The Station: A Weekly Transportation Newsletter

Greetings to both regular subscribers and newcomers! Welcome to The Station, a newsletter focused on the evolving landscape of how people and goods are transported. You can subscribe here – simply click The Station – to have it delivered directly to your inbox each weekend.

Updates to TechCrunch’s Transportation Coverage

Last week’s edition detailed upcoming modifications to TechCrunch’s coverage of the transportation sector, including the introduction of “market maps.” These in-depth analyses, exclusively available on Extra Crunch, will concentrate on specific segments within the transportation industry.

Solid State Battery Industry Analysis

The inaugural market map provided a comprehensive examination of the solid state battery industry. As Mark Harris detailed, initial expectations for this technology have faced setbacks. Early projections of safer, lighter, and more potent batteries largely failed to materialize.

However, a resurgence of innovation and investment is now fueling progress. This renewed momentum is particularly significant for the transportation sector, representing the largest potential market for advanced battery technology.

Further insights can be found in this article: Can solid state batteries power up the next generation of EVs?

Looking Ahead: New Content and Interviews

This week, anticipate the launch of our redesigned automotive reviews. We will also be publishing an interview featuring key figures from Joby Aviation.

The interview will include contributions from founder JoeBen Bevirt, executive chair Paul Sciarra (also co-founder of Pinterest), and Reid Hoffman, whose SPAC facilitated the merger with Joby.

Lucid Motors Insights

Additionally, a conversation with Lucid CEO and CTO Peter Rawlinson is scheduled for release.

Expanding the Team

Our transportation coverage is set to expand with the arrival of two new reporters, who will begin their roles in the coming week. Their expertise will contribute to a more comprehensive and detailed analysis of the industry.

Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect:

• Revamped automotive reviews
• Exclusive interview with Joby Aviation leadership
• Insights from Lucid Motors’ CEO and CTO
• Expanded coverage with new reporting talent

Micromobility Updates

This week's micromobility news is concise. A noteworthy upcoming panel discussion deserves attention.

A complimentary panel, titled "Women on Wheels: Making Micromobility Safer for Female Riders," is scheduled for March 8th, from 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM Eastern Time. The central theme of the discussion will be the safety of women within the micromobility landscape. Registration is mandatory for participation; the Eventbrite link for registration can be found here.

Panel Participants

The panel will feature several prominent figures in the industry. These include Meghan Braley, the founder and CEO of ScootRoute, who will also serve as the event host.

Additionally, Natasha George, a co-founder of SomEV and a battery engineer, will be participating. Ashley Ndiaye, Director of Cyclist Engagement at Saturday Night Bike Club, is also confirmed as a speaker.

The event promises valuable insights into enhancing safety for female micromobility users. It represents an important conversation within the evolving transportation sector.

Recent Developments in the Automotive and Tech Industries

Following considerable anticipation, Lucid Motors formally declared its intention to become a publicly listed entity through a merger with Churchill Capital IV Corp, a special purpose acquisition company.

Over the past ten months, a number of electric vehicle manufacturers and companies specializing in charging infrastructure have utilized the SPAC merger route to access public markets, including Arrival, Canoo, ChargePoint, EVgo, Fisker, and Lordstown Motors. However, this particular transaction represents the largest to date.

The resulting company, with Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund maintaining its position as the primary shareholder, will possess a transaction equity value of $11.75 billion. The private investment within this public equity deal is priced at $15 per share, establishing a pro forma equity value of $24 billion.

An interview was conducted with CEO and CTO Peter Rawlinson subsequent to the deal’s announcement. An article detailing his insights will be published in the coming week.

Concurrently, another noteworthy agreement involved Joby Aviation’s declaration of its plans to enter the public market via a merger with Reinvent Technology Partners, a special purpose acquisition company founded by prominent investor and LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, alongside Zynga founder Mark Pincus. The combined entity, slated for listing on the New York Stock Exchange, is projected to have a pro forma valuation of $6.6 billion.

