Trump Grants Automakers One-Month Tariff Delay Urging U.S. Production Shift | March 7th, 2025

Plus, Ontario may cut key bike lanes despite their proven benefits, while Xiaomi’s 1,526-hp SU7 Ultra EV sells 10,000 units in two hours, shaking up the market.

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Micromobility

Shared micromobility, like e-scooters and bikes, reduces congestion, cuts emissions, and promotes healthier cities. However, managing limited public space is key. Cities can prevent clutter by using designated parking zones, GPS tracking, and public-private collaboration. Stockholm sets an example with data-driven regulations. Funding remains a challenge, but dynamic pricing and partnerships can help. Future cooperation between cities and operators will improve safety, infrastructure, and integration with public transit | Cities Today

Bolt has partnered with Forest to integrate 15,000 e-bikes into its app, expanding shared mobility in 14 London boroughs. This move supports car-free transport, with over 70% of UK Bolt users not owning cars. Forest prioritizes sustainability, using 100% renewable energy. The partnership enhances accessibility, providing a flexible alternative for short trips and reducing emissions. This collaboration reflects a growing shift toward sustainable urban transport solutions | Future Transport News

Ontario’s new law could lead to the removal of key bike lanes in Toronto, but research shows their benefits outweigh concerns. Bike lanes enhance safety, reduce injuries, and improve traffic flow. They also boost local businesses and make streets more inclusive for women, children, and low-income cyclists. Studies show minimal delays for drivers, while removing lanes can worsen congestion. Keeping bike lanes ensures safer, more efficient, and equitable urban mobility | The Conversation

A lawsuit by over 40 Etobicoke business owners claims bike lanes on Bloor Street West hurt sales and worsen traffic. However, studies show bike lanes increase foot traffic and long-term spending. Research in Toronto and global cities confirms cyclists visit businesses more often, boosting revenue. While the city explores redesigns, the debate highlights the challenge of balancing business concerns with evidence-backed benefits of bike-friendly infrastructure | Momentum Magazine

Product Launches & Updates

Brompton’s G Line folding gravel bike has arrived in the U.S., offering adventure-ready 20-inch wheels and 2.1-inch tires for off-road riding. With a steel frame, hydraulic disc brakes, and an 8-speed Shimano Alfine hub, it combines portability with performance. The bike folds in 20 seconds and weighs as little as 30.6 lbs. Available in three sizes and colors for $3,300, it starts shipping this week, with an electric version coming soon | Bike Rumor

Volvo has unveiled the ES90, its first mass-produced electric sedan, featuring a sleek liftback design. Built on the SPA2 platform, it boasts an 800V battery for rapid charging—adding 186 miles in 10 minutes. With up to 670 hp, a 435-mile range, and advanced safety features, it’s Volvo’s most high-tech EV. A spacious cabin, Google-powered infotainment, and premium audio enhance the experience. Orders have begun in Europe, with wider availability expected | InsideEVs

Telo has unveiled the MT1, a compact electric truck designed for city use. With a modular design, it can transform from a pickup to a van. Safety testing is ongoing, and homologation is expected next winter. Co-founder Jason Marks is seeking investors, while industrial designer Yves Behar and battery expert Forrest North contribute to development. Reservations remain open for $152, matching the truck’s 152-inch length | The Verge

Xiaomi has launched the SU7 Ultra, a high-performance electric sedan with 1,526 hp, priced at $73,000. It accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 1.98 seconds and features a 93.7 kWh CATL battery for 385 miles of range. Over 10,000 orders were placed within two hours. Deliveries begin in April, with Xiaomi targeting 300,000 EVs in 2025, marking a rapid expansion in the automotive market | Electrek

Cadillac has unveiled the Escalade IQL, the longest SUV ever made, extending the electric IQ model for more cargo and third-row space. At 228.5 inches, it surpasses its gas-powered counterpart and features a boxier design. It retains a 205 kWh battery with 460 miles of range and fast-charging capability. Priced at $132,695, production begins mid-2025, reinforcing Cadillac’s push into the luxury EV market | The Verge

