Volkswagen-backed startup Scout Motors broke cover just a few months ago, and at this week’s CES 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada, they hold the honor of being one of the only American automakers with a presence at the show. That’s not the only thing that stands out about Scout being here, though. In a sea…
Category: Transportation
Global IT News, Global Security News, Tesla, tesla directors, Transportation
Tesla directors to pay up to $919 million to settle claims they overpaid themselves
A Delaware judge has approved a settlement that will see Tesla directors – including Chair Robyn Denholm, Oracle founder Larry Elison, Kimbal Musk, and James Murdoch – return up to $919 million to the automaker, officially resolving allegations that they overpaid themselves, per Reuters. The settlement concludes a 2020 lawsuit by the Police and Fire…
autonomous vehicles, Global IT News, Global Security News, robotaxi, Transportation, Waymo
We talked to the guy who was stuck in a Waymo robotaxi on an dizzying loop
A month ago, a video circulated around social media of a Waymo robotaxi stuck in a roundabout loop – an isolated incident with no passengers in the vehicle, according to Waymo. Apparently, it wasn’t a one-time thing. Around the same time, in another Waymo robotaxi headed for the Phoenix airport, Mike Johns, founder and CEO…
Global IT News, Global Security News, Transportation
Vay expands driverless car-sharing fleet in Las Vegas
Vay is hitting the accelerator on its driverless car-sharing service in Las Vegas. The Berlin-based startup, which uses teleoperations technology that lets humans pilot empty vehicles to customers, has been operating a small commercial fleet of retrofitted Kia e-Niro vehicles in certain parts of Las Vegas since January 2024. When customers open the Vay app…
Delta, Global Security News, North America, Transportation, Uber
Delta SkyMiles members can now earn miles riding with Uber, ending its deal with Lyft
Uber announced during CES 2025 a multi-year exclusive partnership with Delta Air Lines that allows SkyMiles members to earn miles when they ride with Uber or order delivery through Uber Eats in the United States. The deal means an end of Delta’s partnership with Lyft. The Uber partnership will launch in the spring, giving Uber…
Delta, Global IT News, Global Security News, Transportation, Uber
Delta SkyMiles members can now earn miles riding with Uber
Uber announced during CES 2025 a multi-year exclusive partnership with Delta Air Lines that allows SkyMiles members to earn miles when they ride with Uber or order delivery through Uber Eats in the U.S. The partnership will launch in the spring, giving Uber customers access to perks like “improved Uber pickup and drop off experiences…
AI, CES, Delta, Delta Air Lines, Global IT News, Global Security News, planes, Transportation
Delta Air Lines announces an AI-powered assistant in its mobile app and free onboard YouTube Premium and Music at CES 2025
Over the last few years, Delta Air Lines’ presence has become a staple of CES, with the airline regularly hosting splashy keynotes. This year, the company has rented out the Sphere to announce its latest slate of updates. These include (can you guess it?) an AI-powered assistant in its app, as well as an updated…
autonomous vehicles, Global IT News, Global Security News, Transportation, Waymo, zeekr
Zeekr RT, the robotaxi built for Waymo, has the tiniest wipers
For the autonomous vehicle-obsessed, the Waymo-Zeekr robotaxi is nothing new. In 2021, Waymo and Zeekr announced a partnership. Waymo first showed a concept of the purpose-built robotaxi in late 2022 and began testing prototype versions on public roads in San Francisco last year, even as it began rolling out its commercial fleet of Jaguar I-Pace…
actual smart summon, Global IT News, Global Security News, Tesla, Transportation
Feds investigate Tesla’s ‘Actual Smart Summon’ after several crashes
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into 2.56 million Tesla vehicles after several crashes involving the automaker’s “Actual Smart Summon” remote parking feature. Tesla released Actual Smart Summon, or ASS for short, via software update in September. It allows Tesla owners to use their app to command the vehicle drive itself…
CES, ces 2025, flying car, Global IT News, Global Security News, Transportation, Xpeng, xpeng aero ht
Xpeng Aero HT unveils ‘flying car’ that’s part-van, part-eVTOL at CES 2025
Xpeng Aero HT, the aerospace company under Chinese EV startup Xpeng, unveiled at CES 2025 its “modular flying car,” the so-called Land Aircraft Carrie. It’s ssentially an electric minivan with a small folding eVTOL (vertical takeoff and landing vehicle) tucked in the back, which can be rolled out and launched into flight. The company says…
