Happy Friday! This week in mobility... hype for new vehicles shows a glimpse of the future, and more.
Need to Know
This news cycle saw interesting vehicle hype, giving a glimpse at how companies are looking at the future of vehicles — today and into the future.
Volkswagen shared a new design study with Level 5 autonomous driving capability, a modular cabin, and a futuristic exterior. Called the Gen.Travel, it might not ever hit production, but it does serve as a preview of the features that could find their way into future models.
Additionally, AEHRA, a new global ultra-premium EV maker, teased its upcoming SUV model, showcasing what the brand has in store. And Xpeng unveiled its G9 Electric SUV in China with 480 kW charging.
In Other News
🚚 Trucks & Buses. Daimler and Amazon are testing long-haul electric trucks in Germany. Mogo Auto, a Chinese AV startup backed by Tencent, unveiled its autonomous mass production bus.
🛞 Autonomous Tech. Mercedes-Benz is adding redundancy systems to its autonomous driving platform. Pony.ai, a Chinese self-driving startup, announced a strategic partnership with two affiliates of Chinese automaker Geely to build a fleet of robotaxi vehicles.
⚡ Mobility Ecosystem. SimpliRoute, a Chilean supply chain logistics startup, launched in the US, following Latin American success, to provide greener delivery routes. Fisker and Wallbox partner on home EV charging solutions. Tesla unveiled a $250 charging adapter to allow its drivers access to third-party stations in the US.
📍Go to Market. Ram promised an electric pickup lineup to challenge Ford and Rivian. Kia moved its start EV production in the US forward to 2024. Rivian is continuing to expand its Rivian Adventure Network of EV fast-chargers.
💼 Business. Jaguar Land Rover asked its global supply network to commit to sustainability targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and help the automaker reach carbon net zero emissions across its supply chain, products, and operations by 2039. Leapmotor to become the fourth listed Chinese EV startup in Hong Kong on September 29. Uber said that it won’t allow ICE cars on its platform from 2030.
💰 Investments. TeraWatt raised over $1 Billion to scale commercial EV charging centers across the US. Lotus Technology completed a round of fundraising that values the technology arm of the sports car manufacturer at almost $4.5 billion. Seoul Robotics raised $25 million to transform the logistics industry and advance autonomous mobility through smart infrastructure. GM is investing $491 million in EV upgrades for its Indiana plant.
Interesting Reads
The rapid shift to EVs is estimated to save 24,000 lives and $148 billion over the next two decades.
Sustainable transportation goes far beyond electrification.
US states, rather than the federal government, are leading in autonomous driving policy.