Waymo’s Robotaxis Are Now Available 24/7 in Silicon Valley But There’s a Catch | March 14th, 2025
Estonia rejects new fuel rules over cost concerns, Michigan blocks a Chinese battery factory, and Tesla faces global protests and attacks.
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Micromobility
Stellantis has partnered with Swedish startup Luvly AB to explore its lightweight, flatpack electric vehicle technology. The Luvly O, weighing under 450 kg, consumes 80% less energy than standard EVs and features a swappable battery system. CEO Håkan Lutz calls it “a fully viable alternative to cars.” If Stellantis adopts the design, it could reshape urban transport | ZAGDaily
CoMoUK is launching a year-long study to improve micromobility access for disabled people. Funded by the Motability Foundation, the project tackles low confidence, app accessibility, and service awareness. Chief Executive Richard Dilks said the goal is to “overcome barriers to participation.” The study will test outreach programs, confidence-building sessions, and first-time booking support, with hopes of a national rollout | ZAGDaily
New York’s congestion pricing is reshaping city streets, making biking safer and more enjoyable. With fewer cars, cyclists experience less stress and more space. Similar policies in Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Paris, and Oslo have led to thriving bike cultures. Experts say reducing car dependency is key to transforming urban mobility. If trends continue, New York could follow suit, prioritizing bikes over cars and creating a more cyclist-friendly city | WIRED
Clip has launched Bolt, a $250 e-bike conversion kit to make clean mobility more affordable. Targeting low-to-moderate income communities, Bolt offers a $100 option with a $5 battery subscription in emerging markets. It installs easily on any bike, providing 15 mph assistance. Made in a zero-emissions factory, it requires 50 times fewer resources than e-bikes. Clip plans community programs in New York, India, and beyond | ZAGDaily
Rad Power Bikes CEO Phil Molyneux has stepped down amid a strategic shift toward physical retail. CFO Stephanie Roberts will serve as interim CEO. The company, which recently faced layoffs, says the move aims to better support riders. The shake-up reflects broader struggles in the e-bike industry, with brands like Cake and VanMoof undergoing bankruptcy restructurings. Rad Power remains focused on adapting to market changes | TechCruch
Product Launches & Updates
Mercedes has unveiled the electric CLA, a sleek, ultra-efficient sedan with a 492-mile range. Built on an 800V system, it charges over 200 miles in 10 minutes. It features a new illuminated grille, a spacious interior, and AI-powered infotainment with Google and Microsoft integration. With a 0.21 drag coefficient and advanced battery tech, the CLA challenges Tesla’s Model 3, offering luxury, performance, and smart connectivity | Electrek
Porsche will debut the electric Cayenne SUV in the U.S. later this year, following strong demand for its electric Macan. CEO Oliver Blume said U.S. orders show growing interest in EVs. The launch comes as Porsche faces potential U.S. import tariffs and declining sales in China. Despite challenges, the company is investing in model, software, and battery upgrades to strengthen its position in the luxury EV market | Bloomberg
Saroléa has launched the LE60, a high-performance e-bike blending heritage with modern tech. Weighing just 26 kg, it features a carbon frame, dual motors delivering 1,200W power, and a 130 km range. The integrated cockpit offers GPS, 4G, and app connectivity. Limited to 60 units, it costs €14,000. With luxury design elements and premium craftsmanship, the LE60 is aimed at cycling enthusiasts seeking innovation and exclusivity | The Pack
Toyota is launching the all-electric C-HR Plus and updating the bZ4X for Europe. The C-HR Plus offers up to 600 km of range with a 77 kWh battery, while the bZ4X now features improved range, power, and faster charging. Both use Toyota’s e-TNGA platform. The updated bZ4X adds battery pre-conditioning for better cold-weather charging. Both models will be available in Europe in the second half of 2025 | The Verge
Ridehailing, Carsharing & Delivery
Amtrak’s updated app makes train travel easier with real-time status updates, quicker eTicket access, and in-app seat selection for assigned seating routes. A redesigned home screen separates tickets from promotions, and a new My Trips tab simplifies trip management. Users can now modify bookings while keeping the best fares. The update aims to improve convenience and encourage more travelers to choose trains over cars and planes. Available now on iOS and Android | The Verge
Waymo has launched 24/7 robotaxi rides in Silicon Valley, expanding access to select customers across a 27-square-mile area, including Mountain View and Palo Alto. The service, previously limited to employees, will gradually open to more riders. This move follows Waymo’s partnership with Uber in Austin and upcoming expansion to Atlanta. By returning to its roots, Waymo aims to provide safer, more sustainable transportation in the region where it first developed self-driving technology | The Verge
Former Uber CEO Travis Kalanick criticized the company’s decision to abandon self-driving cars, saying at the Abundance Summit that Uber was close to surpassing Waymo. Uber sold its autonomous unit in 2020 to cut losses, but Waymo’s expansion now highlights the missed opportunity. While Uber partners with Waymo in Austin, future reliance on third-party technology could leave the company vulnerable if self-driving services no longer need a platform like Uber | TechCrunch
Investment & Deals
Dance has secured €12 million in equity and debt funding, bringing its total raise to over €79 million. Investors include Elemental, Uli Schöberl, and Piotr Brzezinski, with debt financing from Smart Lenders Asset Management. The funds will support fleet expansion and service improvements across Paris, Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich. With over 10,000 customers, Dance aims for full-year profitability in 2025, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable urban mobility | Tech.eu