CES, electric vehicles, Global IT News, Global Security News, honda, Transportation
Honda reveals its futuristic ‘0 SUV’ prototype at CES 2025
Honda is adding to its so-called 0 Series of EVs with a new SUV it just revealed at CES 2025. The company showed off a mid-size SUV prototype dubbed, surely enough, the 0 SUV, which will join the 0 Saloon that Honda showed off at last year’s show. A production version of the SUV will…
BMW, CES, electric vehicles, EVs, Global IT News, Global Security News, Transportation
BMW’s new UI puts widgets on the windshield
BMW is totally revamping its in-car user interface, starting with the Neue Klasse sedan later this year and ultimately spreading to all models, the company announced at CES 2025. Some of it looks and feels familiar, but the big change is a widget-based system that lets users customize the layout — including on the car’s…
AI, autonomous vehicles, CES, Global IT News, Global Security News, nvidia, robotaxi, Transportation, Uber
At CES 2025, Uber teams up with Nvidia to scale autonomous driving faster
Uber will use Nvidia’s new generative world model simulation tool, Cosmos, and cloud-based AI supercomputing platform, DGX Cloud, to support the development of autonomous vehicle technology, the companies announced at CES 2025. Cosmos is being marketed to robotics and autonomy companies as a tool that generates physics-based videos from a variety of inputs, including 9,000…
Global IT News, Global Security News, robotics, Serve Robotics, sidewalk delivery robots, Transportation
Serve Robotics raises additional $80M as it scales sidewalk delivery robots
Nvidia and Uber-backed Serve Robotics has raised $80 million in a direct offering of 4.2 million shares of common stock, money that will help the company extend its runway through 2026 and scale its fleet from the 100 robots on the streets of Los Angeles today to the 2,000 Serve hopes to deploy by the…
CES, ces 2025, ebikes, Global IT News, Global Security News, Segway, Transportation
Segway dropped two e-bikes at CES that are stylish and packed with tech for under $3000
Micromobility giant Segway launched two new e-bikes at CES 2025 that are designed to make the experience of riding a bike easier, safer, more convenient, and more accessible. The new bikes – the Xyber that’s giving dirt bike energy, and the classic-looking Xafari – are available for pre-order now, with expected delivery in February, according…
autonomous vehicles, avs, Europe, Global Security News, May Mobility, Startups, tecnobus, Transportation
May Mobility reveals electric autonomous minibus at CES 2025
May Mobility, an autonomous vehicle technology startup, unveiled at CES 2025 the next vehicle in its portfolio: an electric, autonomous minibus made in partnership with European electric bus manufacturer Tecnobus. Ann Arbor-based May Mobility offers on-demand and fixed-route autonomous shuttles on campuses and in planned communities. Today its fleet consists of 40 Toyota Sienna minivans that…
ADAS, Global IT News, Global Security News, Mergers and Acquisitions, nxp, Startups, Transportation, tttech auto
NXP to buy automotive safety software firm TTTech Auto for $625M
Dutch semiconductor giant NXP on Tuesday said it plans to acquire TTTech Auto, an Austrian company specializing in safety software for autonomous vehicles, in an all-cash transaction valued at $625 million. TTTech Auto spun out of TTTech Group in 2018, with some $78 million in backing from the likes of AUDI, Samsung and GE Ventures.…
CES, Global IT News, Global Security News, nvidia, Transportation
Toyota’s next-generation cars will be built with Nvidia supercomputers and operating system
Toyota announced at CES 2025 that its next-generation vehicles will have automated driving capabilities powered by Nvidia’s Drive AGX Orin supercomputer and safety-focused operating system, DriveOS. TechCrunch has reached out to Toyota to learn more about the automaker’s plans to deploy vehicles with autonomous capabilities. DriveOS is the operating system for Nvidia’s autonomous vehicle platform…
afeela, CES, EVs, Global IT News, Global Security News, honda, Sony, Transportation
Sony-Honda’s Afeela EV will start at $89,900
Sony has been trickling out details of the Afeela brand it launched with Honda, ever since it unveiled the EV in 2023. But it’s held back one big detail — until today. Sony CEO Kenichiro Yoshida announced Monday at CES 2025 that the four-door Afeela EV would have a starting price of $89,900. The Sony-Honda…
CES, Global IT News, Global Security News, rockets, Space, Tesla, Toyota, Transportation
Toyota is ‘exploring rockets’ and has made its first investment into Interstellar Technologies
Japanese automaker Toyota is “exploring rockets,” chairman Akio Toyoda announced on stage at CES 2025 on Monday, while hinting at the idea of moving people through space. The rocketry mention on the CES 2025 stage came while Toyoda was in the middle of explaining how he views his company’s myriad technologies as “invention by kakezan,”…
