Trump’s New Car Tariffs Could Be a Big Win for Tesla—Here’s Why | March 28th, 2025
DIY bike shops grow as traditional stores close, kei trucks face bans despite popularity, NYC targets fair e-bike subsidies, and London bans non-folding e-bikes.
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Micromobility
As traditional bike shops close, a new DIY trend is taking off on social media. In Chicago, Chucky Berls turned his Instagram hobby into Marygold Cyclery, building custom bikes from retro frames. Using online sales, visual branding, and local networks, he’s completed over 40 rebuilds. This social-driven model is spreading to other cities, showing how micromobility can thrive through creativity, community, and digital platforms—even as retail bike shops struggle | StreetsBlog Chicago
Tiny Japanese kei trucks are gaining fans in US cities for being cheap, fuel-efficient, and easy to park—perfect for dense urban areas. But regulators in several states have pushed back, citing safety concerns. Enthusiasts argue these lightweight vehicles are safer for others on the road and fight bans through lawsuits and legislation. The clash highlights a deeper issue: bulky American trucks may protect drivers but pose bigger risks to everyone else | Bloomberg
Bike New York is planning a targeted e-bike subsidy program to reduce car use in NYC’s outer boroughs. Unlike past programs, it will focus on areas with poor transit and high car dependency, like Southeast Queens. Backed by a state grant, the goal is to replace short car trips and support families who truly need the help. The initiative aims to boost clean, affordable transportation while avoiding subsidies for wealthier households | StreetsBlog NYC
Starting March 31, Transport for London will ban all non-folding e-bikes from the Tube, Overground, and other services due to fire risks from modified bikes. Though aimed at unsafe DIY kits, the rule also affects purpose-built models for easier enforcement. Folding e-bikes are still allowed. With e-bike fires now happening nearly every other day, officials say the move is needed until stronger safety rules for batteries and kits are in place | The Verge
Product Launches & Updates
Nissan is bringing back the Leaf as a compact SUV with a modern design, improved range, and a Tesla-compatible charging port. Set to arrive in North America in 2026, it’s built on the CMF-EV platform and features a panoramic roof and 19-inch wheels. This marks a major update from its hatchback past, offering better performance and charging. Nissan hopes the bold redesign will revive its EV presence and attract new buyers | The Verge
Hyundai has started producing its first three-row electric SUV, the IONIQ 9, at its new $7.6 billion EV plant in Georgia. The SUV offers up to 335 miles of range, a Tesla-compatible charging port, and a spacious interior with more cargo space than Kia’s EV9. Launching this spring, the IONIQ 9 marks a key step in Hyundai’s U.S. electric expansion, with the plant expected to create 40,000 jobs through related investments | Electrek
Cadillac has launched two new electric SUVs—the youthful Optiq and the luxurious Escalade IQ. The Optiq offers sporty handling, 302 miles of range, and a 33-inch display with Dolby Atmos sound. The Escalade IQ delivers 460 miles of range, 700 hp, and a 55-inch screen setup. Both come with SuperCruise, advanced safety features, and upscale interiors. Prices start at $55,615 for the Optiq and nearly $130,000 for the Escalade IQ | TechCrunch
Ridehailing, Carsharing & Delivery
Waymo’s self-driving taxis received over 600 tickets in San Francisco last year, totaling $65,065 in fines. Most were for parking violations and blocking traffic. Waymo says it pays all fines and is improving its system to avoid future issues. Despite the setbacks, the company now provides 200,000 paid rides weekly. As the leading U.S. robotaxi operator, Waymo aims to refine its tech while maintaining a strong presence in the autonomous ride market.
Waymo is preparing to launch "Waymo Teen," allowing teens aged 14–17 to ride alone with guardian approval. The program emphasizes safety by removing human drivers and offering consistent, monitored rides. Unlike Uber Teen, which faces safety concerns and regulatory hurdles, Waymo’s driverless model may offer greater peace of mind. This move could reshape family travel habits and strengthen Waymo’s position in the ridehailing market, especially among Gen Alpha users | The Driverless Digest
Uber has launched a $10 shuttle service to JFK Airport from Manhattan and Brooklyn, running every 30 minutes. The fare will rise to $25 after April 30. Riders can book up to four seats and avoid surge pricing. With soaring airport ride costs, this shared option offers a cheaper alternative. By bundling trips, Uber aims to ease travel expenses while expanding its regulated shuttle network in major cities | The Verge
Investment & Deals
Bolt has acquired Danish ride-hailing company Viggo, marking its first acquisition and expanding operations into Denmark. Viggo’s 300 all-electric vehicles and 450,000 users in Copenhagen and Aarhus will now join Bolt’s platform. This move complements Bolt’s existing 1,600 e-bikes in the country. Though the deal amount wasn't disclosed, it strengthens Bolt’s multimodal offering and supports its goal to reduce car use and provide greener transport options in urban areas | ZAGDaily
Hyundai Motor Group has announced a $21 billion investment in the U.S. with President Donald Trump. This includes a $5.8 billion steel plant in Louisiana, creating 1,400 jobs, and $9 billion to boost U.S. vehicle production to 1.2 million units by 2028. Additionally, $6 billion will support partnerships in autonomous driving and robotics. Hyundai's move aligns with Trump's tariff policies and the company's strategy to expand in the U.S. market | Reuters
Rivian has spun out a new micromobility startup called Also, backed by $105 million from Eclipse Ventures. Also will build affordable, Rivian-quality small electric vehicles, starting with a bike-like model launching next year in the U.S. and Europe. The company will operate independently but benefit from Rivian’s technology and resources. With plans for global expansion, Also aims to meet urban mobility needs for both consumers and commercial use in dense city environments | TechCrunch
Cities & Policy
New York Governor Kathy Hochul is urging the federal government to increase funding for the MTA, which needs over $68 billion. She argues the MTA carries 43% of U.S. transit riders but gets only 17% of federal funds. Backed by MTA Chair Janno Lieber, Hochul seeks $1–2 billion annually to help finance the plan. Eclipse Ventures is not involved; instead, new state and local taxes are being considered to close the funding gap | CBS News
President Trump’s new 25% auto tariffs give Tesla a key advantage, as it builds all U.S.-bound vehicles domestically. While Tesla will face added costs on imported parts, it’s better positioned than rivals like Ford and GM, which make many EVs in Mexico. The tariffs could raise competitors’ prices, boosting Tesla’s market edge—especially ahead of its upcoming low-cost EV. This shift could help Tesla recover from recent sales declines and controversy | TechCrunch
Canada removed Tesla from its EV rebate program after the automaker filed $43 million in claims over one weekend, raising suspicions of misuse. Officials are investigating the unusually high volume and have halted payments. This follows earlier criticism of Tesla’s compliance tactics and rising political tension. The move signals a policy shift: governments may act decisively against companies exploiting public funds, especially amid strained international relations and questionable corporate behavior | InsideEVs
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