Welcome to the latest edition of TechCrunch Mobility, your go-to source for cutting-edge news and insights on the ever-evolving transportation landscape. Stay ahead of the curve by signing up for free – just click TechCrunch Mobility and let the journey begin!
This week’s edition is short but packed with exciting developments. To our readers in the U.S., we hope you had a restful Labor Day weekend.
Let’s kick off this issue with a fascinating piece of innovation that blends robotics, mobility, and accessibility. Korea’s Institute of Machinery and Materials wowed spectators with a robotic wheelchair equipped with deformable wheels that effortlessly navigates rocks, stairs, and other obstacles. Be sure to check it out!
Now, let’s dive into the latest news. Here we go!
- Deals!
In the world of hustle and innovation:
- Zepto, the Indian delivery and e-commerce startup, recently secured a jaw-dropping $1 billion in funding within 90 days. This substantial investment, led by General Catalyst, underscores the company’s potential for growth and disruption in the market.
- E Daddy, a UAE-based business specializing in two-wheeler EVs, raised an impressive $15 million in a recent funding round, highlighting the demand for sustainable mobility solutions globally.
- Oxylus Energy, a startup focusing on green methanol production, secured a $4.5 million seed round, backed by industry giants like Toyota Ventures and Azolla Ventures. Their mission to help aviation and shipping sectors achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 is gaining momentum.
- WeMoba, a fleet management SaaS company in Iberia, was acquired by Alerce, signaling strategic moves in the region’s transportation landscape.
- Notable Reads and Insights
- A sobering reminder of the importance of responsible technology adoption: A tragic incident involving the use of Ford BlueCruise hands-free driver assistance system resulted in DUI homicide charges.
- Tesla’s ambitious plans to unveil its robotaxi at an event in the Los Angeles area are accompanied by intriguing data collection efforts, as revealed by hacker insights, suggesting meticulous pre-event preparations.
- An unexpected move by Tesla – the deletion of all blog posts prior to 2019, sparking curiosity and speculation within the EV community.
- Aviation industry innovator Archer Aviation’s impressive track record of 402 test flights this year, setting the stage for upcoming FAA flight tests.
- Fortunes are shifting in the ride-hailing space, with Lyft restructuring operations, shedding jobs, and streamlining services to stay competitive in an evolving market landscape.
- Uber’s strategic push into South Korea, challenging market leader Kakao Mobility, sets the stage for intensified competition in the region.
- This Week’s Wheels
Our featured ride for this week is the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV 2LT. Equipped with an 85-kilowatt-hour battery for an impressive 319 miles of range, this electric vehicle showcases seamless software integration and hands-free advanced driver assistance system Super Cruise. Despite a software glitch in the past, the Equinox EV impresses with its improved performance and user experience.
Stay tuned for more exciting transportation product reviews, including e-bikes and upcoming electric vehicle releases. Keep up with the latest trends and innovations in the mobility sector to stay ahead of the curve.
Embark on your mobility journey with TechCrunch and witness the future of transportation unfold before your eyes. Join us on this thrilling ride towards a more connected, sustainable, and tech-driven future.
