Kia's EV3 Electric SUV: Over 300 Miles of Range, ChatGPT AI Assistant, and Advanced Tech Features | May 31st, 2024

Microcars return for urban travel while E-bikes face price hike due to tariffs. Micromobility aids housing projects, reducing traffic and emissions.

Issue [#241] - Every week, we deliver analysis and curation of emerging mobility news - post a job listing here!

Micromobility

Microcars, tiny and electric, are making a comeback as a solution for personal transport and last-mile needs. Historically, microcars like BMW's Isetta and Peel's P50 offered affordable, space-saving mobility. Post-war "bubblecars" thrived in the '50s and '60s. Today, microcars like Citroen's Ami and Renault's Twizy are popular in Europe, especially in urban areas, providing efficient and fun transportation options for short trips | ArsTechnica

New tariffs on Chinese imports will make electric bikes more expensive, just as they gain popularity for reducing emissions and improving health. E-bike companies, heavily reliant on Chinese parts, face increased costs. The timing is poor, as e-bike sales are rising and incentives are promoting their use. While some companies may struggle, this could push the industry to diversify supply chains and encourage states to offer more incentives. | The Verge

Micromobility is key for new housing developments. Shared bike schemes like Beryl's reduce traffic, improve air quality, and promote healthier lifestyles. Developers can use Section 106 funds for these sustainable transport options, adding bike stations and free ride minutes. Success in areas like Cornwall shows that such initiatives benefit both residents and the environment, encouraging more use of bikes over cars and improving local connectivity | ZAGDaily 

Product Launches & Updates

Kia's new EV3 small electric SUV offers over 300 miles of range and features an AI assistant based on ChatGPT. Launching in South Korea in July and later in Europe and the US, the EV3 includes two battery options and a sportier GT-line model. It has advanced tech with dual 12.3-inch screens, premium streaming apps, and a compact but functional frunk, making it a spacious and smart choice for modern drivers | The Verge

Navee's new M1 is their smallest, lightest, and most affordable shared e-bike, designed for urban commuters. With a 75 km range and robust durability, it reduces operational costs for operators. The M1’s compact size and 20-inch wheels make it ideal for city use. It will be showcased at major micromobility events in 2024, and is now available for pre-order, highlighting Navee's commitment to sustainable urban transport | ZAGDaily

Ventje has transformed Volkswagen's ID Buzz into the charming eVentje electric camper, now available in Europe. This custom build features a versatile interior with a pop-top tent, a kitchen, and a folding table. The camper includes advanced power options, numerous charging ports, and improved storage. Priced at €95,000, it sleeps four but is legal for two on highways. Orders ship in nine months across several European countries | The Verge

Ridehailing, Carsharing & Delivery

VOOM Insurance CEO Tomer Kashi will join a panel at Insurtech Insights USA 2024 to discuss "The Future of Mobility Insurance" alongside industry leaders from Aon Growth Ventures, LOOP Insurance, Boundless Rider, and Martin Lehnert Consulting Services. The panel will take place on June 6th at 14:55 on the Orange Stage. Don't miss this insightful discussion on mobility insurance innovations | @VOOM via LinkedIn

VOOM CEO Tomer Kashi discusses usage-based rideshare insurance on RSG256 podcast. VOOM offers affordable, gap-coverage policies tailored for rideshare drivers, addressing high deductibles and unnecessary personal driving insurance costs. Currently available in seven states, VOOM plans nationwide expansion. By syncing with Uber or Lyft accounts, VOOM calculates premiums based on commercial usage, potentially saving drivers money compared to traditional insurance policies | The Rideshare Guy

Whizz has partnered with Grubhub to offer discounted e-bike subscriptions to all Grubhub riders, enhancing their access to safe, reliable, and affordable transportation. This partnership, following a similar deal with DoorDash, marks a significant achievement for Whizz in its mission to support gig workers across the US | @Mike Peregudov via LinkedIn