EVs, Global IT News, Global Security News, robotics, Startups, Toyota, Transportation
Toyota’s Woven City is open for business and looking for startups
Toyota Motor Chairman Akio Toyoda revealed Monday at CES 2025 his vision for a living laboratory chock full of startups and technology. His message: Woven City — a prototype city on a 175-acre site at the foot of Mount Fuji in Japan — is open for business and searching for inventors. “Today, I say to…
CES, Global IT News, Global Security News, Space, Toyota, Transportation
Toyota is ‘exploring rockets’
Japanese automaker Toyota is “exploring rockets,” chairman Akio Toyoda just announced on stage at CES 2025, while hinting at the idea of moving people through space. Toyoda did not offer any details explaining what he meant. But he showed a rendering on stage of a rocket designed by Interstellar Technologies, a private Japanese spaceflight company…
CES, electric motorcycles, flying flea, Global IT News, Global Security News, Qualcomm, Transportation
Flying Flea electric motorcycles will feature connected services powered by Qualcomm
Flying Flea is the latest electric two-wheeler manufacturer to embrace the connected vehicle trend. At CES 2025, Flying Flea shared plans to integrate some of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon products into its upcoming line of motorcycles, bringing connected capabilities like voice assistance, smartphone-enabled keys, and customizable ride modes. Indian motorcycle manufacturer Royal Enfield introduced the Flying Flea…
Global IT News, Global Security News, Transportation
Trucks VC launches $70M fund to find the next great batch of transportation startups
Trucks Venture Capital co-founder Reilly Brennan has spent more than a decade looking for — and investing in — entrepreneurs building the future of transportation, including autonomous vehicle tech, electric air taxis, EV charger maintenance, mobility data platforms, and more. Now, Brennan along with partners Jeffrey Schox, Kathryn Schox, and Puneeth Meruva, are on the…
Bosch, CES, e-bikes, Global IT News, Global Security News, Transportation
Bosch is making e-bike batteries lockable via an app to deter theft
German conglomerate Bosch announced on Monday at CES 2025 a new layer of theft prevention for its e-bike batteries: the ability to lock a battery through the company’s Flow+ app. With the feature activated, batteries will automatically digitally lock when owners turn off their Bosch e-bike. If a thief somehow steals one of these batteries…
CES, EVs, Global IT News, Global Security News, RV, Transportation
Pebble reveals its EV travel trailer designed for digital nomads
Three years ago, Bingrui Yang founded Pebble to bring electrification, automation, and the usability of an iPhone to the RV world. The public got its first glimpse Monday at CES 2025 of what that looks like: a production-ready all-electric travel trailer loaded with tech designed to make towing and camping stress free. The 25-foot all-electric…
Global IT News, Global Security News, lucid, Transportation
Lucid meets production target with 9,029 EV deliveries in 2024
Luxury electric vehicle startup Lucid produced and delivered a record number of electric vehicles in the fourth quarter and full year of 2024. Lucid produced 3,386 vehicles and delivered 3,099 in Q4. On a full-year basis, the company produced 9,029 vehicles and delivered 10,241 vehicles in 2024, meeting its previously announced target to produce roughly…
Akio Toyoda, autonomous vehicles, CES, ces 2025, EVs, Global IT News, Global Security News, robotics, robots, Toyota, Transportation
Toyota’s CES 2025 press conference: How to watch
Five years ago, Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda went to CES to share with the world his “personal field of dreams” — a plan to build a prototype city on a 175-acre site at the foot of Mount Fuji in Japan, where people would live and work amongst all of Toyota’s projects, including autonomous vehicle technology,…
Aurora Innovation, Global IT News, Global Security News, Startups, Transportation, Uber, uber freight
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi resigns from self-driving truck startup Aurora’s board
Dara Khosrowshahi is resigning from the board of autonomous vehicle technology company Aurora Innovation, citing a desire to focus on his ongoing responsibilities as CEO of Uber and reduce external board commitments, according to a Friday regulatory filing. Khosrowshahi’s resignation was effective as of Tuesday. Aurora says Khosrowshahi’s decision to leave the board was not…
CES, electric vehicles, Global IT News, Global Security News, Scout Motors, Transportation
