Toyota’s Contradictory Approach to EVs: New Models vs. Policy Resistance | December 8th, 2023

Also, Stellantis unveiled the 2024 Fiat 500e, DT Swiss introduced the 240 Hybrid and 350 Hybrid e-MTB hubs, and Uber launched a feature that allows a customized delivery of shopped items.

Issue [#216] - Every week, we deliver analysis and curation of emerging mobility news - post a job listing here!

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Micromobility

There is a new entrant in the micromobility space - Ellavate Wagon - an electric wagon brand that leverages hub-wheel motor technology to provide an all-terrain, lightweight, easy to use solution for a wide range of applications. Megan Lancaster, Founder and CEO, recently presented at the Micromobility America's Summit in SF as the first wagon brand crafted to support 200 lbs across any terrain, while still being light enough to carry and transport. They are currently accepting pre-orders on their site: ellavatewagon.com. 

Beryl's Rider Report unveils a surge in shared transport's popularity, with 31% now connecting rides with other modes of public transport. E-scooters, particularly in government trials, have shown popularity, with 79% of respondents having ridden one. Excitingly, the report signals positive shifts, embracing diversity and accessibility, making shared transport a dynamic and inclusive choice for riders | ZAGDaily

Renault's CEO envisions a European EV revolution inspired by Japan's kei cars, proposing a simplified regulatory framework. By relaxing safety standards, he aims to introduce affordable and compact electric vehicles, anticipating a 40% price drop by 2028. Imagine zipping around in a petite, budget-friendly EV, challenging the norm and making sustainable driving accessible to all | Electrek

Meet the ultimate cool dad who, after making Jedi outfits, turns his son's e-bike into a Star Wars speeder using cardboard wizardry. This budget-friendly masterpiece, costing just $40, impressively mirrors the movie's iconic look, leaving the neighborhood kids in awe. It's a DIY Star Wars dream come true! | RideApart

Get ready for the micromobility revolution in 2024! From all-in-one super apps to high-tech mobility hubs, the sector is gearing up for a major transformation. With data-driven insights, evolving designs, and potential insurance shake-ups, micromobility is set to be a headline-maker, and Paris even plans a fleet of electric vehicles for the Olympics, proving this tiny transport trend is here to stay | ZAGDaily

Anadue has launched 'Anadue SmartSpaces,' a revenue-generating model for shared micromobility operators and landowners. The model allows operators to boost revenue by creating customized services with local businesses, like hotels and restaurants. This innovative approach integrates micromobility with local businesses, enabling tailored service agreements, new incentives for riders, and environmental improvements | ZAGDaily

Zooming into the future, the provincial government gears up for a four-year safety review on e-scooters, replacing the 2021 pilot. Focused on health and safety data, this study aims to seamlessly blend e-scooters into the transportation mix, making it a smoother and safer ride for all | Global News 

Meet the 2024 Fiat 500e, Stellantis' charming urban electric ride at $34,095. With an Italian-designed melody alert and a nimble 149-mile range, it's a breath of fresh air in a market dominated by hefty SUVs, offering a stylish and eco-friendly option for city dwellers | The Verge

Product Launches & Updates

DT Swiss unveils the 240 Hybrid and 350 Hybrid e-MTB hubs, offering a customized solution for electric mountain bikes. With reinforced designs, larger hub bodies, and tailored spoke holes, these hubs bring durability and performance to the world of e-biking, setting them apart with distinctive blue lettering | Bicycle Retailer

Kodiak Robotics drives into defense with an autonomous Ford F-150, powering U.S. military tests for surveillance in rugged terrains. Securing a $50 million contract, Kodiak plans to be a key player in advancing autonomous military applications, emphasizing adaptable software and sensor technology for a range of military vehicles | TechCrunch

Honda is set to unveil its new global EV series at CES 2024, marking a significant step in its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. With plans to make 100% of global sales electric or fuel cell vehicles by 2040, Honda's CES presentation will showcase its vision for an EV-centric future | Future Car

Toyota, often criticized for lagging in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, unveiled two EV concepts—Urban SUV and Sport Crossover—with plans to launch them in Europe within the next two years. However, Toyota's commitment to EVs has been met with skepticism due to its lobbying against EV-friendly policies, despite ambitious promises to release 30 EV models and sell 3.5 million battery EVs by 2030 | The Verge