For over a decade, Joby Aviation has been dedicated to the development of a fully electric, vertical take-off and landing passenger aircraft. The company intends to allocate the newly acquired capital towards initiating passenger services, anticipated to commence in 2024. Certification of the aircraft and the establishment of manufacturing facilities remain key objectives, both of which are currently in progress.

Further transactions of interest include…

Aurora, having recently finalized the acquisition of Uber’s self-driving division, has made its second acquisition of a lidar startup within a two-year period. The company acquired OURS Technology, a startup comprised of twelve individuals established in 2017 by researchers and PhDs from the University of California-Berkeley. Previously, Aurora had acquired Blackmore, a lidar startup based in Montana.

Gettacar, an online platform for used vehicle sales, secured $25 million in a new funding round, bringing its total funding to $48 million across three rounds over more than two years.

Gophr, a last-mile delivery startup operating in the U.K., raised £4 million ($5.5 million) in a funding round spearheaded by Nauta Capital, a pan-European B2B investment firm.

Manbang, a Chinese truck-hailing company supported by Tencent Holdings Ltd., has confidentially submitted an initial public offering application that could generate at least $1 billion, as reported by Bloomberg.

Nyobolt, formerly known as CB2Tech and based in Cambridge, U.K., secured $10 million in a Series A funding round led by IQ Capital, a battery technology company.

WiTricity, a company specializing in wireless EV charging, announced an additional $18 million to its previously announced $34 million fundraise. This extension included investments from Tony Fadell’s Future Shape and other private investors, with Fadell also joining the board.

Xos, a manufacturer of commercial electric vehicles, is planning to become a publicly traded company through a merger with NextGen Acquisition Corp., a blank-check company, in a deal valued at $2 billion.

Zomato, an Indian food delivery service, has raised $250 million, following a $660 million Series J financing round completed just two months prior.

Electric Scooter Pilot Program in New York City

The city of New York initiated a competitive process for electric scooter operation within its limits with the release of a request for interest in October. This action formally began the selection of companies hoping to participate in a pilot program.

Alongside the primary request, New York also issued a request for expressions of interest (RFEI). This RFEI targeted businesses offering supporting services to the electric scooter sector. These services include data analysis, charging solutions, rider safety training, and scooter retrieval.

Currently, New York and London represent the two major metropolitan areas that have not yet designated the companies awarded permits for these programs. Information from my sources indicates that New York is poised to announce the selected companies this week. A similar announcement from London is also a possibility.

The New York City Department of Transportation revealed last week that the e-scooter pilot will be geographically focused on eastern Bronx neighborhoods. Specifically, the area spans from Eastchester and Co-op City to Throggs Neck and Soundview, encompassing 18 square miles and a population of 570,000.

The pilot program, anticipated to begin in late spring, will have a minimum duration of one year. Phase 1 is projected to introduce between 2,000 and 3,000 scooters to the East Bronx.

A potential second phase, planned for 2022, could see the number of scooters increased to as many as 4,000 to 6,000.

Key Details of the Pilot

• Geographic Focus: Eastern Bronx neighborhoods.
• Population Served: 570,000 residents.
• Pilot Duration: Minimum of one year.
• Phase 1 Scooter Count: 2,000 - 3,000 scooters.
• Potential Phase 2 Scooter Count: 4,000 - 6,000 scooters.

The selection of companies for this pilot represents a significant step towards integrating electric scooters into New York City’s transportation infrastructure.

The Evolution of the ID.Buzz

The ID.Buzz, Volkswagen’s modern interpretation of the iconic microbus, initially debuted as a concept vehicle at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Since its unveiling, substantial development efforts have been underway, and recent updates provide insight into its future trajectory.

Volkswagen has announced its ambition to deploy a Level 4 autonomous ID.Buzz for commercial applications by 2025. This advancement will be powered by autonomous driving technology originating from Argo AI, a self-driving startup supported by both Ford and Volkswagen.

Autonomous Capabilities and Testing

Currently, the company is actively engaged in real-world field trials within Germany throughout this year. These trials are crucial for refining the autonomous systems and ensuring safe operation.

