Welcome back to JS Mobility, your source for the latest in transportation and the growing influence of AI in the field. To receive updates directly in your inbox, subscribe for free — just click JS Mobility!
Amazon-owned Zoox is set to begin charging for its robotaxi rides in a few days. While this might seem minor, given that their custom-built robotaxis are already operational in Las Vegas and San Francisco, Zoox is also launching an early rider program in Miami and Austin.
However, these efforts only gain business significance once the company can operate commercially.
Starting August 10, Zoox will operate commercially, thanks to an exemption from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Since Zoox vehicles lack traditional controls like steering wheels and pedals, they required an exemption from federal motor vehicle standards. Initially, they could only demonstrate the technology; now, Zoox can operate up to 2,500 vehicles commercially for two years.
This exemption is a significant achievement for Zoox and sets a precedent for other developers of autonomous vehicles that do not require conventional driver controls. For example, a robotaxi doesn’t need a rearview mirror as it has sensors on the vehicle’s exterior for visibility.
Tesla is a clear beneficiary of this development, as it is working on its two-seater Cybercab. Others are expected to follow suit.
In addition, I have thoroughly reviewed Uber’s autonomous vehicle ventures. This detailed assessment covers all companies Uber has partnered with or invested in, with more partnerships anticipated.
The Financial Times previously estimated Uber’s investment in autonomous vehicles at approximately $10 billion. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi confirmed during an earnings call that the company plans to invest $10 billion over the coming years to deploy 120,000 driverless vehicles.
Deals!
Moove began as an African fintech company offering vehicle financing for app drivers. It has since transitioned into a major ride-hail fleet owner with 42,000 vehicles across 13 countries.
Moove has also launched a business division focused on autonomous vehicles. The company is now the fleet operator for Waymo in Phoenix, Miami, Las Vegas, and soon London. Co-CEO Ladi Delano has ambitious plans for Moove, supported by new capital.
Based in Dubai, Moove raised $250 million in a Series C funding round led by Mubadala Investment Company, with Woven Capital and Ion Pacific as co-leads. Valued at $2.1 billion, Moove intends to use these funds to expand its autonomous vehicle fleet management, including hiring around 350 new employees.
Notably, Moove plans to purchase Waymo robotaxis and already owns the robotaxi assets of another undisclosed company.
Other deals that caught my attention this week …
Accell Group Holding, a Dutch bicycle manufacturer of brands such as Lapierre, Raleigh, and Sparta, was granted a suspension of payments, initiating an insolvency process. In 2022, a KKR-led consortium acquired the company for 1.56 billion euros ($1.77 billion at the time).
Advanced Electric Machines Group, a UK-based manufacturer of rare earth and magnet-free electric motors, secured £16 million ($21.5 million) in funding led by Barclays Climate Ventures, PXN Ventures, Northstar Ventures, and the Low Carbon Innovation Fund, supplemented by loan support from Innovate UK.
Chargepoly, a French company focused on electrifying heavy-duty and commercial vehicle fleets, raised €23 million ($26 million) in a round led by Meridiam.
Hadrian, a defense tech company specializing in automated manufacturing facilities, raised $1.37 billion at a $7.87 billion valuation. The round was led by WCM Investment Management, Washington Harbour Partners, Valor Equity Partners, 137 Ventures, and Baillie Gifford.
Matel Motion & Energy Solutions, an Indian company developing energy-efficient motors, motor controllers, and integrated powertrains, raised INR 130 crore ($13.6 million) in a Series B round led by UC Impower.
River, an Indian electric vehicle startup, secured $120 million in a Series C round led by Elev8 Venture Partners and Claypond Capital. Additional investors included Singularity AMC, Anicut Capital, 360 ONE Asset, JIF Capital, HDFC AMC, as well as existing backers Yamaha Motors, Al-Futtaim Group, and Mitsui.
Notable reads and other tidbits
Ford has named its upcoming midsize EV Fathom, priced at $28,350, scheduled for release in 2027. JS’s climate tech reporter, Tim De Chant, critiques that Ford requires a new Taurus, and the Fathom might not fulfill that role. What are your thoughts?
Joby Aviation, a company focused on electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, announced its earnings this week. Revenue increased compared to the same quarter last year, largely due to its acquisition of Blade Air Mobility. Net losses decreased slightly to $245 million. Notably, Joby has partnered with Atoms, an AI and industrial automation startup by Travis Kalanick, to develop a network of transportation hubs for air taxis and autonomous ground vehicles, initially targeting Florida, New York, Texas, and California.
Lucid Motors conveyed a serious approach in its second-quarter earnings, focusing on essential priorities, including a $1.4 billion cost-saving initiative. They are also betting on a successful robotaxi program with Uber and Nuro and plan to launch their midsize Cosmos EV, now postponed to the latter half of 2027.
Nvidia has introduced its Alpamayo 2 Super for commercial use, an AI model tailored for autonomous driving. Available on Hugging Face, it features an open license for commercial redistribution and derivative models, enabling AV developers and automakers to adapt Alpamayo to their specific data and strategies.
Teamsters California has filed a lawsuit against the California DMV, claiming the agency failed to adequately assess and disclose the economic impact of permitting self-driving heavy-duty trucks on state roads. While AV developers declined to comment, the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association stated: “This lawsuit from the Teamsters sets a new standard in abusive and frivolous litigation and cannot be taken seriously.”
JS has partnered again with New York-based financial research firm Hudson Labs to analyze what Elon Musk and other Tesla executives have been discussing over the past seven years during earnings calls. The findings reveal that Musk now dedicates nearly half of his time to topics like artificial intelligence, robotaxis, and Full Self-Driving software.
Speaking of Elon Musk, his companies have been in the spotlight this week. SpaceX released its first earnings report as a publicly traded entity, noting a revenue increase compared to the previous year, largely attributed to the expansion of its Starlink satellite internet service and agreements with Anthropic and Google to lease computing power. During the earnings call, Musk made bold claims about the company’s business and future, while other executives worked to ground his ideas in reality.
Meanwhile, Tesla and SpaceX have announced that “Terafab,” their joint advanced chip factory, will be constructed in Grimes County, Texas, near Houston, with an initial investment of $16.8 billion.
The New York Times has investigated Uber’s defense strategy against over 4,000 lawsuits from passengers alleging the company failed to protect them from sexual violence.
Waymo has eliminated the waitlist for its robotaxi service in Dallas, making it accessible to all residents and visitors.
One more thing …
Travis Kalanick and his startup Atoms are making waves in the industry (refer to the Joby partnership mentioned earlier). Kalanick isn’t just making deals; he’s also assembling a team of former colleagues, having recently raised $1.7 billion.
For example, Gautam Gupta, who previously served as finance chief under Kalanick, has joined Atoms as chief financial officer. Gupta spent over four years at Uber before departing in July 2017, shortly after Kalanick stepped down as CEO.
When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.
