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TechCrunch Mobility Update: Automated Vehicle Regulations

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This week has been particularly active, especially concerning federal regulations. The U.S. Department of Transportation recently unveiled its new Automated Vehicle Framework.

New Automated Vehicle Framework Details

This framework includes a standing general order (SGO) focused on crash reporting for vehicles equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving systems (ADS). Changes were also implemented within the Automated Vehicle Exemption Program (AVEP).

The AVEP manages the guidelines and procedures for both domestically produced and imported vehicles seeking exemptions. However, the SGO warrants closer examination due to its more substantial revisions. While the previous administration claims it simplifies reporting, organizations like Consumer Reports hold differing opinions.

Changes to Crash Reporting Requirements

The SGO eliminates the previous 24-hour reporting mandate. Companies now have five days to submit reports for crashes involving vehicles with Level 2 systems.

Consumer Reports highlights that the updated order also modifies reporting protocols when a Level 2 automated driving system vehicle requires towing following a collision.

Previously, all vehicles with Level 2 or higher ADAS involved in crashes – excluding those with fatalities or vulnerable road user impacts – were required to report incidents within five days. Now, this requirement is limited to vehicles with ADS, significantly reducing the scope of reporting.

Impact on Common ADAS Systems

This means that if a Tesla utilizing Autopilot, a GM vehicle with Super Cruise, or a Ford with BlueCruise is involved in a crash necessitating a tow, reporting to federal authorities is no longer mandatory, provided no fatality, hospital transport, vulnerable road user injury, or airbag deployment occurred.

Reporting remains obligatory for any vehicle equipped with Level 2 ADAS or ADS if a crash results in a fatality, airbag deployment, hospitalization, or impact to a pedestrian or cyclist.

DOT Secretary's Perspective

DOT Secretary Sean Duffy, during an interview at a Semafor event, alluded to these revised rules. He stated the goal is to gather valuable data, but acknowledged that reporting minor incidents involving autonomous vehicles became “very laborious and challenging,” hindering progress.

Do you have a different interpretation? Please feel free to share your thoughts.

Now, let's move on to other developments.

Slate Unveils its Transformative EV Truck

Slate, the electric vehicle startup supported by Bezos, officially revealed its first vehicle at an event held in Long Beach, California.

The public presentation confirmed many specifics previously reported by senior reporter Sean O’Kane in an exclusive initial report.

Prior to the unveiling, additional internal information surfaced, shared by sources, describing how Slate’s leadership team has characterized the EV as a “transformer.”

This designation, referencing the “more than meets the eye” animated series, is precisely the concept the company is now communicating to potential buyers.

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Recent Investment and Acquisition News

Ather Energy, an Indian company specializing in the production of electric two-wheelers, has reduced the scale of its planned initial public offering by 18%, now targeting 26.26 billion Indian rupees, equivalent to $308.3 million.

Reports from Axios indicate that DoorDash is considering an acquisition of Deliveroo, with a potential valuation of $3.6 billion.

Electra, a startup focused on developing hybrid-electric aircraft, successfully secured $115 million in a Series B funding round. This round was spearheaded by Prysm Capital, and Jay Park, a co-founder and managing partner at Prysm, will now serve on Electra’s board of directors.

Fora, a New York-based travel agency startup, has completed both Series B and C funding rounds, collectively raising $60 million. Josh Kushner’s Thrive Capital co-led the $40 million Series C portion of this investment.

The venture capital division of United Airlines has made a strategic investment in JetZero, a company innovating aircraft design with a blended wing body configuration. The specific investment amount remains undisclosed.

Key Highlights:

• Ather Energy IPO size reduced to $308.3 million.
• DoorDash potentially acquiring Deliveroo for $3.6 billion.
• Electra secures $115 million Series B funding.
• Fora raises $60 million across Series B & C.
• United Airlines invests in JetZero’s aircraft technology.

These developments showcase ongoing activity within the electric vehicle, delivery services, and aviation sectors, attracting significant investment and potential consolidation.

Recent Developments in Automotive and Tech

Self-Driving Technology

Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet, garnered attention for statements made during the company’s earnings discussion regarding Waymo, its autonomous vehicle division.

He indicated, within a broader response, the potential for future options concerning personal vehicle ownership. Waymo has previously alluded to the possibility of licensing its technology to automotive manufacturers, so this statement doesn’t necessarily represent a significant shift.

Tesla is currently conducting employee testing of its autonomous ride-hailing service in both Austin and the Bay Area, preceding the anticipated launch of its robotaxi service this summer.

Volkswagen of America is collaborating with Uber to introduce a commercial robotaxi service utilizing autonomous electric VW ID. BUZZ vehicles across various U.S. cities throughout the next ten years.

Initial deployment is projected for Los Angeles by late 2026, though it will initially require human safety operators. This news evokes memories of similar partnership announcements from 2017-2018, many of which ultimately failed to materialize. VW faces substantial work before commercial launch, including securing basic testing permits.

Electric Vehicles, Charging Infrastructure, and Battery Technology

Aidan Gomez, co-founder and CEO of generative AI company Cohere, has been appointed to Rivian’s board of directors.

While cautioning against over-interpretation, this appointment signals Rivian’s focus on integrating AI into its operations and establishing itself as a software innovator and potential provider within the automotive sector.

Remarkably, Faraday Future continues to operate, and its board has reinstated founder Jia Yueting as co-CEO, following his removal three years prior due to an internal investigation concerning alleged fraudulent activities. It is worth noting that a Securities and Exchange Commission investigation is still in progress.

Tesla’s recent earnings report reinforces a developing hypothesis. The company appears to exist within two contrasting realities. One reality shows a 71% year-over-year decline in profits, decreasing automotive revenues, and exposure to the U.S.-China trade conflict.

The other portrays Tesla as an AI-focused company, now receiving increased attention from CEO Elon Musk, and poised to launch an autonomous ride-hailing service and a more affordable EV – though neither has occurred yet. Investors are strongly embracing the innovative image, even amidst concerns that anti-Musk sentiment is impacting the brand, a risk officially acknowledged in regulatory filings.

Musk’s commitment to dedicate more time to Tesla and less to DOGE contributed to this investor confidence. A comprehensive review of the earnings report and call can be found in our Tesla earnings wrap-up.

Ride-Hailing Services

The Federal Trade Commission has initiated legal action against Uber, alleging that the company charged customers for its Uber One subscription service without obtaining their explicit consent.

Uber is benefiting from a shift away from a competitor. Delta SkyMiles members in the United States can now accumulate points when using Uber for rides or ordering through Uber Eats, as a result of a new exclusive partnership between the two companies. (This partnership was previously held by Lyft.)