Issue [#273] – Every week, we deliver analysis and curation of emerging mobility news – post a job listing here!

Cities & Policy

Donald Trump’s administration is targeting Biden-era EV incentives, including the $7,500 tax credit, aiming to repeal them and impose tariffs on Mexico and Canada. This shift could raise EV costs, dampen sales, and disrupt global supply chains. Automakers, already grappling with post-COVID challenges, warn against instability. Industry experts emphasize the environmental and economic benefits of current policies, while legal challenges and congressional pushback may slow Trump’s aggressive rollbacks of Biden’s clean energy legacy | The Verge

The Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles destroyed many vehicles, which are vital in the city’s car-centric culture. Residents lost more than transportation—cars served as homes, workplaces, and sentimental treasures. Victims, like landscaper Pablin Arevalo, quickly rebuilt with community help, while others, like Megan Weinraub, found rare luck when her van survived. These losses highlight the personal and economic toll of wildfires on urban lives and infrastructure | The New York Times

A study comparing pedestrian behavior in 1980 and 2010 across Boston, NYC, and Philadelphia reveals a decline in lingering and socializing on city streets, with pedestrians walking 15% faster and forming fewer groups. Factors like rising incomes, mobile technology, and fewer inviting public spaces contribute to this shift. Experts suggest enhancing streets with green spaces, seating, and limiting vehicle traffic to revive streets as hubs of connection and urban vitality | Bloomberg

The Biden administration approved nearly $9 billion in transportation grants and loans in January 2025. Key projects include a $1.89 billion loan for NYC’s midtown bus terminal overhaul and grants for rural roads, EV chargers, airports, and pedestrian infrastructure. Chicago’s Red Line extension and Nashville’s greenway are among notable initiatives. These investments aim to modernize infrastructure, enhance connectivity, and support sustainability, benefiting urban and rural communities nationwide | Construction Dive

U.S. regulators have escalated their investigation into Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving system following two fatal crashes involving stationary vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s upgraded probe will analyze system limitations, including issues with detecting stationary objects and poor visibility. Around 129,000 vehicles are affected. Ford is cooperating with the investigation, which highlights safety concerns in advanced driver assistance systems, a competitive space that includes Tesla’s Autopilot and GM’s Super Cruise | TechCrunch

Automakers are suing to repeal a new rule requiring all vehicles to have automatic emergency braking (AEB) by 2029, claiming it sets unrealistic technological standards. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) insists the rule will save lives and reduce injuries. While automakers argue for feasibility and voluntary agreements, safety advocates stress the rule’s critical impact on road safety and call for consistent AEB performance across all vehicles to protect drivers and pedestrians | The Verge

Micromobility

Shared micromobility operators can stay profitable in winter by focusing on local users with commuter passes, adjusting fleet distribution to suburbs, and capitalizing on events. Prioritize bicycles over e-scooters for safety in harsh weather. Use dynamic pricing to match demand and perform long-term maintenance during slower months. Operators can also migrate vehicles to warmer locations or prepare for spring by training staff and optimizing fleet readiness | ZAGDaily

Nottingham has partnered with micromobility operator Dott to relaunch its e-scooter service with 1,300 vehicles and 300 parking locations. Supported by the Transforming Cities Fund, the city improved parking infrastructure and implemented measures like parking caps and 24/7 patrols. Dott’s technology includes boundaries and low-speed zones to ensure compliance. The pay-as-you-go service offers discounts to eligible groups, aiming to support Nottingham’s transport goals and advocate for UK e-scooter legislation | ZAGDaily

TIER-Dott, Europe’s largest micromobility operator, recorded 100 million rides in 2024, covering 205 million kilometers across 400 cities in Europe and the Middle East. The merger of TIER and Dott in March streamlined operations, bringing 250,000 vehicles to 10 million users. Highlights include serving 500,000 riders during the Paris Olympics. With €250 million in revenue and green mobility efforts, TIER-Dott continues driving sustainable urban transport | ZAGDaily