Rivian and Ben & Jerry’s have unveiled the "Scoop Truck," an all-electric ice cream truck based on Rivian’s Commercial Van. Debuting at SXSW, it will later visit Rivian events and Ben & Jerry’s home state of Vermont. With a 161-mile range, it supports eco-friendly operations while serving ice cream. This partnership highlights both companies' commitment to sustainability, offering a fun and practical glimpse into the future of food trucks | Electrek

Ridehailing, Carsharing & Delivery

Uber Eats has partnered with FreshDirect to offer same-day and on-demand grocery delivery in New York City. This marks FreshDirect’s first integration with a third-party app, expanding access to its fresh produce, meats, and prepared meals. Customers can now order through Uber Eats for delivery in as little as an hour. The move strengthens Uber’s grocery delivery presence while enhancing convenience for FreshDirect shoppers | Uber Investor

EHang’s EH216-S pilotless air taxi completed its first urban flight in Europe over Benidorm, Spain, as part of the U-ELCOME project. The test, conducted under EASA regulations, aimed to advance urban air mobility by integrating autonomous aircraft into city airspaces. Experts see this as a key step toward air taxi regulations and infrastructure, positioning Benidorm as a hub for next-generation mobility | ZAGDaily

Hyundai is partnering with Avride, a Yandex spinoff, to develop fully autonomous ridehailing cars. Avride will deploy 100 driverless Hyundai Ioniq 5s this year, starting in Dallas through a deal with Uber. The vehicles will be built in Georgia and integrated with Avride’s technology. This move supports Avride’s expansion into robotaxis and delivery robots, positioning it as a key player in autonomous mobility | The Verge

Tesla has applied for a transportation permit in California, a key step toward launching a ride-hailing service. Unlike Uber and Lyft, Tesla would own its vehicles and use employees as drivers. However, it has not yet applied for autonomous ride-hailing approval. This move contrasts with Tesla’s focus on Texas, where it plans to launch a driverless robotaxi service in June using its upcoming "unsupervised" Full Self-Driving software | TechCrunch

Uber is expanding robotaxi integration, launching an exclusive Waymo service in Austin. Chief Product Officer Sachin Kansal, known for his hands-on approach, leads the effort to balance human drivers with autonomous vehicles. Uber will handle fleet operations, while Waymo manages vehicle testing and support. The initiative marks a shift in Uber’s AV strategy, moving from in-house development to partnerships, despite ongoing labor concerns and past controversies in autonomous technology | TechCrunch

Waymo is testing a “Scheduled Rides” feature in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix, allowing users to book rides 10 to 60 minutes in advance. While this improves reliability for key trips like airport rides, it may lower vehicle utilization. Unlike Uber’s fluctuating scheduled ride system, Waymo’s premium model could justify higher pricing and loyalty perks. The feature aims to enhance user experience despite operational trade-offs | The Driverless Digest

Investment & Deals

The U.S. government is pressuring automakers to invest in domestic production by threatening tariffs of up to 25% on imports from Canada and Mexico. While the latest tariff threat is temporarily suspended, companies face mounting pressure to shift operations. Automakers rely on cross-border supply chains for cost efficiency, and forced changes could raise vehicle prices. Investments in U.S. manufacturing may increase, but at the risk of disrupting established trade networks | The New York Times

Volocopter has entered formal insolvency proceedings, putting nearly all 450 employees on paid leave while seeking new investors. Court-appointed administrator Tobias Wahl is leading efforts to secure funding and keep the VoloCity air taxi certification process on track. A recent commitment from Jet Systems Hélicoptères Services to buy two aircraft remains uncertain. The insolvency follows Lilium’s collapse, highlighting financial struggles and slow commercialization in the European eVTOL sector | ZAGDaily

Didi is seeking new funding for its autonomous driving unit, aiming for a $5 billion valuation. The unit has raised $1.55 billion so far, including $298 million in October 2024. Talks with investors, including a Beijing-based fund, are ongoing. The funds may support AV technology development and robotaxi production with GAC Aion, set for 2025. Investor interest follows recent IPOs from WeRide and Pony AI | TechCrunch

AiDEN Auto closed a $4.2 million oversubscribed seed round, bringing total funding to $6.1 million. Led by Nuri Venture Partners, the investment will help expand its privacy-first connected vehicle platform. AiDEN’s no-code framework enables automakers to scale in-vehicle services while ensuring data privacy. With strategic partnerships, including HERE Technologies, the company aims to transform how automakers leverage consumer data while maintaining transparency and trust | Aiden

