UK Cycling Sector Launches "E-bike Positive" to Tackle Battery Safety Fears | August 30th, 2024
UK Cycling Sector Launches "E-bike Positive" to Tackle Battery Safety Fears | August 30th, 2024
Lyft enhances rider verification for safety; Uber upgrades teen accounts and invests in Wayve for autonomous tech; Archer advances eVTOL launch.
Issue [#254] - Every week, we deliver analysis and curation of emerging mobility news - post a job listing here!
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Micromobility
The UK cycling sector has launched the "E-bike Positive Campaign" to address concerns about e-bike battery safety, driven by fears of fires from uncertified batteries. Key industry members, including Cycling UK and Bosch eBike Systems, are educating consumers and promoting the use of certified products. The campaign also urges the government to strengthen regulations on unsafe e-bikes and advocates for safer working conditions for delivery riders | ZAGDaily
Australia Post is adding 175 rugged UBCO DUTY electric motorbikes to its fleet for mail delivery across diverse terrains in rural and urban areas. These e-bikes, designed for durability and efficiency, help reach places traditional mail vans cannot. The move aligns with Australia Post's commitment to sustainability, reducing fossil fuel reliance. UBCO's CEO highlighted the bikes' ability to handle heavy loads and challenging conditions, enhancing delivery efficiency in remote areas | Electrek
The National Park Service now lets each park decide whether to allow e-bikes, sparking debates. Environmentalists worry e-bikes may disrupt wildlife and quiet areas, while supporters argue they improve park accessibility. This echoes past conflicts over mountain bikes, with concerns about safety and environmental impact. As e-bike popularity grows, the discussion on balancing conservation and accessibility in national parks is becoming increasingly important | The Daily Climate
Buycycle, a European marketplace for pre-owned bikes, expanded to the US a year ago and quickly became its fastest-growing market. Founded in Munich in 2021, Buycycle addresses the need for affordable, premium bikes, offering over 20,000 listings, including 2,000 from the US. The company’s success stems from its strong community, effective marketing, and filling market gaps with secure transactions and refurbished bikes. It plans to expand into other bike segments, including e-bikes | Tech.eu
Product Launches & Updates
CFMoto's new ZForce Z10 UTV enters the market with a turbocharged 998cc engine delivering 143 horsepower and 100 lb-ft of torque. It competes with base models of Polaris and Can-Am, featuring Fox QSE shocks, Eibach springs, and Apple CarPlay integration. With a price range of $19,999 to $22,999, the ZForce Z10 offers impressive features like a 4,500-pound winch and adjustable steering, posing a potential challenge to established competitors | RideApart
Volvo's EX30, its smallest and most affordable EV, is driving significant growth in Europe, with over 47,000 units sold since January. Priced at around $34,950 in the US, it’s set to become one of the most affordable EVs on the market. However, its US launch has been delayed until 2025 due to tariffs on Chinese imports. Volvo is ramping up production in Belgium to meet US demand, offering a range of up to 275 miles | Electrek
Beam Mobility secretly deployed extra “phantom” e-scooters in Australian and New Zealand cities to bypass vehicle registration fees, according to a report by *The Australian*. The company allegedly placed over 1,000 additional scooters on streets, providing false data to monitoring apps. This move aimed to generate $150,000 in extra profit. Beam, backed by investors like Affirma Capital and Peak XV Partners, now faces scrutiny over these deceptive practices | TechCrunch
Hyundai's next EV for the U.S., the Ioniq 9, is a three-row SUV set to be built at the Georgia Metaplant, boosting Hyundai's share in the electric vehicle market. Based on the Concept Seven, the Ioniq 9 features Hyundai’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). Expected to debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the SUV aims to qualify for the federal EV tax credit and offers over 300 miles of range | The Verge
Ridehailing, Carsharing, & Delivery
Lyft has introduced a rider verification program in nine U.S. cities to enhance driver safety by confirming riders' identities. Users will now see a verification badge next to profiles, indicating Lyft has confirmed their legal name. The program, similar to Uber’s initiative, involves cross-referencing personal information with third-party databases. Drivers can still accept rides without badges, though it may result in longer wait times for unverified riders | TechCrunch
Uber has updated its teen accounts, allowing parents to book rides for their teenagers directly from their own accounts. This change responds to feedback from users and extends safety features like real-time ride tracking to these trips. Teen riders can also schedule rides up to 90 days in advance. Uber remains the only ridehail service catering to teens, offering clearer guidelines for both young users and drivers | The Verge
Uber is investing in the UK startup Wayve, which is developing advanced self-driving technology. This partnership, part of Wayve's $1.05 billion Series C round, aims to integrate Wayve's AI into consumer vehicles for use on Uber's platform. Unlike other systems, Wayve’s technology uses cameras and radar rather than lidar. This deal follows Uber’s recent announcements of autonomous robotaxis and collaborations with other self-driving tech firms, enhancing Uber’s position in the autonomous vehicle market | TechCrunch
