Uber Sues DoorDash for Unfair Tactics, Claims Millions Lost and Competition Blocked | February 21st, 2025
Spirit exits bankruptcy with a lender-backed deal, cutting debt and securing stability. Nikola seeks buyers, Rivian partners with Volkswagen.
Issue [#277 - Every week, we deliver analysis and curation of emerging mobility news - post a job listing here!
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Micromobility
Oslo has doubled its e-scooter fleet, with Segway supplying 67% of the shared vehicles. The city’s expansion aims to boost micromobility while improving safety and efficiency. Segway collaborates closely with operators like Voi and Ryde, refining vehicle durability and lowering costs. Their latest Apex D110L e-scooter enhances range and maintenance efficiency. This push supports Oslo’s goal of becoming emissions-free by 2030, making shared e-scooters a key urban transport solution | ZAGDaily
Upway is transforming the used e-bike market by refurbishing and reselling bikes at lower prices. Since 2021, it has expanded to eight countries, raised over $60 million, and sold 50,000 e-bikes. A new LA warehouse will boost U.S. inventory and cut delivery times. With trusted quality, competitive pricing, and strong demand, Upway aims to double in size by 2025, making e-bikes more accessible and reducing car trips | ZAGDaily
Cowboy has moved its e-bike assembly to France, partnering with ReCycles to improve production quality, reduce delivery times, and strengthen support. This shift addresses supply chain disruptions and ensures a steady stock without cash flow strain. The move also expands ReCycles’ role in high-tech e-bike production. With faster shipping and expanded service locations, Cowboy aims to meet growing demand while reinforcing its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction across Europe | Tech.eu
Product Launches & Updates
Kia has unveiled the PV5, its first electric van built on the PBV platform, ahead of its full debut on February 24. The PV5 comes in Passenger and Cargo versions, featuring a futuristic design, large windows, and modular flexibility. Aimed at competing with the Volkswagen ID.Buzz and Ford E-Transit, it promises spacious interiors and advanced usability. Kia will reveal more details, including powertrain specs, at its EV Day event | Electrek
Rivian has unveiled the California Dune edition for its R1T and R1S EVs, designed for off-road adventures. Featuring 20-inch All-Terrain wheels, a protective underbody shield, and a desert-inspired paint color, it enhances durability and style. The tri-motor powertrain delivers 850 horsepower and 329 miles of range. Prices start at $99,900. Rivian will reveal more details during its upcoming earnings report | The Verge
Ridehailing, Carsharing & Delivery
Serve Robotics is launching sidewalk delivery robots in Miami, partnering with Uber Eats to serve Shake Shack and Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza. This marks Serve’s first East Coast expansion, testing its ability to scale in new urban settings. The company, which plans to deploy 2,000 robots, says the move could ease traffic and reduce emissions. The launch follows previous robotic delivery efforts in Los Angeles and Miami’s existing partnerships | Smart Cities Dive
Uber has sued DoorDash, accusing it of pressuring restaurants into exclusive deals and limiting competition in food delivery. The lawsuit alleges DoorDash threatens businesses with penalties or reduced visibility if they work with Uber Direct. DoorDash denies the claims, calling them baseless. Uber seeks a jury trial, arguing these tactics have cost it millions and restricted market choice. The case could impact competition in the U.S. delivery industry | TechCrunch
Uber is shifting to a daily fee model for auto-rickshaw drivers in India, replacing its commission-based system. Drivers will pay $0.23–$0.46 per day, while riders must pay fares directly. The change aligns Uber with rivals Rapido and Namma Yatri, which already use subscription models. Though limited to auto-rickshaws, this move reflects Uber’s ongoing adaptations to India’s competitive market, where fare negotiations and cash payments may become more common | TechCrunch
Waymo is exploring a membership program to offer perks like priority pickups and discounts, aiming to improve rider loyalty and address long wait times. A recent survey sought user feedback on potential benefits, similar to Uber and Lyft’s programs. While Waymo lacks a delivery partner like Uber One, the program could help manage demand spikes and retain customers as the company expands its robotaxi service | The Driverless Digest
