The Cost of Waymo - TechCrunch Mobility

TechCrunch Mobility Update: Streamlining Self-Driving Vehicle Approvals

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NHTSA to Expedite AV Exemption Process

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed plans this week to simplify the Part 555 exemption procedure. This aims to accelerate the deployment of self-driving vehicles that are designed without conventional driver controls, such as steering wheels and pedals.

The communication distributed to “stakeholders” – namely, companies actively developing AVs – remains somewhat ambiguous in its specifics. Manufacturers will still be required to prove that these vehicles, lacking traditional features, achieve a comparable safety standard to vehicles meeting current regulations.

Furthermore, any exemption granted must demonstrably serve the public interest. The core of this announcement is NHTSA’s acknowledgement that the existing Part 555 exemption process is ill-equipped to handle vehicles with automated driving systems.

The current process is considered protracted and intricate. Essentially, the agency is prioritizing a faster approval pathway for these innovative technologies.

Federal Actions: Drones and Supersonic Travel

Beyond NHTSA, other federal agencies have also been active. Trump previously signed executive orders concerning drone regulation and the acceleration of development for supersonic air travel.

Industry Dynamics: Trump and Musk

Interestingly, predictions made in the previous edition regarding the relationship between Trump and Elon Musk have proven accurate. Their dynamic appears to be following a pattern of intermittent conflict and reconciliation.

Now, let's proceed with the remaining news updates. 

Initial Reports on a Collaborative Project

Previously, information was released regarding a collaboration between Jony Ive’s LoveFrom and designers from Rivian. This partnership involved a dedicated team that ultimately led to the formation of Also, a company focused on micromobility solutions.

Further details have emerged, alongside clarification concerning the nature of this relationship. The project was internally referred to as “Inder.”

Rivian had, in fact, submitted a trademark application for the name Inder, but this application was subsequently withdrawn.

Sources indicate that while the LoveFrom team contributed their expertise in industrial design – and notably, a unique motor design – they were not involved in the development of the user interface or user experience (UI/UX).

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Significant Transactions

JetZero, a company headquartered in Long Beach, California, dedicated to the development of zero-emission jet aircraft utilizing blended wing designs, has announced plans for a manufacturing facility in Greensboro, North Carolina.

The company, supported by venture capital firms such as Trucks VC, as well as strategic investments from major airlines including United Airlines and Alaska Airlines, intends to allocate $4.7 billion to this project over the coming ten years, according to reports from The Wall Street Journal.

Facility construction is anticipated to commence during the first six months of 2026. Initial deliveries to customers are projected for the early 2030s.

A key aspect of this agreement involves over $1.1 billion in state-level performance incentives. These incentives will be disbursed over a period approaching four decades and are dependent upon JetZero generating more than 14,000 employment opportunities between 2027 and 2036, as reported by Reuters.

Additional Notable Investments

Mitra Chem, a startup focused on battery material innovation, has secured $15.6 million in a funding round, with plans to raise a total of $50 million.

Recent Developments and Interesting Updates

Self-Driving Technology

Data from Obi, an application that compiles pricing and availability from various ride-sharing platforms, indicates that Waymo rides are priced higher than those offered by Uber and Lyft. Despite this cost difference, demand for Waymo’s autonomous vehicle service remains consistent.

The company recently released what it describes as the first detailed analysis of Waymo’s pricing structure. The key takeaway is that the cost of a ride in a Waymo self-driving car is consistently greater than comparable services from competitors.

Following incidents of vandalism during protests in Los Angeles, Waymo temporarily removed its vehicles from the downtown area. The company intends to pursue legal action against those responsible for damaging its robotaxis.

The events sparked debate regarding the surveillance capabilities of Waymo vehicles. Questions arose concerning the use of the numerous cameras and sensors, and whether footage is being shared with law enforcement to identify individuals involved in the protests. Waymo has not yet responded to inquiries on this matter.

Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, has announced a launch date for the Tesla robotaxi: June 22nd in Austin, Texas.

Wayve and Uber have jointly announced their intention to introduce a fully driverless robotaxi service in London. This rollout is planned to coincide with the U.K. government’s accelerated timeline for self-driving commercial pilots, now slated for spring 2026, previously set for late 2027.

Electric Vehicles, Batteries, and Charging Infrastructure

Infinite Machine, a New York-based micromobility company supported by a16z, has unveiled the Olto, a seated scooter. The Olto is priced at $3,495 and is expected to begin shipping later this year.

This scooter boasts a range of 40 miles, powered by a readily replaceable 48V lithium-ion battery.

Advancements in In-Car Technology

Apple’s WWDC 2025 presentation included several updates related to automotive integration. The company is introducing widgets and message tapbacks to CarPlay with the release of iOS 26.

These new features aim to enhance the user experience while driving by providing more information and interactive capabilities within the CarPlay interface.