Scout Motors EVs will have satellite connectivity
Volkswagen offshoot Scout Motors is getting a jump start on CES 2025 next week, with some good news for people who plan to take the company’s EVs way, way outdoors: The forthcoming Traveler SUV and Terra pickup will have a built-in satellite connection. Scout Motors isn’t saying where it’s sourcing the satellite link-up hardware from,…
Global IT News, Global Security News, Tesla Cybertruck, Transportation, turo
Turo CEO: Attackers had clean records, so background checks wouldn’t have stopped them
Two individuals rented cars from Turo, a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform, and used them to perform acts of violence earlier this week. First, a military veteran driving a Ford F-150 Lightning drove into a crowd of people, killing at least 15. Then, an active-duty Green Beret rented a Tesla Cybertruck, parked it in front of the…
Global IT News, Global Security News, In Brief, Tesla Cybertruck, Transportation, turo
Turo taps national security and counterterrorism experts after Cybertruck explosion
Two individuals rented cars from Turo, a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform, and used them to perform acts of violence earlier this week. First, a military veteran driving a Ford F-150 Lightning drove into a crowd of people, killing at least 15. Then, an active-duty Green Beret rented a Tesla Cybertruck, parked it in front of the…
electric vehicles, EVs, Global IT News, Global Security News, Rivian, Transportation
Rivian wraps 2024 with more than 50,000 EVs delivered
Rivian finished last year having delivered 51,579 electric SUVs, trucks, and vans, more than triple the number it shipped to customers in 2023. The company announced Friday that it also built 49,476 EVs in 2024. That’s about 8,000 fewer than it expected to manufacture as recently as July. Rivian was forced to lower its expectations,…
AI, amd, CES, ces 2025, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, nvidia, Samsung, Sony, Transportation
How to watch CES 2025’s press conferences
CES 2025 kicks off January 7. The annual Las Vegas event sets the tone for the year’s consumer electronics and automotive industries. As always, TechCrunch will be there, sniffing stories from the most exciting startups and tech giants. If you really want a piece of the action without paying for the hotel and flight, many…
Cybertruck, Global IT News, Global Security News, Las Vegas, Security, Tesla, Transportation, Trump
Cybertruck explosion outside Trump hotel in Vegas leaves 1 dead, 7 injured
A Tesla Cybertruck that exploded and burst into flames Wednesday morning just outside the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas has left one person dead and seven people injured, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD). Matthew Alan Livelsberger, a 37-year-old man who was an active duty U.S. Army Green Beret from Colorado Springs,…
Amazon, amd, CES, Global IT News, Global Security News, Google, Hardware, LG, nvidia, robotics, Samsung, Transportation
CES 2025: What to expect from the year’s first and biggest tech show
CES 2025 officially kicks off in Las Vegas on Tuesday morning, running through the end of the day on January 10. The “official” dates are specific to when the floor of the Las Vegas Convention Center is open to attendees, and ultimately belie the show’s true duration. A pair of press days kick off Sunday…
Cybertruck, electric vehicles, Elon Musk, Global IT News, Global Security News, Tesla, Transportation
Tesla Cybertruck fails to boost 2024 sales as annual deliveries fall for first time
Tesla delivered fewer cars last year than it did in 2023, marking its first year-to-year drop and signaling that the company is struggling to reach new buyers. That means Tesla’s Cybertruck, which is the company’s first true new model since 2020, did little to boost the company’s growth in its first full year of sales.…
Cybertruck, Global IT News, Global Security News, Las Vegas, Tesla, Transportation, Trump
Police investigating Cybertruck fire outside Trump hotel in Vegas
A Tesla Cybertruck that caught fire Wednesday morning just outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas is being investigated by local law enforcement. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said in a post on social media site X that the fire was out and being investigated. The fire was reported around 8:40 a.m. PT,…
Akio Toyoda, autonomous vehicles, CES, ces 2025, EVs, Global IT News, Global Security News, robotics, robots, Toyota, Transportation
Toyota’s CES 2025 press conference: How to watch
Five years ago, Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda went to CES to share with the world his “personal field of dreams” — a plan to build a prototype city on a 175-acre site at the foot of Mount Fuji in Japan, where people would live and work amongst all of Toyota’s projects, including autonomous vehicle technology,…