Investment & Deals
Spirit Airlines will exit bankruptcy through a lender-backed deal, rejecting Frontier’s takeover offer. The plan hands control to top bondholders, including Citadel Advisors and Pacific Investment Management. The restructuring cuts $795 million in debt and includes a $350 million equity injection. Spirit aims to enhance its offerings with premium options. The deal secures financial stability, positioning the airline for future growth in the competitive budget travel market | Bloomberg
Nikola, the bankrupt electric trucking startup, aims to sell its entire business by April. The company has at least three interested buyers and is seeking more bids by late March. If a full sale fails, it will sell assets to cover over $1 billion in liabilities. With only $47 million in cash, Nikola is pushing for a quick sale to maximize creditor recovery and stabilize its financial situation | TechCrunch
Rivian secured a $5.8 billion EV joint venture with Volkswagen, expecting $3.5 billion over the next few years. The funds will support Rivian’s R2 electric SUV launch and manufacturing expansion in Georgia. With $9 billion in liquidity, Rivian aims for profitability through cost reductions and increased efficiency. The partnership strengthens its market position, providing capital for future growth and scaling production | Electrek
Karman+ has secured $20 million in seed funding to develop autonomous spacecraft for asteroid mining. Investors include Plural, Hummingbird, HCVC, and Kevin Mahaffey. The startup aims to extract water and rare materials from asteroids to refuel satellites and support space manufacturing. With missions projected at $10 million, significantly lower than past billion-dollar efforts, Karman+ plans its first launch in 2027, marking a step toward cost-effective space resource utilization | TechCrunch
Fetii has raised $7.35 million in seed funding led by Mark Cuban’s Radical Investments, with support from Y Combinator and Goodwater Capital. The Austin-based rideshare platform partners with fleet operators to provide group transportation via 15-passenger vans. With operations in 68 U.S. cities and 1.5 million passengers transported in 2024, Fetii plans to explore AI, autonomous vehicles, and EV integration while expanding its media presence and strategic partnerships | Forbes
Milence has secured €111 million in EU funding to expand its charging network for heavy-duty electric vehicles. As part of the €422 million Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility, the project will deploy 548 charging points across 10 EU countries by 2027. Milence aims to accelerate sustainable trucking, enhance logistics efficiency, and support the European Green Deal’s 2050 climate goals with smart grid integration and renewable energy solutions | Electric Car Reports
FLIT has raised £1.2 million from ACF Investors, Cambridge Angels, and Tony Purnell to accelerate production of its lightweight folding e-bike, the FLIT M2. Using aerospace-grade adhesive bonding, FLIT reduces weight and enhances durability. The funding supports scaling production and expanding urban mobility solutions. With a 50km range and compact design, the M2 aims to make city commuting more efficient and accessible for UK riders | Tech.eu
Cities & Policy
The Trump administration has launched a review of California’s high-speed rail project, citing cost overruns and delays. Initially estimated at $33 billion, the project now faces costs up to $128 billion, with only 119 miles under construction. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy questioned continued taxpayer funding, while California Democrats defended the rail’s importance. The review could impact the project’s future, as political shifts continue to shape its fate | Bloomberg
Denver is taking full responsibility for sidewalk upkeep, making it the largest US city to do so. Previously, property owners handled repairs, leading to neglect, especially in lower-income areas. A new ordinance shifts maintenance to the city, funded by annual fees, aiming to fix 1,000 miles in a decade. Advocates say this move improves safety and equity. If successful, Denver’s model could inspire other cities to follow suit | Bloomberg
