Beta Technologies’ bet on electric flight and Hyundai’s new Tesla charging port comes up short | TechCrunch
Feb 20, 2025 - techcrunch.com
The article from TechCrunch Mobility covers various developments in the transportation sector, focusing on electric vehicles, autonomous technology, and recent business deals. It highlights the bankruptcy of Nikola, the shutdown of Getaround's U.S. operations, and Turo's canceled IPO. Additionally, it mentions Aurora's stock sale agreement, Fetii's seed funding, and the failed merger between Honda and Nissan. The piece also discusses notable advancements in autonomous delivery robots by Avride and Serve Robotics, as well as the political impact on Tesla due to Elon Musk's involvement in the Department of Government Efficiency.
Furthermore, the article touches on the future of flight with Beta Technologies' growth in electric aviation and the Trump administration's impact on the FAA. Lime's financial performance in micromobility and Uber's lawsuit against DoorDash are also covered. The "This Week’s Wheels" section reviews the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5, noting its pricing, features, and a charging port issue with Tesla Superchargers. The article serves as a comprehensive update on the latest trends and challenges in the mobility industry.
Key takeaways:
Elon Musk's involvement in the Department of Government Efficiency has sparked protests against Tesla, affecting consumer sentiment.
Nikola filed for bankruptcy after failing to secure funds, while Getaround shut down its U.S. operations to focus on Europe.
Waymo is exploring a membership program for its autonomous vehicle services, conducting research to gauge customer interest.
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 features a new XRT trim with off-road enhancements but faces challenges with Tesla Supercharger compatibility.
