The Station: A Weekly Transportation Newsletter

Welcome to The Station, a newsletter focused on the evolving landscape of transportation. Subscribe here – simply click The Station – to have it delivered to your inbox every Saturday.

Greetings and Upcoming Events

Hello to both returning subscribers and new readers! The Station is dedicated to exploring all current and emerging methods of moving people and goods. Don't miss the information at the newsletter's end regarding our upcoming Early Stage conference; a special offer awaits you.

A Wealth of Mobility News

This week brings a substantial amount of news in the mobility sector, including exclusive reports, investment updates, and a detailed “market map” examining the business of mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) applications. Prepare for a comprehensive overview.

Market Map: Mobility-as-a-Service

First, let’s examine the market map story, recently authored by Jason Plautz. The key takeaway is that as public transit agencies strive to regain passenger numbers, a growing number of platforms – supported by major companies such as Uber, Intel, and BMW – are proposing new technological collaborations.

The Role of MaaS Platforms

These startups are marketing mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) solutions as a vital tool for transit agencies to remain central to urban transportation. These offerings encompass integrated booking, payment systems, and trip planning functionalities.

Transit agencies are increasingly drawn to third-party platforms as they work to maximize ridership on buses, trains, and rail systems.

Extra Crunch Content

Please note that this particular article is part of our Extra Crunch subscription service. As previously mentioned, we are expanding our transportation analysis within Extra Crunch.

Last month featured Mark Harris’s market analysis concerning solid state batteries. Next week, Extra Crunch will present reports on holographic technology in vehicles, the secondary battery market, and software innovations within the micromobility sector.

Get in Touch

Feel free to reach out to me at kirsten.korosec@techcrunch.com with your thoughts, feedback, or any relevant tips. You can also connect with me directly on Twitter – @kirstenkorosec.

Micromobility Updates

Bird recently announced a $150 million investment towards expansion throughout Europe, intending to launch services in over 50 additional cities this year and effectively doubling its regional presence.

The company reports that this expansion is already in progress, having recently introduced its scooters to locations including Bergen, Norway; Tarragona, Spain; and Palermo, Italy.

Bird clarified that its European growth strategy encompasses more than simply expanding geographically. Alongside increasing scooter numbers in current locations, the company pledged to unveil new mobility solutions and safety measures, alongside advancements in vehicle recycling and second-life applications.

Initial reactions to this announcement prompted some questioning. The specifics of these new mobility products, safety enhancements, or recycling initiatives remain undefined. A Bird representative indicated these will involve new vehicle types and “transport modes” within the region.

Furthermore, the meaning of “securing partnerships” was left ambiguous, potentially referencing an extension of the Bird Platform franchise program or alternative collaborations with local authorities or operators.

The $150 million investment also raises questions. While a Bird spokesperson stated the funds originate from “existing resources,” the company’s financial position has been impacted by the pandemic, the acquisition of Circ, and the costs associated with launching operations in new cities while sustaining current fleets.

Last June, Bird discontinued scooter-sharing services in several Middle Eastern cities, operations previously managed by Circ. The company’s most recent public fundraising occurred over a year ago, with a $275 million Series D round in September 2019, later increased to $350 million.

This investment could potentially be the $100 million in convertible debt reportedly nearing completion in January, according to The Information. However, further details are anticipated.

Additional Micromobility News …

Lime and Lyft have seemingly obtained a license granting them exclusive rights to operate scooter and bike-share programs within Denver. The city’s Department of Transportation & Infrastructure is forwarding two licensing agreements to the Denver City Council for approval.

On March 23, the DOTI will present these agreements to the Land Use, Transportation & Infrastructure Committee for review before a full council vote.

This “license” represents a significant change in Denver’s approach to dockless shared scooters and bikes, shifting from a permit-based system. If approved, Lyft and Lime will be the sole operators under the new program, with the license valid for five years.

Superpedestrian, known for its e-scooters with integrated self-diagnostic software, is upgrading its product in preparation for expansion into ten new cities within the next two weeks, as reported by TechCrunch’s Rebecca Bellan.

While not widely recognized, Superpedestrian is emerging as a key player in micromobility. The company has developed AI technology embedded within its vehicles, enabling real-time monitoring and correction of safety concerns.

