Welcome back to TechCrunch Mobility, your source for updates on the future of transportation. This week, significant developments have emerged in both the regulatory and startup spaces. The U.S. Department of Transportation introduced a new Automated Vehicle Framework, which modifies crash-reporting requirements for vehicles equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving systems (ADS). Notably, the framework reduces the urgency of reporting non-fatal incidents involving Level 2 systems, impacting companies like Tesla, GM, and Ford.
Meanwhile, Slate, an EV startup backed by Jeff Bezos, unveiled its ‘transformer’ EV truck at an event in Long Beach, California. The company pitches its vehicle as adaptable, akin to the animated series “more than meets the eye.” This revelation aligns with earlier insider reports and positions Slate as a contender in the EV market.
Other notable developments include Ather Energy reducing its IPO size, DoorDash considering a $3.6 billion acquisition of Deliveroo, and Electra raising $115 million for hybrid electric aircraft development. Additionally, Tesla’s earnings report highlighted contrasting realities: declining automotive profits versus ambitions in AI and autonomous ride-hailing services.
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