cybercab, Elon Musk, Global IT News, Global Security News, Optimus, robotaxi, Tesla, Transportation
Elon Musk’s promises for Tesla in 2024, from robotaxis to Optimus bots
Elon Musk had an eventful 2024, what with his hard push into right-wing politics and leveraging his X social media platform and considerable influence to help Donald Trump win the presidential election. Putting politics aside for a moment, it’s worth focusing on another Musk pastime: making promises for Tesla. The Tesla CEO’s promises — and…
Global IT News, Global Security News, robotaxi, Serve Robotics, sidewalk delivery robots, Transportation, Waymo
A Waymo robotaxi and a Serve delivery robot collided in Los Angeles
On December 27, a Waymo robotaxi and a Serve Robotics sidewalk delivery robot collided at a Los Angeles intersection, according to a video that’s circulating on social media. The footage shows a Serve bot crossing a street in West Hollywood at night and trying to get onto the sidewalk. It reached the curb, backed up…
Cariad, Cybersecurity, data exposure, EVs, Global IT News, Global Security News, Security, Transportation, Volkswagen
Volkswagen leak exposed precise location data on thousands of vehicles across Europe for months
The data was found exposed on an Amazon cloud server, and contained precise location data on thousands of vehicles. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
electric vertical take-off and landing, eVTOL, Global IT News, Global Security News, Mercedes-Benz, Transportation, Volocopter
Mercedes-backed Volocopter files for bankruptcy
German electric air taxi company Volocopter has filed for bankruptcy protection, the latest in a string of similar startups to hit financial turbulence. The company plans to keep operating while it searches for new investors. “We are ahead of our industry peers in our technological, flight test, and certification progress. That makes us an attractive…
AI, amd, CES, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, nvidia, Samsung, Sony, Transportation
How to watch CES 2025’s press conferences
CES kicks off January 7. The annual Las Vegas event sets the tone of the year’s consumer electronics and automotive industries. As always, TechCrunch will be there, sniffing stories from the most exciting startups and tech giants. If you really want a piece of the action without paying for the hotel and flight, many of…
autonomous vehicles, Cruise, EVs, Global IT News, Global Security News, robotaxi, robotaxis, Startups, Tesla, Transportation, Waymo
The trends that shaped EVs, robotaxis, and electric flight in 2024
If there was one phrase that captured the vibe and theme of 2024 — at least in the transportation sector — it was business whiplash. Legacy automakers changed direction on their all-EVs-or-bust strategy, startups pivoted, and some Silicon Valley VCs and executives adjusted their views to a changing political landscape, in which they now are…
Global IT News, Global Security News, Lyft, prop 22, rideshare, San Francisco, Transportation
Lyft says San Francisco overcharged it $100 million in taxes
Lyft is suing the city of San Francisco, claiming the city unfairly charged the rideshare company over $100 million in taxes. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
EVs, Global IT News, Global Security News, hertz, Polestar, Tesla, Transportation
Want a cheap EV? Hertz is handing out discounts to renters
Hertz has been contacting people who are in the middle of renting electric vehicles recently to offer them the option to buy the car instead of returning it, reports The Verge. And the offers are pretty sweet, according to some renters who shared the offers on Reddit. One renter was reportedly offered a 2023 Chevy…
evergreens, Fisker, Global IT News, Global Security News, Startups, Transportation
The fall of EV startup Fisker: A comprehensive timeline
Here is a timeline of the events that led fledgling automaker Fisker to file for bankruptcy. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
ebikes, Global IT News, Global Security News, onyx motorbikes, Startups, Transportation
Onyx Motorbikes is back, one year after its owner died leaving the company in shambles
A year after Onyx Motorbikes owner James Khatiblou died suddenly, leaving customers with unfulfilled orders and millions in unpaid debts, the brand has been revived by its original founder. “I’m excited to announce I have resurrected my original brand Onyx with incredible backers!” founder Tim Seward wrote in a LinkedIn post on Monday. “Onyx is…
EVs, eVTOLS, Global IT News, Global Security News, Lilium, Transportation
Shuttered electric air taxi startup Lilium may be saved after all