The next-generation operating system, internally named “Briggs,” will be deployed across its global fleet of LINK e-scooters. This update includes enhancements to geofencing capabilities and battery performance, making Superpedestrian a more appealing partner for cities prioritizing safety and reliability.

SMART, a startup established in 2020, has unveiled its inaugural product: an airless bicycle tire utilizing technology originally developed by NASA engineers for lunar and Martian rovers.

This innovation demonstrates the positive impact of NASA’s space exploration investments on terrestrial life. SMART operates under a Space Act Agreement with NASA and participates in the agency’s Startup Program, focused on commercializing its innovations.

Image Credits: SMART Tire Company

The “METL tire” originated from research conducted at NASA’s Glenn Research Center by Dr. Santo Padula and Colin Creager, who pioneered “shape memory alloy” (SMA) technology. SMA enables a tire constructed from interconnected springs, eliminating the need for inflation and preventing punctures.

This design provides comparable or superior traction to traditional inflatable tires, along with inherent shock-absorbing properties, as noted by TechCrunch’s Darrell Etherington.

SMART’s co-founders, Earl Cole, winner of “Survivor: Fiji,” and engineer Brian Yennie, are initially targeting the cycling market with the METL tire, slated for public availability early next year. The company plans to extend SMA tire technology to the automotive and commercial vehicle sectors.

Industry Highlights: Recent Deals and Acquisitions

Unlike my typical “deal of the week” reports which focus on financial specifics, this week’s highlight centers on a strategically significant event within the autonomous vehicle sector.

The acquisition of Voyage by Cruise is particularly noteworthy. Voyage, a four-year-old autonomous vehicle startup, gained recognition despite being smaller than industry giants. With a team of 60 employees and approximately $52 million in funding, Voyage distinguished itself, largely due to the leadership of co-founder and CEO Oliver Cameron. Originating from Udacity in 2017, the company became known for its deployments in senior living communities.

Voyage conducted testing and provided transportation services to residents within a 4,000-person retirement community in San Jose, California, and The Villages, a large retirement city in Florida encompassing 40 square miles and 125,000 residents.

Reports indicate that the majority of Voyage’s personnel will transition to Cruise, with Cameron assuming the role of vice president of product. This new position will place him in charge of all customer-facing aspects of Cruise’s operations.

Consequently, Voyage’s ride-hailing service, which always included a human safety driver, will cease operations before the summer months in both California and Florida. The closure of the service in The Villages, a substantial deployment site with “hundreds” of riders, presents opportunities for other autonomous vehicle companies. It is anticipated that Cameron is already evaluating potential inquiries.

The partnership between Voyage and Stellantis (formerly FCA) will also be dissolved upon the completion of the acquisition.

Additional Notable Investment Activity…

Aerovel, a manufacturer of uncrewed vertical take-off and landing aircraft for surveillance purposes, has secured $2.5 million in Series B funding. The investment comes from unnamed leaders within the aviation industry, as stated by the company.

Arbe Robotics, specializing in long-range 4D imaging radar, has entered into a merger agreement with Industrial Tech Acquisitions Inc., a special purpose acquisition company. This transaction is projected to generate approximately $177 million in gross cash proceeds, including $77 million from Industrial Tech’s cash reserves and a $100 million private investment in public equity (PIPE) from investors such as M&G Investment Management, Varana Capital, Texas Ventures, and Eyal Waldman, the founder and CEO of Mellanox Technologies. Their investor presentation is available for review.

For further information on Arbe, consider listening to this Autonocast podcast episode from 2018, featuring an interview with Arbe CEO Kobi Marenko conducted by myself, along with co-hosts Alex Roy and Ed Niedermeyer, discussing the company’s high-resolution radar technology.

Charge Amps, a Swedish company producing smart charging stations, cables, and cloud software, has raised 130 million Swedish crowns ($15.3 million) in a funding round spearheaded by Swedbank Robur. This funding precedes a planned initial public offering (IPO) next year, as reported by Reuters.

Fort Robotics has secured $13 million in a funding round led by Prime Movers Lab. Additional investors include Prologis Ventures, Quiet Capital, Lemnos Labs, Creative Ventures, Ahoy Capital, Compound, FundersClub, and Mark Cuban. Founded in 2018 by Samuel Reeves, formerly of Humanistic Robotics, the Philadelphia-based company focuses on remote operating robotic systems for landmine and IED clearance.