Rivian warns that policy changes under the Trump administration could impact its growth despite recent profitability gains. The company plans to deliver up to 51,000 EVs in 2025 but faces risks from potential cuts to EV tax credits and tariffs. Rivian continues cost-cutting, including layoffs and streamlined production, while boosting software revenue through a Volkswagen partnership. It also introduced an AI assistant to enhance customer service and reduce costs | TechCrunch
Trump’s administration has revoked approval for Manhattan’s congestion pricing, sparking a legal battle. Governor Kathy Hochul vowed to keep the tolls, arguing they reduce traffic and fund transit. MTA officials highlight early success, with fewer cars and faster bus speeds. The federal move threatens years of planning and billions in improvements. Advocates pledge to fight, as courts will now decide congestion pricing’s fate in New York | The City
Many U.S. cities face a critical shortage of public restrooms, impacting accessibility and public health. Throne Co-founder Jessica Heinzelman discussed this issue on the Urbanistica Podcast, highlighting how smart technology and data-driven solutions can improve restroom maintenance and availability. She emphasized the economic benefits for municipalities and the need for inclusive urban planning. Addressing this overlooked challenge could create more livable and equitable cities | Throne Labs via LinkedIn
The FAA is turning to SpaceX to help modernize air traffic control following a deadly crash in Washington, DC. The move comes amid mass layoffs of FAA workers, raising concerns over staffing shortages. Critics highlight Elon Musk’s conflict of interest, given his role in government and SpaceX’s federal contracts. The overhaul aims to improve safety, but experts warn it could strain an already overburdened system | The Verge
Senate Republicans introduced two bills that could make EVs more expensive. One, led by Sen. John Barrasso, aims to eliminate federal EV tax credits, while another, from Sen. Deb Fischer, proposes a $1,000 fee on new EV purchases. Supporters argue EV owners should contribute to road maintenance, but critics see it as a setback for clean energy adoption. If passed, these measures could slow EV growth in the U.S | The Verge
New Products, Features, and Data Points
Volvo’s new ES90 sedan will feature Nvidia’s Drive AGX Orin supercomputer, enabling advanced AI-driven safety features and efficient battery management. Built on Volvo’s Superset tech stack, it supports continuous over-the-air updates for long-term improvements. With processing speeds of 508 trillion operations per second, the ES90 marks Volvo’s shift toward smarter, safer vehicles. Volvo aims to enhance driving experience through deep learning and modular engineering advancements | The Verge
Stellantis announced STLA AutoDrive, its first “hands free, eyes off” Level 3+ driving system, allowing drivers to read or watch movies in slow traffic. The system, which works in low-light and bad weather, is ready but won’t launch yet due to market and regulatory hurdles. Stellantis joins other automakers in pursuing partial automation, focusing on convenience rather than full autonomy, with plans to expand functionality as technology advances | The Verge
Tesla will test virtual queues at select Supercharger stations to ease conflicts over charging spots. The system aims to improve customer experience and reduce "EV charging rage," which has led to altercations and even a fatal incident. If the pilot succeeds, a broader rollout will follow this year. Tesla continues expanding its network but hasn’t confirmed if non-Tesla EVs will have access to the queue system initially | TechCrunch
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 integrates Tesla’s NACS charging port but faces compatibility issues at some Supercharger stations due to cord length. Hyundai suggests using CCS chargers with an adapter for a better experience. The update includes larger batteries, increased range, wireless smartphone integration, and Hyundai Pay for parking. A new XRT trim adds mild off-road capability. Despite these improvements, some buyers may opt for alternatives with better Supercharger compatibility | TechCrunch
Tesla is expected to bring back the turn signal stalk for the Model 3 after strong customer feedback. The refreshed Model Y already features a simplified stalk for basic signaling, but Tesla will not restore the right-side shifter stalk. Autopilot activation remains on the steering wheel. While retrofits for older Model 3s are unclear, third-party solutions exist. Other models like the Cybertruck and Model S are unlikely to see similar changes | Not a Tesla App
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