BYD raised $5.6 billion in Hong Kong’s largest share sale in nearly four years, selling 129.8 million shares at HK$335.20 each. The funds will support overseas expansion, R&D, and factory construction amid rising tariffs on China-made EVs. BYD, China’s top-selling auto brand, saw a 161% sales surge last month and aims to reach 6 million vehicle sales this year, strengthening its global presence | Yahoo! Finance

Canoo CEO Anthony Aquila is buying the bankrupt EV startup’s assets for $4 million through his new entity, WHS Energy Solutions. The deal erases Canoo’s $11 million debt to Aquila’s financial firm and includes manufacturing equipment, intellectual property, and vehicles. The sale aims to maintain government contracts but excludes leases and other debts. Other buyers can submit higher bids before March 28, though the bankruptcy trustee favors Aquila’s offer | TechCrunch

CaPow raised $15 million in Series A funding, led by Toyota Ventures, to expand globally and scale production. The Israeli startup’s Power-In-Motion technology powers robotic fleets while in motion, eliminating charging downtime and reducing costs. Companies using CaPow report a 32% drop in ownership costs and a 45% boost in efficiency. The funding supports R&D and market expansion, positioning CaPow as a leader in industrial automation | PRNewswire

Cities & Policy

President Donald Trump granted automakers a one-month delay on new tariffs, urging them to shift production from Canada and Mexico to the U.S. by April 2. The 25% tariffs could raise car prices by up to $12,000, threatening demand. Automakers like Ford warn of potential industry disruptions. While some companies pledge U.S. investments, limited factory capacity complicates relocation, raising concerns over long-term economic impacts and supply chain stability | TechCrunch

Austin’s $7 billion light rail project is moving forward despite funding uncertainties. The 9.8-mile line will include 15 stations, a new downtown stop, and a bridge over Lady Bird Lake. While federal funding was briefly frozen, a court injunction has resumed payments. State-level opposition remains possible, but no legislative action has been taken. Public comments are open until March 11, with completion expected by 2033 | Smart Cities Dive

Massachusetts will install 100 bidirectional EV chargers in a first-of-its-kind pilot to enhance grid resilience and support renewable energy. The program, running until 2026, aims to add 1.5 MW of storage and will serve homes, businesses, and schools. Participants can use EVs for backup power and grid events. Insights from the project will guide future EV adoption, aligning with the state’s goal of 900,000 EVs by 2030 | Smart Cities Dive

A court ruling has paused Buffalo’s $1.5 billion Kensington Expressway project, requiring a deeper environmental review. Activists see this as a chance to push for full freeway removal, arguing it would be cheaper and more beneficial. Supporters, including state officials, worry about delays and funding uncertainty. The decision highlights growing debates over urban freeway projects and their impact on communities, with Buffalo now reconsidering its approach to reconnecting divided neighborhoods | Bloomberg

Flying remains extremely safe, but concerns over the FAA’s stability are growing. Recent crashes, layoffs, and outdated systems have shaken public confidence. Elon Musk’s push to integrate SpaceX’s Starlink into air traffic control has intensified tensions, with reports of interference in FAA operations. While data reassures that flying is still secure, experts warn that systemic issues must be addressed to maintain trust and prevent further disruptions in air travel safety | The Verge

New Products, Features, and Data Points

Volkswagen’s ID EVERY1, its most affordable EV at $21,500, will debut in 2027 with Rivian’s software and architecture. This follows a $5.8 billion joint venture aimed at cutting costs and accelerating EV development. The ID.2all, a pricier model, arrives in 2026. VW’s partnership with Rivian strengthens its competitive edge, while Rivian gains financial stability and business expansion. Both models focus on urban, front-wheel-drive electric mobility | TechCrunch

Kia’s EV9 will support bidirectional charging with the Wallbox Quasar 2, launching in June. This system lets owners use their SUV as a home power backup during blackouts. It also integrates with solar panels, enabling smart energy management and potential savings. Preorders are open for EV9 owners, but installation requires a 200-amp service and possible utility approval. This innovation enhances EV functionality and home energy resilience | The Verge