Northvolt has filed for bankruptcy in Sweden after failing to secure sufficient financial support. The battery maker cited rising capital costs, supply chain disruptions, and market shifts as key challenges. Despite attracting investor interest, restructuring efforts were unsuccessful. A court-appointed trustee will oversee asset sales and settlements. Northvolt’s subsidiaries in Germany and North America are not affected. The company hopes to secure financing during the bankruptcy process to continue operations | Northvolt
Hyre, the largest car-sharing service in the Nordics, achieved profitability in 2024 with €34 million in revenue. The Norway-based company credits its in-house fleet management system and automation for reducing costs and improving efficiency. Hyre’s replacement car solution doubled its revenue, helping dealers manage rentals more effectively. With 4,000 corporate clients, Hyre plans to expand its business services in Sweden and Denmark, strengthening its position in flexible mobility solutions | ZAGDaily
Volkswagen has invested $300 million in Leitmotif, a new VC firm backing decarbonization startups. Leitmotif has already funded 20 companies, including EV, battery, and nuclear fusion startups, deploying one-third of its capital. The firm aims to bridge European industry with U.S. innovation while maintaining independence. With plans for future funds in robotics and AI, Leitmotif seeks to drive both financial returns and industrial innovation in sustainable technologies | TechCrunch
Wayve Technologies, backed by SoftBank, Nvidia, and Microsoft, is preparing to launch its AI-driven driver-assistance system with major automakers in the US and Germany. The UK-based startup’s adaptive AI learns driving behaviors with minimal data, reducing costs. Wayve has integrated its system into multiple vehicle models and partnered with Uber for future autonomous ride-hailing. The company aims for rapid expansion as competition in self-driving technology intensifies | Bloomberg
Nirvana, an AI-driven trucking insurance startup, raised $80 million in a Series C round led by General Catalyst, with participation from Lightspeed and Valor Equity. The funding values Nirvana at $830 million and will support new services for fleets and drivers. The company leverages telematics and AI to optimize pricing and claims processing. As tariffs impact trucking costs, Nirvana aims to provide cost-effective insurance solutions for the industry | TechCrunch
Cities & Policy
Estonia is urging the EU to delay or cancel its new carbon market for transportation and heating fuels, citing concerns over rising energy costs. Prime Minister Kristen Michal emphasized the need to explore alternative ways to cut emissions before implementing the program, set to launch in 2027. Estonia joins Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic in opposing the plan, arguing it could burden households and businesses with higher fuel prices | Bloomberg
The Gotion battery factory in Michigan sparked intense opposition, with locals fearing environmental harm and Chinese influence. A “No Go” movement led to protests and the removal of officials who backed the project. While the factory promised jobs and economic growth, political tensions and nationalism stalled it. The case highlights the growing divide between U.S. economic goals and local resistance to globalization, complicating foreign investment in the country’s EV industry | Rest of the World
Tesla is facing increasing protests and violence, with vandalism, arson, and shootings targeting its dealerships and charging stations. The backlash stems from CEO Elon Musk’s role as a senior adviser in President Trump’s administration and his budget-cutting policies. Protests have erupted nationwide, with arrests in New York, Oregon, and Colorado. The opposition has also spread to Europe, with Tesla-related fires reported in Germany and France. Tesla has not commented on the incidents | The New York Times
The U.S. Department of Transportation has halted all discretionary grants for bike lanes and green infrastructure, citing Trump-era executive orders. The review aims to eliminate projects focused on climate, equity, and active transportation. Advocates warn this move threatens safety improvements and economic investments, with millions at risk in states like Arkansas and Mississippi. Critics argue it undermines locally developed projects and calls are growing for the administration to reverse course | StreetsBlog USA
New Products, Features, and Data Points
Rivian’s latest software update enhances driving with new features. Enhanced Highway Assist allows hands-free driving on compatible highways using an infrared camera. Rally Mode improves off-road performance for Dual-Motor vehicles. A $5,000 Performance Upgrade boosts power and adds new drive modes. Users can now change wheel settings for accurate range estimates. Other updates include Go Chime alerts, auto-tilting mirrors, remote chargeport control, and tire puncture detection for added safety and convenience | Rivian
Hugging Face and Yaak have expanded the LeRobot platform with Learning to Drive (L2D), a massive training dataset for self-driving AI. Collected from German driving schools, L2D includes sensor data to support end-to-end learning for autonomous navigation. Unlike existing datasets, L2D predicts driving actions directly from sensor inputs. Real-world testing begins this summer, with the AI community invited to contribute models for challenges like roundabouts and parking | TechCrunch
Breathe Battery Technologies has developed software that speeds up lithium-ion battery charging by 30% without reducing lifespan. The lightweight algorithm can run on older systems and be updated over the air. Volvo’s upcoming ES90 sedan will feature this technology, which is already used in some smartphones. By optimizing charging speeds while preventing overheating, Breathe’s innovation aims to improve battery performance across industries, offering a practical solution for faster, safer charging | The Verge
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