Beta Technologies’ Ambitious Electric Flight Vision and Hyundai’s New Tesla Charging Port: A Missed Opportunity
Welcome to the latest edition of TechCrunch Mobility, your go-to source for news and insights on the evolving landscape of transportation. In this article, we’ll explore significant developments in the electric vehicle (EV) market, including updates from key players like Tesla and the latest trends in mobility services.
Elon Musk and the Evolving EV Landscape
Fifteen years ago, I began reporting on a fledgling EV startup amidst the tumult of the clean tech boom and subsequent bust. Back then, Tesla was capturing the interest of a select group of celebrities and EV enthusiasts, but the company has since skyrocketed in prominence.
Changes in Tesla’s Leadership and Vision
Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO and largest shareholder, has expanded his portfolio to include several groundbreaking ventures such as SpaceX, X, xAI, Neuralink, and The Boring Company. His growing influence is now being leveraged to support initiatives like the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), established through a presidential executive order.
Our team at TechCrunch has collaborated to provide insights into the individuals contributing to DOGE and their connections to Musk’s extensive network. This article serves as a living document, continuously updated with new findings. If you have insights regarding DOGE or related topics, feel free to reach out via email or Signal.
Recent Developments in Mobility and Transportation
This week has seen a mix of challenges and opportunities within the transportation sector, including notable partnerships and closures.
Bankruptcy and Shutdowns in the EV Space
- Nikola has filed for bankruptcy, unable to secure funding or find a buyer after enduring scandals involving its founder.
- Getaround, a peer-to-peer car-sharing startup, has ceased U.S. operations, focusing instead on its European market.
- Turo has abandoned its IPO plans after market conditions shifted, delaying its public offering indefinitely.
Noteworthy Funding and Acquisitions
- Aurora announced plans to sell up to $500 million in stock to support its commercialization efforts.
- Fetii, an Austin-based ride-share app, raised $7.35 million in a seed round led by Mark Cuban.
- A major merger between Honda and Nissan has been called off, reportedly due to pride issues.
Innovations in Autonomous and Electric Vehicles
Exciting advancements are being made in the field of autonomous vehicles and electric mobility:
Autonomous Delivery Services
- Avride has launched autonomous delivery robots for Uber Eats in Jersey City.
- Waymo is considering a membership program to enhance customer engagement.
- Serve Robotics has expanded its delivery bot services in Miami, partnering with popular restaurants.
Electric Vehicle Trends
Elon Musk’s political endeavors have sparked mixed reactions among Tesla consumers, leading to protests at various showrooms. Meanwhile, Blue Whale Materials is collaborating with Call2Recycle to enhance domestic battery recycling efforts.
This Week’s Wheels: 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5
In this week’s review, we delve into the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5, an all-electric compact SUV priced between $43,975 and $59,575. Our contributor, Emme Hall, noted some challenges with charging compatibility, but praised the vehicle’s performance and new features, such as the XRT trim designed for off-road capabilities.
For more insights into transportation innovations, click here to explore our dedicated section on electric vehicles.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to track the rapid advancements in the world of mobility!
