge collapse, emphasizing infrastructure issues like "dolphins" (concrete structures), unlike the usual response to car crashes. Despite substantial economic losses and fatalities from car accidents, they often lack the same level of scrutiny. The text advocates for a nuanced approach, urging greater attention to systemic failures in addressing the nation's traffic violence epidemic | StreetsBlog USA

General Motors (GM) discontinues the practice of sharing driving behavior data with data brokers. Previously, GM provided data on braking, acceleration, and speed to LexisNexis Risk Solutions and Verisk, enabling them to generate driver risk profiles for insurers | The New York Times

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