The intended application for these autonomous microbuses is a ride-hailing and sharing service, mirroring the existing services offered by Moia in Germany. Volkswagen’s commercial vehicle division will be responsible for the development and production of specialized vehicles, including robotaxis and delivery vans.

A Look Back at Previous Initiatives

This announcement signifies progress, but it’s important to consider Volkswagen’s past projections and plans. In 2016, Volkswagen established Moia as a distinct entity dedicated to innovative mobility solutions.

These solutions encompassed fleet-based commuter shuttles and, ultimately, autonomous on-demand transportation services. Ole Harms, Moia’s initial CEO, predicted that early autonomous driving pilots would precede the 2021 timeframe anticipated by many industry competitors.

Volkswagen previously collaborated with the self-driving technology company Aurora, announcing in January 2018 plans to introduce commercial fleets of self-driving electric vehicles in select cities between 2021 and 2023.

The initial plan involved two distinct test fleets utilizing Aurora’s technology: one focused on ride-pooling with Moia shuttles, and another offering door-to-door ride-hailing services in both the U.S. and Germany.

Partnership Shifts and Future Outlook

However, the partnership between Aurora and Volkswagen concluded after approximately 18 months. Consequently, Volkswagen’s projected launch date, along with those of numerous other autonomous vehicle developers, experienced delays.

The question remains whether Volkswagen, with the support of Argo AI, will successfully meet its 2025 deadline for the autonomous ID.Buzz. The success of this venture will depend on continued technological advancements and effective implementation of the autonomous driving system.

Recent Developments and Industry Updates

Several noteworthy occurrences have transpired recently within the technology and automotive sectors.

Foxconn Technology Group has reportedly reached a preliminary agreement with Fisker, an electric vehicle startup that transitioned through a SPAC merger, to collaborate on the development and subsequent manufacturing of an EV. This vehicle is intended for distribution across North America, Europe, China, and India, though the agreement remains subject to finalization.

Currently, this arrangement exists as a memorandum of understanding. Further discussions are ongoing between the two organizations, with the anticipation of a definitive partnership agreement being established during the second quarter of the current year.

In related news concerning Fisker, The Verge disclosed that the EV company has abandoned its plans for solid-state battery development. Furthermore, a previously undisclosed trade secret lawsuit with QuantumScape, a solid-state battery firm supported by Volkswagen, was settled last July.

Flipkart has announced its intention to integrate over 25,000 electric vehicles into its supply chain operations by the year 2030. This initiative reflects the Walmart-owned e-commerce company’s commitment to achieving a complete transition to electric mobility within the next decade.

The Bangalore-based company revealed that it has formed partnerships with prominent EV manufacturers, including Hero Electric, Mahindra Electric, and Piaggio, to design and construct vehicles specifically for its first and last-mile delivery services throughout India.

Amazon, just prior to Flipkart’s announcement, revealed a collaboration with Mahindra Electric to produce approximately one hundred electric three-wheelers in India. Last year, the American e-commerce giant committed to deploying 10,000 electric vehicles within the country by 2025.

Nikola, the electric truck manufacturer that has faced controversy, is attempting to rebuild its reputation. A recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission acknowledged that nine statements made by its founder, Trevor Milton, were “inaccurate.” Milton resigned from Nikola in September following allegations of fraud made by Hindenburg Research, a short-selling firm.

The company is also streamlining its operations by discontinuing various projects initiated by Milton. The SEC filing indicated a $14.4 million impairment expense resulting from the termination of the Powersports business unit.

Sergey Brin’s airship company, LTA Research and Exploration, is developing a large-scale disaster relief airship powered by a record-breaking hydrogen fuel cell, as indicated in a job posting discovered by Mark Harris of TechCrunch.

United States Postal Service has awarded a ten-year, $485-million contract to Oshkosh Defense for the delivery of between 50,000 and 165,000 Next Generation Delivery Vehicles, as reported by Ars Technica. The initial vehicles are scheduled to be deployed in 2023.

However, only 10% of these new delivery trucks will be battery electric, a detail that appears to contrast with the Biden administration’s objective of transitioning the entire federal fleet to EVs. This news resulted in a significant decline in the stock value of Workhorse Group Inc.

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