Lloyd Alter critiques North America’s inconsistent e-bike regulations, contrasting them with Europe’s structured approach. He calls for eliminating high-speed Class 3 e-bikes, arguing that speeds over 20 MPH should require moped-level licensing. Alter emphasizes unified regulations across provinces and states to simplify standards for power, speed, and battery safety. Highlighting the need for better infrastructure, he urges policymakers to prioritize light vehicles like e-bikes to address climate and urban transportation challenges | Carbon Upfront

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott gifted his team 80 customized CAKE Makka electric mopeds. These lightweight e-mopeds, with a 28 mph top speed and 31-mile range, are tailored for city use and don’t require a motorcycle license in many states. Each moped featured a player’s jersey number and Cowboys-themed accessories. The collaboration with EMOTO Supply Co. added a personal touch, marking a unique celebration of teamwork and innovation in electric mobility | Electrek

The ENGWE P275 Pro electric bike showcases a leap in urban mobility, blending sustainability and innovation. Powered by a 36V Samsung battery, it offers a range of 161 miles and speeds up to 15.5 mph. Designed with durable tires and an ergonomic frame, it ensures stability and comfort on city commutes. Priced at £1400, this e-bike highlights a future-focused approach, addressing urban congestion and promoting eco-friendly transportation solutions for modern cities | LanoticiaDigital

Shanghai’s bike-share system offers a highly efficient, affordable, and accessible mode of urban transport. With over 280,000 shared bikes and well-maintained bike lanes, it significantly outpaces New York’s bike-share infrastructure. However, the system comes with trade-offs, such as reliance on surveillance and cashless apps like Alipay, raising privacy concerns. While showcasing the future of urban mobility, Shanghai’s approach highlights the balance between convenience, control, and civic freedom in city planning | Streetsblog NYC

Product Launches & Updates

Ola Electric has begun production of its Roadster e-bike range, with deliveries expected to start in March 2025. Priced from ₹74,999 for the base Roadster X model, the motorcycles promise innovative design, advanced performance, and affordability. Ola’s latest offering reflects its commitment to sustainable mobility solutions, aiming to redefine urban commuting with eco-friendly technology. This launch is set to strengthen Ola’s position in the growing electric vehicle market | NDTV Profit

The 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V is a high-performance electric SUV with 615 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, accelerating from 0-60 mph in just 3.3 seconds. It offers an estimated 285-mile range, a 102 kWh battery, and fast-charging capabilities. Features include V-Mode for enhanced agility, faux engine sounds, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration. Priced from $79,990, it represents Cadillac’s entry into the high-performance EV market, competing with brands like BMW and Mercedes | The Verge

GM is recalling nearly 3,000 2025 Chevy Equinox EV AWD models due to a software defect in the adaptive cruise control, which may prevent the brakes from engaging properly. The issue affects models without GM’s Super Cruise. GM will fix the problem by updating the software at no cost to owners. Notifications will be sent out in March 2025. The recall follows a previous issue with the vehicle’s pedestrian alert system | Electrek

JackRabbit has introduced a Solar Charging Kit for its micro e-bikes, allowing riders to recharge directly from the sun. The kit includes a folding solar panel and a voltage converter, providing 80W of solar power. It can fully recharge JackRabbit’s small 151Wh battery in about three hours. Priced at $349, this eco-friendly kit offers an easy and portable solution for charging on the go, especially for outdoor enthusiasts | Electrek

Volvo’s EX30 compact SUV, delayed in the US due to tariffs, will finally arrive in 2025. The popular EX30 Twin Motor Performance trim starts at $44,900, with an upgraded Ultra package priced at $46,600. Originally expected to be priced around $34,950, the increase reflects tariff impacts. Despite this, the EX30 has been a bestseller in Europe, with over 100,000 units sold, suggesting strong demand in the US | The Verge

Investment & Deals

Netradyne raised $90 million in Series D funding led by Point72 Private Investments, with support from Qualcomm Ventures and Pavilion Capital. The funding will fuel global expansion and enhance R&D for their AI-powered fleet safety technology. Netradyne’s Driver•i system improves driver behavior, reduces accidents, and lowers insurance costs. With over 3,000 customers worldwide, the company aims to transform fleet safety and performance across industries, including retail, transportation, and construction | Netradyne