Federal safety regulators have found nine more incidents involving Waymo's self-driving cars in Phoenix and San Francisco. This brings the total to 31 cases being investigated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The investigation focuses on the cars' software and its ability to avoid collisions and respond to traffic controls. The NHTSA is concerned about the increased risk of crashes and has asked Waymo to respond by June 11 | TechCrunch 

Investment & Deals

Kakao Mobility is providing Archer with $7 million this year to support early commercialization efforts in Korea. This investment will help accelerate the development and deployment of Archer’s electric air taxi services in the region | TechCrunch

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded over $300 million in grants to support brownfield cleanup efforts across the nation. These sites, often near minority communities, pose potential dangers due to pollution. Projects in Dallas, Milwaukee, and Philadelphia aim to transform polluted areas into affordable housing properties and green spaces. The 2021 infrastructure law has significantly boosted the EPA’s investment in brownfield cleanups | Smart Cities Dive

Indian startup Zypp Electric has secured a fresh investment of $15 million from Japanese oil and energy conglomerate ENEOS. The funding is part of Zypp Electric’s Series C round, projected to reach between $35 million to $40 million. The startup plans to expand its fleet of electric two-wheelers and extend services to Southeast Asia. Key markets include Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. Zypp Electric is already operationally profitable and aims to achieve profit after taxes in 12 to 14 months | TechCrunch

Cambridge Electric Transport (CET) is raising £900,000 for its four-wheeled CitiPod e-bike. The funding will help manufacture passenger and cargo versions. CET aims to replace cars and vans, offering an agile and lightweight alternative. CitiPods are designed for accessibility and sustainability, with plans for UK roads by mid-2025 | ZAGDaily

Ibero-American company Cabify achieved $900 million in gross revenue last year, marking a 30.7% increase from 2022. Founded in Madrid in 2011, Cabify provides electric cars and e-mopeds in seven countries and over 40 cities worldwide. Their Sustainable Business Strategy includes decarbonizing fleets and offsetting emissions, contributing to a greener future | ZAGDaily

Electric vehicle fleet and battery storage provider Zenobē has secured an additional $522.7 million in financing to accelerate the deployment of electric buses across the UK. The company, which already powers 25% of the UK e-bus market, aims to reduce carbon emissions and connect more communities through its mission to electrify buses at scale | Tech.eu

Cities & Policy

Eight rail transit systems across eight states will receive a total of $343 million in federal funding to modernize stations. The goal is to improve accessibility for passengers, including those with disabilities and injuries. The funding will be used for upgrades such as accessible platforms, elevators, and renovations. The program aims to ensure that all customers can use transit systems with ease and reliability, aligning with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards | Trains

Houston Mayor John Whitmire is putting a halt to the road safety initiatives launched by his predecessor in the expansive, automobile-focused city | Bloomberg

The US House of Representatives recently approved legislation aimed at enhancing lithium-ion battery safety standards for micromobility devices. The bill mandates the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to establish new rules | ZAGDaily

A new U.S. House bill, the Connected Vehicle National Security Review Act, aims to limit or ban Chinese-connected vehicles in the American market. Concerns include data collection by Chinese EVs and potential security risks. The bill would empower the Department of Commerce to review transactions involving such vehicles. Volvo and Polestar, owned by China’s Geely Automotive, are also impacted. The bill seeks to safeguard national security while addressing the growing presence of Chinese-connected vehicles in the U.S. market | TechCrunch

New Products, Features, and Data Points

Porsche’s 2025 911 Carrera GTS, its first hybrid electric model, features an all-digital instrument cluster with CarPlay integration. However, this CarPlay setup is not the next-generation wireless version announced by Apple in 2022 | The Verge

Spotify has quietly begun offering refunds for its Car Thing, a vehicle streaming device set to be discontinued on December 9, 2024. Customers with proof of purchase can contact customer service for a refund. The move comes after user frustration and a class-action lawsuit accusing Spotify of misleading customers by selling a $90 product without offering refunds. If you’re a Car Thing owner, reach out to customer service with your receipt to claim your refund | Engadget

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