China's leading EV automaker, NIO, is gearing up for NIO Day 2023 on December 23, where it plans to unveil a new flagship EV model, speculated to be the ultra luxury sedan, ET9. While details remain undisclosed, NIO aims to showcase cutting-edge technology, potentially positioning the new sedan as a global benchmark for smart EVs | Electrek

Ridehailing, Carsharing & Delivery

Uber introduces "Store Pickup," a feature allowing users to request an Uber courier to pick up and deliver purchased items from a store to a recipient. The service, accessible through the Uber Connect feature, targets last-minute holiday shoppers, offering convenience for items under $200 and weighing less than 30 lbs in 1,500 cities | Modern Delivery

Pilots ferrying Amazon goods for Air Transport International are on the brink of a strike, citing pay concerns and high attrition rates. With half of Amazon's US air fleet under their wings, a walkout might jolt the e-commerce giant's delivery promises, putting turbulence in its logistics skies | Wired

Driverless cars, once hailed as the future of transportation, are hitting roadblocks with major players like Uber and Cruise facing setbacks due to accidents and technological limitations. The dream of autonomous vehicles ruling the roads is fading, prompting a rethink on whether the future of transportation lies elsewhere | The Guardian

London's famed black cabs are embracing an eco-friendly makeover, with a whopping 50% now cruising the streets emission-free. Fueled by stringent regulations and a drive for sustainability, these electric taxis not only symbolize a greener London but also underscore the city's dedication to transforming iconic rides into clean, green machines | Engadget

Investment & Deals

UP Catalyst has received €4M to advance its scalable green graphite extraction, resulting in CO2-negative battery anodes and substantial environmental impact | Tech.eu

The majority of the workforce at Sono Motors, who were previously given notice at the end of October, have accepted re-employment offers provided by the company | Tech.eu

Foretellix raises an extra $42M to fund the development and testing of self-driving scenarios, further advancing autonomous vehicle technology | TechCrunch

Cubic Telecom, the Dublin-based startup providing software-based networking for vehicles, has raised €473 million ($513 million) from SoftBank Corp, giving SoftBank a 51% stake and valuing Cubic Telecom at over $1 billion | TechCrunch

According to insiders, MoveInSync, an Indian startup specializing in mobility solutions for workplace commute, is in discussions with investors to raise funds for its growth phase | TechCrunch

The Biden administration is granting $3 billion to Brightline West, a forthcoming electric high-speed rail connection linking Las Vegas and Los Angeles | Electrek

The administrators of the bankrupt company announced that the UK business and assets of Volta Trucks have been acquired by a new unit of Luxor Capital, a hedge fund that had previously made significant investments in the electric truck manufacturer | Reuters

Cities & Policy

Uncover the future of infrastructure, EV batteries, 5G, and more in this enlightening article from The Verge. Delve into autonomous trucking, optical communication, broadband equality, EV adoption, and battery recycling | The Verge

Allegations have arisen from California officials that Cruise's robotaxi service deliberately obscured the severity of an accident. It is claimed that General Motors' service misled regulators after a driverless car struck a pedestrian, resulting in a penalty of $1.5 million for the company | The Guardian

A strike by Tesla's service workers in Sweden has now expanded to affect Tesla's European operations, as they demand inclusion in a collective agreement | Electrek

The path ahead for EV adoption comprises gravel, with cities and primary travel routes set to be electrified in the upcoming years due to the Inflation Reduction Act. However, what does the transition to EVs look like for the regions located in between these areas? | The Verge

Paris caused a stir by banning shared electric scooters, allowing only privately owned ones. The removal of thousands of shared scooters had unexpected outcomes for the city | Electrek

In the face of climate change and population growth, Helsinki has emerged as the city most well-equipped for the future of urban mobility, as per a recent evaluation | Bloomberg

New Products, Features, and Data Points

Toshiba Corporation has employed a cobalt-free 5V-class cathode material to develop an advanced iteration of the lithium-ion battery. This battery offers versatility, making it suitable for diverse applications like power tools and electric vehicles | ETN

The California legislature easily passed a bill mandating human operators on heavy trucks, supported by labor organizations | The Verge

EVE Energy, Electrum, and GWKC have announced their collaboration in the development of electric motorcycle battery systems and battery-swap operations | AutoNews

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