Archer Aviation, led by Nikhil Goel, is set to launch its first commercial eVTOL air taxi, Midnight, by late 2025. With a strong focus on regulatory approvals, especially in the Middle East, Archer is partnering with major global players like Stellantis to scale production. Archer’s $5.7 billion order book and strategic partnerships highlight its rapid progress. The company’s emphasis on practical design and manufacturing positions it for successful market entry | ZAGDaily
Uber has been fined €290 million ($324 million) by the Dutch Data Protection Authority for improperly transferring European driver data to the U.S., violating the EU's GDPR. The investigation revealed that sensitive driver data was moved without adequate safeguards. Uber plans to appeal the decision, calling the fine unjustified. This penalty underscores the EU's strict stance on data privacy and its serious implications for tech companies | The Verge
Waymo has launched all-day, curbside pickups and drop-offs at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, marking a significant step for self-driving technology. This service expansion, previously limited to specific hours and locations, signals progress for autonomous vehicles in high-traffic areas. Waymo has operated in Arizona since 2017, and this development positions airports as key hubs for autonomous mobility, benefiting travelers seeking convenient, reliable transportation | Wired
Kathryn, who is blind, frequently uses rideshare services and navigates with a guide dog. She recommends that drivers ask vision-impaired passengers how they prefer to be addressed and advises using a towel in the car for rides with service animals to avoid damage. She emphasizes the importance of distinguishing true service animals from fakes by asking specific questions allowed by Lyft, thus maintaining a respectful and efficient service for all riders | The Rideshare Guy Podcast
Uber has been fined €290 million by Dutch regulators for sending European taxi drivers' personal data to the U.S. in violation of EU rules. The fine follows an investigation sparked by complaints from French taxi drivers. Uber, disputing the decision, has stopped the data transfers and plans to appeal. The appeals process could take up to four years, with fines suspended until all legal avenues are exhausted | Reuters
Investment & Deals
General Motors and Samsung SDI have finalized a $3.5 billion deal to build an EV battery plant in Indiana, set to begin production in 2027. This factory will initially produce 27GWh, potentially reaching 36GWh, and create over 1,600 jobs. Despite industry uncertainty, GM remains committed to scaling up EV production. The plant will benefit from local tax incentives and contribute to the growing global battery production capacity | The Verge
The Biden-Harris administration has awarded $521 million in grants to expand the national EV charger network, doubling the number of public chargers to over 192,000. New chargers will be added across 29 states, two Federally Recognized Tribes, and Washington, D.C. The funding includes $321 million for community projects and $200 million for fast-charging corridors. Key initiatives include new chargers in Milwaukee, North Dakota, Atlanta, and California | Electrek
Volt Mobility has agreed to purchase 3,000 EV cargo vans and trucks from Mullen Automotive for about $210 million. The delivery will span 16 months, starting with a $3 million deposit. Volt plans to lease these vehicles to corporate clients in the Middle East, including UPS and FedEx. The vehicles will be assembled at Mullen’s facility in Mississippi. This deal supports Volt’s mission to lead in sustainable transportation in the GCC region | Electric Car Reports
ChargePoint has partnered with Daimler Buses to integrate its telematics and charge management systems with Mercedes-Benz and Setra buses. This deal, aimed at improving fleet operations, allows transport companies to use vehicle data without extra hardware. The partnership offers seamless fleet management, real-time data analysis, and high data security. It benefits ChargePoint customers by simplifying fleet management and enhancing efficiency for both electric and conventional buses | Electric Car Reports
Polish company MMI has secured €7.7 million from Vinci S.A. to develop a range of electric and hydrogen buses. The funds will support the creation of low-entry, low-floor, and standard-floor electric minibuses, including a hydrogen-powered model. MMI plans to enhance its technology and double production capacity with a new facility. This investment aims to strengthen MMI's position in Poland and expand its presence in Western Europe’s zero-emission vehicle market | Tech.eu
Cities & Policy
Canada will impose a 100% tariff on Chinese-made electric vehicles starting October 1, 2024, aligning with similar U.S. measures. This new policy also includes a 25% tariff on Chinese steel and aluminum. Canadian EV incentives will be restricted to vehicles from countries with free-trade agreements. The move aims to counteract perceived threats from China’s manufacturing practices and protect local industries. Mexico remains a potential loophole for Chinese EVs entering the U.S. market | Green Car Reports