A consortium of investors has resurrected Lilium just days after the electric air taxi startup ceased operations and laid off about 1,000 employees. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
electric vehicles, Evergreen, EVs, Ford, Global IT News, Global Security News, GM, North American Charging Standard, Supercharger, Tesla, Transportation
Tesla Superchargers: GM, Ford, Rivian, and other EV brands with access
EV owners of GM vehicles like the Chevrolet Silverado EV and Cadillac Lyriq will now officially have access to Tesla’s Superchargers. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
ev charging stations, EVs, Global Security News, hyundai, nacs, North America, Tesla, Transportation
Hyundai is giving away free Tesla NACs adapters to its EV customers
Hyundai said Monday it will send customers who have bought or leased an EV before January 31 a free charging adapter that will let them access Tesla’s supercharging network. The Hyundai-authorized adapter will give CCS-port-equipped Hyundai EV drivers access to more than 20,000 Tesla Superchargers in the United States, according to Hyundai. Free adapters will…
Global IT News, Global Security News, Google, Google Maps, In Brief, Transportation, west bank, Wired
An investigation finds that Google Maps fails users in the West Bank
A Wired investigation found that Google Maps can be near impossible to use in the West Bank, especially since the start of the war. Users told the publication that the navigation app would direct them into walls, fail to account for time-consuming checkpoints, or steer them onto restricted roads leading to Israeli settlements, which can…
CES, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, Transportation
CES 2025 is coming: TechCrunch wants to meet your hardware startup
According to the calendar, we’re a mere weeks out from CES — the perfect gift for your gadget blogger who has everything. The massive consumer electronics and automotive event kicks off in Las Vegas on January 7. TechCrunch is returning to future home of the Oakland Athletics for the event, and — as always —…
electric aircraft, EVs, eVTOLS, Germany, Global IT News, Global Security News, Lilium, Startups, Transportation
Electric aircraft startup Lilium ceases operations, 1,000 workers laid off
The company’s co-founder confirmed the shutdown in a LinkedIn post. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Asia Pacific, electric vehicles, EVs, Global Security News, honda, Nissan, Transportation
Honda and Nissan plan major merger focused on ‘intelligence and electrification’
Japanese car giants Honda and Nissan are working out the details of a major merger that could create the world’s third-largest automaker, as the companies look to survive in an industry faced with uncertainty. The Tesla-led shift towards electric vehicles, and China’s increased importance in the automotive market, have companies like Honda and Nissan feeling…
Apple, autonomous vehicles, Cruise, EVs, Fisker, Global IT News, Global Security News, Startups, Transportation
The biggest flops and fizzles in 2024 transportation, from Apple Car to Fisker
Autonomous vehicle technology and electrification startups were once the darlings of the VC and corporate world. The two technologies promised billions of dollars in revenue — and a new pathway for automakers to make money beyond building and selling cars. Those VC-money-printing days have been over for AVs for a while now, with a few…
Canoo, electric vehicles, EVs, Exclusive, Global IT News, Global Security News, Transportation
EV startup Canoo places remaining employees on a ‘mandatory unpaid break’
Struggling electric van startup Canoo has placed its remaining employees on what it’s calling a “mandatory unpaid break” through at least the end of the year, according to an email obtained by TechCrunch. The company told employees they are being locked out of Canoo’s systems at the end of the day Friday, according to the…
avs, Global IT News, Global Security News, nhtsa, robotaxi, Transportation
Feds clear the way for robotaxis without steering wheel and pedals
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Friday proposed a new national framework that could make it easier for companies to deploy at scale autonomous vehicles without traditional manual driving controls – like steering wheels, pedals, and sideview mirrors. The guidelines also require AV companies to share a whole lot more safety data with the…
EVs, Exclusive, Global IT News, Global Security News, lawsuit, Rivian, Transportation
Rivian executives accused of harassment in previously unreported lawsuits
Four employees have sued Rivian in separate lawsuits this year over allegations they were harassed, in some cases by top executives, and that the company’s leadership did little to address their concerns, according to a TechCrunch review of court records. Rivian has also reached settlements in three other harassment and discrimination cases, TechCrunch has learned. …
