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Welcome to the latest updates from TechCrunch Mobility, your go-to source for news and insights on the future of transportation. In this week’s edition, we dive into the recent changes in federal regulations affecting automated vehicles and explore exciting developments in the world of electric vehicles and ride-hailing services. Stay informed and engaged by signing up for our newsletter here!

Federal Regulations on Automated Vehicles

This week saw significant updates from the U.S. Department of Transportation regarding automated vehicle regulations. The introduction of a new Automated Vehicle Framework includes a standing general order (SGO) focused on crash reporting for vehicles with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving systems (ADS).

Key Changes in Crash Reporting Requirements

The SGO modifies the crash reporting timeline, allowing companies five days to report incidents involving Level 2 systems, rather than the previous 24-hour requirement. Here are the main points to note:

  • Less Burden on Companies: The new rule aims to streamline reporting processes, a shift that has faced criticism from organizations like Consumer Reports.
  • Exemption for Non-Fatal Incidents: Vehicles with Level 2 systems are no longer required to report non-fatal crashes unless they involve a vulnerable road user or necessitate medical transport.
  • Continuous Reporting for Serious Incidents: Reporting remains mandatory for any incident resulting in fatalities, airbag deployment, or injury to vulnerable road users.

DOT Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized the need for accurate data while acknowledging the challenges posed by overly burdensome reporting requirements during a recent interview.

Exciting Developments in Electric Vehicles

In other news, the electric vehicle sector is buzzing with activity. The startup Slate, backed by Jeff Bezos, revealed its innovative EV design, touted as a “transformer” that combines functionality with advanced technology.

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Investment Highlights in the EV Sector

Several notable financial movements were reported this week:

  • Ather Energy reduced its initial public offering size by 18%, now targeting ₹26.26 billion (approximately $308.3 million).
  • DoorDash is eyeing a $3.6 billion acquisition of Deliveroo, according to Axios.
  • Electra, a hybrid electric aircraft startup, raised $115 million in a Series B funding round.
  • Fora, a travel agent startup, secured $60 million across its Series B and C rounds.

Autonomous Vehicle Updates

In the realm of autonomous vehicles, several key developments unfolded:

  • Waymo’s Future: Alphabet’s CEO Sundar Pichai hinted at potential future options for personal ownership during the company’s earnings call.
  • Tesla has begun testing its autonomous ride-hail service with employees in Austin and the Bay Area, gearing up for a planned robotaxi launch.
  • Volkswagen and Uber are set to launch a commercial robotaxi service using autonomous electric VW ID. BUZZ vehicles in various U.S. cities, starting with Los Angeles by late 2026.

Ride-Hailing Industry Insights

In recent regulatory news, the Federal Trade Commission has filed a lawsuit against Uber for allegedly charging customers for its subscription service without consent. Meanwhile, a new partnership between Delta SkyMiles and Uber allows members to earn points on rides and deliveries.

For more details on these stories and the latest trends in transportation, keep following TechCrunch for comprehensive coverage and insights!

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