Lucid scores a win, Bird's founder leaves the nest and Zoox robotaxis roll out in Vegas
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Before we jump to the rest of the story, let's look at a couple of things. And a Nobel Prize winner. We wouldn't be able to have lithium-ion rechargeable batteries or all of the products powered by them without his work.
Thinks that the company could achieve higher profit margins and move into the luxury sector. The automaker has always positioned itself as a performance car.
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Micromobbin'
The federal government will fund the installation of micromobility charging stations and storage facilities in 50 locations. It is important to give delivery workers who use e-bikes safe charging stations for the lithium batteries they rely on.
NYC has also banned the sale of batteries that are not UL certified. This combined with the recent ban of non-UL-certified batteries should be able to reduce the number of ebike battery fires.
A new bipartisan bill introduced in the U.S. Senate will limit the importation of unregulated ebikes and batteries to the U.S. Currently, China and other countries are allowed to sell their products directly into the U.S. without having them inspected by customs or border patrol if they cost less than $800. A bike under $800 is more likely to be equipped with an uncertified battery, or have a bad battery management system.
It's not only because of cheap bikes that e-bikes cause so many fires. Overcharging, mishandling and misuse are also to blame. The Station, Issue No.
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Other news
The nest has been left. Bird has appointed John Bitove as its new chairperson, "effective immediately." John Bitove is replacing VanderZanden.
The e-bike rebate has started and residents who qualify can receive up to $1500 in incentives.
The Taiwanese company is looking to sign a $1.5billion deal with India's Maharashtra State for the manufacture of electric vehicles, battery swap stations and smart battery packs.
On e-scooters. Scooters would need to be registered and equipped with turn signals. Owners will also have to carry insurance. The proposed rules would require riders to wear helmets and have a registration plate.
Microcars are on the rise, with 27% of respondents planning to increase their use in the next decade. Although the battle has not been won, progress is being made.
The Chinese e-scooter manufacturer is preparing to invest $1 billion into its first factory located in the Philippines. Yadea will find the Philippines to be a very lucrative new market. Yadea already has six factories in China and another in Vietnam.
-- Rebecca Bellan
Deal of the Week
The chipmaker that focuses primarily on autonomous vehicle systems has filed a listing application with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
The company will generate $177.75 Hong Kong Dollars in 2022.
Black Sesame & Robosense did not disclose the amount they hope to raise through their respective listings.
Other deals ...
How? Existing investors will help the company to get its luxury electric SUV, FF 91, into production and deliverables.
Algolion, a software company based in Israel, was acquired by Microsoft for an undisclosed amount. The company created software that detects potential hazards in batteries. Algolion employees will continue to be based in Israel, and they'll join the 850+ employees of the GM Technical Center Herzliya.
SK Telecon is a South Korean telecommunications firm. 's current partnership with SK Telecom which started in February 2022.
M&G Investments led the Series B round of funding, with VNV Global and UMC Capital participating. Grove Ventures joined the round along with Vektor Partners and North First Ventures.
A Mexican digital logistics platform raised $36.5M in a Series-B round at a valuation $250M.
, a Berlin startup that installs and operates EV charging infrastructure has raised EUR10m in a Series A round of funding. BP Ventures invested EUR7.5M ($8.2M), while Smart Energy Innovationsfonds (the corporate venture capital arm for Energie 360) invested the remaining EUR2.5M ($2.73M).
Other tidbits and notable reads
Autonomous vehicles
Even testing it out in Arizona
Las Vegas is a great place to visit.
The robotaxi, a new test ground for privacy activists and law enforcement agencies, is a new way to prove the effectiveness of self-driving vehicles.
As it turns its attention and resources more to Asia.
The testing area is a 1-mile loop in the southwest section of the city, where the facilities are located.
Chargers & Batteries for electric vehicles
It may be going down the drain but not without a fight. After failing to settle its dispute with Foxconn over an investment previously agreed upon, Delaware has also filed a lawsuit against the Taiwanese company.
The partnership could be a boost for the luxury EV manufacturer. The company is developing battery and powertrain technology for future electric vehicles. What this means for Mercedes-AMG, and other legacy automakers.
The first product from its new business unit for charging and energy management, which aims to cover all aspects of charging an EV, whether it is at home, in the office or on the road. The automaker did not provide many details (execs advised to stay tuned) and made no promises about whether it would adopt Tesla's North American Charging Standard.
Plug-in hybrid F1 technology
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North American Charging Standard is still going strong. Ford was the first to commit to adopting this standard, followed by GM. Then (wait) Under VW Group.
Future of Flight
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and now can begin flight testing. The certificate will help the company to meet its goals of delivering electric aircraft to customers in 2024, and launching an air taxi service in 2025.
Gig economy
Instead of being paid for each delivery, there is a catch.
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He's out. Gernot Doellner, VW Group's strategy chief, will replace him.
Jonathan Root was promoted to CFO. He was previously the senior vice president for Harley-Davidson Financial Services.
What's on my Driveway
Image Credits
Kirsten Korosec
Many people have strong opinions about plug in hybrids. Are they a technology bridge for consumers to battery-electric vehicles? Is it just a vehicle that is overpriced and overly complicated with two propulsion systems?
In the TI trim a compact SUV is equipped with a plug in hybrid electric all-wheel drive system, which delivers 285 horsepower and fuel efficiency of 77 miles per gallons equivalent.
The Tonale, like other PHEVs allows drivers to select EV-only mode. This is done via the dial that has the letters D-n-A (dynamic, natural, and advanced efficiency). Like the Jeep plug-in hybrids, another brand under Stellantis' umbrella, there is an eSave option which allows drivers to keep their entire EV range. Like other Stellantis brand, it has an infotainment software powered by UConnect 5.
Quick thoughts. It is very Alfa Romeo, and stands out from the crowd. There are even some fun features like the emblem of a Biscione electrified on the rear window. The TI trim (which costs $51,790, including destination fees) comes with some great add-ons, such as interior ambient lighting and heated seats.
It doesn't have the same handling as the Stelvio and when I pressed the pedal, it would roll a little in the corners. My main complaint is the inability to control the regenerative brakes independently. The regenerative brake setting is instead linked to the letter you select on the dna selector. It would be nice to add some paddles on the back of your steering wheel to control regenerative brakes.