AI, Asia Pacific, createai, Gaming, Global Security News, Media & Entertainment, Transportation, TuSimple
TuSimple pivot from self-driving to AI animation is complete with CreateAI rebrand
TuSimple has completed its pivot away from autonomous trucking to AI animation and gaming with a rebrand. The company shall henceforth be known as CreateAI. The rebrand comes as TuSimple is embroiled in controversy over the company’s plans to move its remaining U.S. assets to China to fund the new business, which it initially announced…
Canoo, Global IT News, Global Security News, lucid, RAM, robotaxis, techcrunch mobility, Tesla, Transportation, Waymo, zoox
Waymo fills the Cruise void overseas and a salute to icon Jean Jennings
Welcome back to TechCrunch Mobility — your central hub for news and insights on the future of transportation. This will be the last newsletter of 2024! But don’t worry, we’ll be back in 2025 — sign up here to get it in your inbox every week. Thank you for reading and your emails. I love…
autonomous vehicles, Elon Musk, Global IT News, Global Security News, Tesla, Transportation
Tesla is courting Texas cities to test its promised robotaxi service
Tesla is evaluating multiple Texas cities where it wants to test a long-promised robotaxi service, including Austin, according to emails obtained by Bloomberg News. An employee has apparently been in touch with Austin officials since May, and recently held an event in December to “train first responders on how to best work with Tesla’s autonomous…
Canoo, EVs, Global IT News, Global Security News, Layoffs, layoffs and furloughs, Transportation
Canoo furloughs workers and idles factory as it scrapes for cash
Struggling EV startup Canoo says it has furloughed 82 employees and is idling its factory in Oklahoma while it grasps for the capital needed to survive. The company claims it is in “advanced discussions with various capital sources” to raise emergency funding. The announcement comes just a few days after board member James Chen resigned,…
electric vehicles, EVs, Global IT News, Global Security News, In Brief, Rivian, Transportation
Rivian EVs finally get YouTube, Google Cast, and SiriusXM
Rivian has released a new software update to its vehicles that brings some long-awaited apps to its in-vehicle experience. Owners who update their R1S SUV or R1T pickup truck can now use YouTube (while parked) or SiriusXM (with a subscription). The company is also adding Google Cast functionality. That also can only be used while…
california, california air resources board, clean air act, Climate, epa, Global IT News, Global Security News, Transportation, zero emissions
California can ban new gas cars starting in 2035, EPA says
California’s phase out would begin in 2026, when the state will require 35% of automakers’ sales to be zero emissions vehicles. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Apps, DoorDash, drone delivery, Global IT News, Global Security News, Transportation, wing
Wing and DoorDash launch drone deliveries in Dallas-Fort Worth
Alphabet’s Wing announced on Wednesday that it’s expanding its partnership with DoorDash to bring drone delivery to customers in the the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Customers in the area will now be able to order food from 50 merchants located in Stonebriar Centre in Frisco and Hulen Mall in Fort Worth. Wing says its drones can…
EVs, Global IT News, Global Security News, Stellantis, Transportation
Ram delays electric truck launch to 2026, bets on extended range Ramcharger
Stellantis is tapping the brakes on the all-electric Ram 1500 REV truck and will push its launch into 2026, the company said Wednesday, citing slowing industry demand for half-ton battery electric pickups. The automaker had originally planned to begin selling the electric truck to customers in the first half of 2025. The automaker will instead…
autonomous vehicles, Global IT News, Global Security News, robotics, slip robotics, Startups, Transportation
Slip Robotics snags $28M for its bots that can load a truck in five minutes
Drop by any given loading dock and a buzz of forklifts — loaded up with goods — can be spotted maneuvering in and out of truck trailers. This logistical dance can take up to an hour to fill a trailer, leaving truck drivers in idle limbo. The founders of Atlanta-based Slip Robotics say they’ve developed…
antitrust, Global IT News, Global Security News, Government & Policy, Kakao, Kakao Mobility, Transportation
Kakao Mobility hit with $10.5M antitrust fine for limiting rivals’ access