Forest secured £13 million in Series B funding, including £3 million from B8 Venture Partners and up to £10 million in asset-backed finance from Fintex Capital. This will support the launch of three new e-bike models in 2025: ForestCargo, ForestDuo, and ForestKid. The company aims to reduce car dependency and expand to Paris. Forest also recorded profitability in 2024 and plans to grow its European presence, including a bid for Paris’s bike share market | ZAGDaily

Jaguar Land Rover’s InMotion Ventures invested $2 million in Cyclic Materials, boosting its Series B funding to $55 million. This investment supports Cyclic Materials’ expansion in North America and Europe and advancements in recycling rare earth magnets, crucial for EV motors and other technologies. With demand for rare earth elements outpacing supply, Cyclic Materials’ innovative technologies address sustainability challenges and reinforce the automotive industry’s shift toward cleaner, more resilient supply chains | Electrek

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has invested $68 million through its SuperTruck Charge initiative to develop high-power EV charging infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. Projects include installations along major corridors like I-10 and I-15, featuring solar arrays, energy storage, and megawatt charging systems. These efforts aim to improve grid resiliency, reduce emissions, and support the widespread adoption of electric trucks, advancing U.S. leadership in clean transportation technology | Electric Cars Report

German startup ENAPI has raised €7.5M in a Seed funding round led by Voyager Ventures, bringing its total funding to €10M. ENAPI’s platform streamlines data exchange for EV charging transactions, improving efficiency and reliability for charge point operators and eMSPs. The funding will support software upgrades, global expansion, and hiring. ENAPI aims to address public charging dissatisfaction and advance the EV revolution with seamless and scalable charging infrastructure | Tech.eu

Canoo, a seven-year-old EV startup, has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, ceasing operations and liquidating assets. The company, with $164M in liabilities and $126M in assets, struggled to secure funding, including from the U.S. Department of Energy. Despite partnerships with NASA and Walmart, Canoo failed to deliver its EV goals, facing executive turnover and financial challenges. The bankruptcy highlights ongoing struggles in the EV startup sector after SPAC mergers | TechCrunch

InMotion Ventures, Jaguar Land Rover’s corporate venture capital arm, invests $250K–$2M in early-stage startups, focusing on mobility, AI, and sustainability. Over 90% of its portfolio engages with JLR, creating mutual value through collaborations, contracts, and innovation. Unlike traditional VCs, InMotion prioritizes long-term goals, strategic alignment, and fostering foundational technologies. Its flexible funding and independent operation enable it to compete in fast-paced markets, addressing challenges startups face when partnering with large corporations | Tech.eu

Ruck, a construction material delivery platform, raised $5 million in a Seed round led by SNAK Venture Partners and ANIMO Ventures, with support from VSC Ventures and others. This funding will enhance its engineering capabilities and expand its marketplace across key markets. Leveraging gig workers, Ruck offers two-hour deliveries, streamlining construction logistics. The investment builds on its $1.4 million pre-seed round, validating demand and driving innovation in materials procurement | Utah Business

New Products, Features, and Data Points

Heat pumps are transforming cold-weather EV driving by improving efficiency and extending range. Unlike energy-draining resistive heaters, heat pumps transfer heat within the vehicle, reducing range loss by 8-10% in freezing temperatures. Models like Tesla’s and Audi’s EVs show minimal range reductions compared to older EVs lacking this feature. Popular models, including the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Polestar 2, now integrate heat pumps, making winter driving more reliable and convenient for EV owners | The Verge

Hackers discovered vulnerabilities in a Subaru web portal that allowed them to remotely unlock, start, and track vehicles. Security researchers Sam Curry and Shubham Shah identified the issue and reported it to Subaru, which has since fixed the flaw. However, they warn this is part of a larger security problem affecting multiple automakers, including Honda and Toyota. Connected car systems remain at risk as hacking methods continue to evolve | TechCrunch

Lucid Motors has introduced a new voice assistant, replacing Alexa, to enhance natural-language interactions in its Air and upcoming Gravity EVs. Powered by SoundHound, the system offers seamless navigation, charger planning, and vehicle feature control, even without a strong data connection. With flexible AI integration, it reduces errors like “AI hallucinations” and enables voice access to the owner’s manual. This innovative assistant emphasizes usability and customization, aligning with Lucid’s focus on superior user experiences | Green Car Reports


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