TechCrunch Mobility Insider: Uber-Waymo Robotaxi Tests, Rivian’s Hands-Free Revolution, and Travis Kalanick’s AV FOMO!
Welcome to the latest edition of TechCrunch Mobility, your go-to source for the most up-to-date news and insights in the transportation sector. If you’re curious why this newsletter arrived in your inbox on a Friday, it’s because we’re shifting our publication schedule to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the week’s transportation news.
Highlights from SXSW 2023
Last week, I had the opportunity to attend SXSW, the renowned festival that celebrates technology, film, music, and comedy in Austin, Texas. For the latest updates on transportation, AI, and the creator economy, make sure to check our live blog.
Austin’s Transportation Evolution
Austin has transformed over the years, showcasing both positive and negative changes. One notable improvement is the introduction of protected bike lanes, which I appreciated while riding Lime scooters and Mod Bikes e-bikes throughout the city. Furthermore, Austin is rapidly becoming a center for autonomous vehicle initiatives, with companies like Avride setting up headquarters, Zoox testing vehicles on public roads, and Waymo launching a commercial robotaxi service.
During my visit, I was fortunate enough to experience two rides in Waymo robotaxis, which are accessible through the Uber app. It’s fascinating to see how Waymo and Uber are collaborating in this space.
Investment Highlights in the Mobility Sector
Senior reporter Sean O’Kane recently explored a new venture firm named Leitmotif, which has been actively investing in decarbonization efforts over the past 16 months. The firm has funded around 20 startups, primarily focusing on electric vehicles, battery innovations, and even nuclear fusion. Notably, all funding for Leitmotif’s first fund comes from the Volkswagen Group, which has committed $300 million.
Recent Funding Rounds
- Carpool Logistics: Raised $12 million in a Series A funding round led by Wavecrest Growth Partners.
- Daqus Energy: Secured $6 million in a seed round led by Morningside.
- Nirvana: An AI-based insurance platform raised $80 million in a Series C funding round, valuing it at $830 million post-money.
- Northvolt: Filed for bankruptcy in Sweden, marking a setback for Europe’s battery manufacturing ambitions.
Innovations in Autonomous Vehicles
At SXSW, Rivian announced a hands-free version of its driver-assistance system, putting it in competition with major players like Ford and GM. This advancement allows for automated steering, acceleration, and braking under specific conditions.
Additionally, Hugging Face has partnered with AI startup Yaak to enhance its LeRobot project, which focuses on creating AI models and datasets for real-world robotics applications.
Challenges and Controversies
Former Uber CEO Travis Kalanick recently expressed that abandoning the company’s autonomous driving program was a mistake. Meanwhile, Waymo continues to expand its operations, albeit facing numerous parking tickets in Silicon Valley.
This Week’s Featured E-Bike
This week, I tested the Groove, a new all-electric bike from Mod Bikes. This updated model features a sleek design, easy-to-read controls, and an integrated bike lock, all priced at $1,999. With a top speed of 28 miles per hour and a range of up to 50 miles (or 100 miles with a dual-battery option), the Groove is both sporty and versatile.
While the bike is slightly heavy, it offers excellent stability and performance. I also tried Mod Connect, which syncs with a Lumos helmet to enhance visibility and safety while riding.
Stay tuned for more updates on the latest transportation technologies, whether it’s electric vehicles, e-bikes, or autonomous rides.
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