South Korea’s antitrust watchdog has fined Kakao Mobility, the ride-hailing unit of Korean tech firm Kakao, $10.5 million (KRW 15.1 billion) for limiting competitors’ access to its taxi app — lowering the penalty from an initial fine of $50.3 million (KRW 72.4 billion) as the earlier sanction was based on an overestimated calculation of the…
Alphabet, autonomous vehicles, Global IT News, Global Security News, Japan, robotaxi, tokyo, Transportation, Waymo
Waymo robotaxis are coming to Tokyo in 2025
Waymo will begin testing its autonomous vehicle technology in Tokyo in early 2025, the first time the Alphabet company’s robotaxis have driven on public roads outside the U.S. The move to Japan is part of Waymo’s so-called “road trips,” a development program that involves bringing and testing its technology in a variety of cities —…
Global IT News, Global Security News, Startups, Transportation, TuSimple, xiaodi hou
TuSimple drama heats up ahead of pivotal shareholder meeting
TuSimple co-founder and former CEO Xiaodi Hou is on a war path in the lead up to Friday’s annual shareholder meeting that will decide the makeup of the company’s board of directors. Over the past several weeks, Hou has sued TuSimple for control of his voting rights, demanded the company immediately liquidate and return all…
Global IT News, Global Security News, supercharging, Tesla, Tesla Model S, Transportation
Tesla offers free Supercharging for Model S with a catch
Tesla is trying to boost its Model S sales before the year is out, but it’s got a funny way of doing it. After initially abandoning its free Supercharging for life offer in 2018, the automaker is bringing it back for some Tesla Model S cars at the end of the year. It’s something of…
EV, Global IT News, Global Security News, lucid, Lucid air pure, Startups, Transportation
The 2025 Lucid Air Pure is a luxe ride at $69,900 with room for tech tune-ups
The all-electric 2025 Lucid Air Pure is a dreamy, sexy car that’s no less luxurious for being the cheapest trim in Lucid’s Air lineup. I felt fancy and discerning driving around, but in an understated way – as if I were wearing designer sweatpants. But does fancy equal value? I spent about 10 days driving…
advanced technology vehicles manufacturing loan, Climate, Department of Energy, EV batteries, Global IT News, Global Security News, Government & Policy, Rivian, Samsung SDI, Solar Power, starplus energy, Stellantis, sunwealth, Transportation
Biden administration races to approve clean energy loans before Trump takes over — here’s who is benefiting
The Department of Energy (DOE) is on a loan-approval spree in the lead-up to President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, and the winners are all companies manufacturing clean energy solutions on U.S. soil. Companies like Stellantis and Samsung, Rivian, and most recently, EVgo. Trump has promised to cancel any unspent federal dollars under President Joe Biden’s Inflation…
Climate, DOE, EV charging, evgo, Global IT News, Global Security News, Government & Policy, inflation reduction act, Transportation
EVgo secures $1.25 billion loan amid Biden’s rush to approve clean energy loans
Electric vehicle charging startup EVgo is the latest company to secure funds from the U.S. Department of Energy as the Biden administration races to approve clean energy loans before Donald Trump takes over. Trump has promised to cancel any unspent funds from Biden’s bipartisan Inflation Reduction Act, including the $7,500 tax credit for new EV…
autonomous vehicles, Cruise, EVs, Global IT News, Global Security News, Tesla, Transportation, Trump
The federal crash-reporting rule Tesla opposes could be on the chopping block
The Trump transition team wants to end a federal rule requiring automakers to report crashes when advanced driver-assistance or autonomous driving technology is engaged, Reuters reports. Federal safety agencies would lose the ability to investigate and regulate the safety of vehicles with automated-driving systems should the rule — which went into effect in 2021 —…
Global IT News, Global Security News, robotaxi, Transportation, Waymo
A Waymo robotaxi got stuck in a roundabout loop
Roundabouts. They trapped Clark Griswold in National Lampoon’s European Vacation and now they’ve tripped up a Waymo robotaxi. A video is circulating on social media showing a Waymo robotaxi going round and round on a roundabout — as if it is stuck in a loop. A Waymo spokesperson told TechCrunch there were no passengers onboard…
autonomous vehicles, Elon Musk, Global IT News, Global Security News, In Brief, Tesla, Transportation, zoox
Tesla’s loss is Zoox’s gain
Zoox co-founder and CTO Jesse Levinson told the crowd at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 that he didn’t think Tesla would launch a robotaxi ride-hailing service in California (or anywhere else) next year, despite what Elon Musk had claimed. The “fundamental issue is they don’t have technology that works,” he said at the time. But it seems that…