In this episode of #citiesfirst, renowned architect and urban designer Laura Narváez-Zertuche discusses the intersection of AI and urbanism. From smart cities to sustainable development, discover how AI is shaping our cities. Listen to this episode for insights on the future of urban living | The #CitiesFirst Podcast
Paris’s recent cycling infrastructure improvements offer insights for New York’s traffic issues. Paris has significantly expanded bike lanes and reduced car space, resulting in a rise in biking trips from 5% to 11.2% since 2020. New York is implementing similar strategies with daylighting intersections and raised crosswalks to enhance pedestrian safety. Adopting Paris’s approach could help New York manage congestion and encourage more sustainable transportation choices | New York Times
A new federal bill, the Pedestrian Protection Act introduced by Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, aims to improve vehicle safety for pedestrians. The bill proposes that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration set stricter safety standards for vehicles, focusing on features like height, blind spots, and design that affect pedestrian safety. It also calls for updated safety ratings to help consumers choose safer cars. This initiative seeks to address the rising pedestrian fatalities linked to large vehicles | Streets Blog USA
Minneapolis and St. Paul, recently named top bike-friendly cities, will host the inaugural Twin Cities Bike Tour on September 15. The event will attract up to 2,000 cyclists for a 46-mile route connecting key areas in both cities. Organized by BikeMN, this tour replaces former local bike events and aims to highlight both cities’ cycling infrastructure. It will feature various routes, including a 6.6-mile option for all ages and abilities | The Minnesota Star Tribune
California's proposed SB 960, led by Sen. Scott Wiener, aims to prioritize crosswalks, bus lanes, and public transit in road repairs. Despite resistance from unions over funding concerns, the bill seeks to balance road and transit infrastructure, enhancing walking and biking amenities. It builds on Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2019 directive and addresses past criticisms by allowing Caltrans flexibility in project selection. This shift could foster future collaboration between unions and environmental groups | Politico
New Products, Features, and Data Points
Ford is pushing the boundaries of electric vehicles with models like the Mach-E Rally and SuperTruck, each tailored for extreme performance and niche appeal. The F-150 Lightning dominated the Pikes Peak Hill Climb despite technical setbacks, underscoring Ford’s commitment to EV innovation. Meanwhile, the Mustang Cobra Jet 1400 showcases Ford's experimental EV designs. Other automakers like Hyundai and Nissan are also targeting niche markets with high-performance electric models, indicating a broader trend in the automotive industry | The Verge
Car manufacturers, including Tesla, Rivian, Genesis, Porsche, Lincoln, and Jeep, are adding tech features to vehicles to compete with tech companies, but with mixed results. J.D. Power's survey of 82,000 drivers reveals dislike for passenger screens, gesture controls, and hands-off systems like Super Cruise and BlueCruise. Instead, drivers favor practical tech like reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot cameras, and smart climate control. Although less popular now, acceptance of hands-off driving tech could grow as consumers become more comfortable with it | InsideEVs
Octopus Energy's Electroverse, launched in 2020, is now Europe's largest EV charging platform with 850,000 chargers. It simplifies EV charging with a ‘one card, one app’ model, integrating 950 brands like InstaVolt and IONITY, covering 80% of Europe’s public chargers across 40 countries and 20 languages. It also supports business EV fleets with specialized features and offers combined billing for energy customers in the UK, expanding soon to Europe, while rapidly approaching one million users worldwide | Tech.eu
The Intuit Dome, a $2 billion venue in Inglewood, opens as the new LA Clippers home, aiming to revolutionize fan experience with checkout-free concessions, high-tech seating, and a vast Halo Board. To ease parking stress, the Dome offers free shuttles from five Los Angeles locations. This state-of-the-art facility will host the 2026 NBA All-Star weekend and 2028 Olympic basketball, underscoring Steve Ballmer’s vision for a fan-centered, technologically advanced arena—and check out Harry Campbell, The Rideshare Guy's experience riding Circuit in Catalina over the weekend | Forbes
Nissan has approved the new Fermata Energy FE-20 bidirectional charger for use with the Nissan LEAF, enhancing its Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capabilities. This charger can both charge the LEAF and send stored energy back to the grid, potentially cutting electricity costs. Compared to its predecessor, the FE-20 offers 33% more power, lower costs, and improved efficiency. The technology aims to further reduce utility expenses and enhance energy management for LEAF owners and fleets | Nissan Motor Corporation
ChargePoint is introducing an AI-powered tool to improve EV charger reliability. This new system rapidly diagnoses and resolves issues with charging stations by analyzing images and identifying problems, which helps reduce downtime. EV drivers can report problems and track repairs through the ChargePoint app. This AI tool aims to enhance the reliability of ChargePoint’s network and speed up maintenance, addressing a key concern for electric vehicle users | Electrek
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