In the electric vehicle sector, Elon Musk's decision to prioritize a robotaxi over an affordable EV could potentially cost Tesla its lead. Indian battery-tech company Exponent Energy has partnered with auto manufacturer Omega Seiki Mobility to deliver a passenger three-wheel EV with rapid-charging capabilities. Meanwhile, Faraday Future is facing lawsuits from two internal whistleblowers, and Lucid Motors has delivered more EVs in Q1 2024 than in any other quarter. Finally, Lyft and Uber have paused their planned exit from Minneapolis after city officials delayed a driver pay raise.
Key takeaways:
- TechCrunch Mobility covers the latest news in the transportation industry, with a focus on EV startups and automated driving industries. This week, they highlight Cruise's return, Ola's exit from the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand, and Uber Eats' new TikTok-like video feature.
- Several startups in the mobility sector have raised significant funding, including Basemark, Bumper, Carrar, Exoes, HysetCo SAS, and Yoshi Mobility. These companies are involved in various aspects of the industry, from AR and computer vision software to battery modules and thermal management systems for EVs.
- There have been significant developments in autonomous vehicles and electric vehicles. GM's self-driving car subsidiary Cruise is redeploying robotaxis in Phoenix, while Waymo has launched paid rides in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Tesla has dropped the monthly subscription price of its “Supervised FSD” to $99.
- The 2024 Mercedes EQE 350 4MATIC is highlighted in the 'This week’s wheels' section. The model has several improvements from the previous year, including a new braking system, a heat pump for improved winter driving efficiency, and an improved user interface on the central infotainment.