Momenta, a Chinese autonomous driving startup established five years ago, has completed another substantial funding round, raising nearly $500 million. This brings the company’s total funding to over $700 million and has attracted a diverse group of investors, including Sinovation Ventures led by Kai-Fu Lee, the government of Suzhou, and Daimler.

Sun Huan, Momenta’s chief of business development, informed TechCrunch’s Rita Liao that this investment signifies a crucial step towards the company’s global expansion. Sun will soon relocate to Stuttgart, Germany, the home of Mercedes-Benz, to establish Momenta’s first European office.

Unagi, the company behind the portable and aesthetically designed electric scooters, has raised $10.5 million in a Series A round led by the Ecosystem Integrity Fund, with participation from Menlo Ventures, Broadway Angels, and Gaingels. Launched in late 2018 by former Beats Music CEO and MOG co-founder David Hyman, Unagi intends to utilize the funds to expand its operations and extend its subscription service to six additional U.S. cities: Austin, Miami, Nashville, Phoenix, San Francisco, and Seattle. The service will also be broadened within the New York and Los Angeles metropolitan areas, encompassing all five NYC boroughs, Long Island, Westchester, Northern New Jersey, the Westside and Southeast LA, the San Fernando Valley, and Orange County.

Significant Articles and Additional Information

A wealth of current events has unfolded. Let's proceed with a review of these developments.

Recent Headlines

Several key stories are currently capturing attention. These range across various sectors, from technology to global affairs.

Technology Updates are rapidly changing the landscape. New innovations are constantly being introduced, impacting daily life.

Global Affairs

International relations continue to be dynamic. Diplomatic efforts and geopolitical shifts are shaping the world order.

• Economic Indicators suggest a period of fluctuating growth. Careful monitoring is essential for informed decision-making.
• Political Developments are unfolding across multiple nations. These events have the potential to reshape regional dynamics.

Environmental Concerns remain a critical focus. Sustainable practices and conservation efforts are increasingly vital.

Other Points of Interest

Beyond the major headlines, numerous other stories deserve attention. These often provide valuable insights into specific communities and issues.

Cultural Events are enriching societies worldwide. Artistic expression and heritage preservation are essential components of a vibrant culture.

Scientific Breakthroughs are expanding our understanding of the universe. Research and innovation are driving progress in numerous fields.

Staying informed is crucial in today's fast-paced world. Continuous learning and critical thinking are essential skills.

Autonomous Vehicles and Robotics: Ford's New Facility

Ford Motor Company has revealed its intention to station 100 researchers and engineers within a newly established $75 million robotics and mobility complex. This facility is located on the University of Michigan's Ann Arbor campus.

This collaboration provides Ford with dedicated space for robotics investigation and direct access to the university’s student talent pool, while simultaneously offering students opportunities to engage with Ford’s projects.

The arrangement encompasses the entire fourth floor of the 134,000-square-foot, four-story building. Ford will also utilize a high-bay garage for the testing of autonomous vehicles.

Following the announcement, Brian Heater, hardware editor at TechCrunch, spoke with Mario Santillo, a Technical Expert at Ford who will be instrumental in leading the expanded robotics initiatives.

The conversation with Santillo yielded insights into Ford’s strategic direction regarding robotics and future mobility solutions.

Key Aspects of the Collaboration

• Research Focus: The facility will concentrate on advancing robotics technologies relevant to the automotive industry.
• Talent Acquisition: Ford aims to tap into the skilled student body at the University of Michigan.
• Testing Capabilities: The high-bay garage will facilitate real-world testing of autonomous driving systems.

Ford anticipates that this investment will accelerate its progress in the development and deployment of advanced robotic and autonomous technologies.

The proximity to a leading research university is expected to foster innovation and collaboration, ultimately benefiting both the company and the academic community.

Electric Vehicle Developments

Amazon is broadening its San Francisco delivery service to include electric cargo vans. This expansion marks the second of sixteen cities slated to receive Amazon’s Rivian-sourced EVs during 2021. The city was specifically chosen due to its challenging terrain and unique climatic conditions, as stated by Amazon.

These electric vehicles, collaboratively engineered and constructed with Rivian, boast a range of up to 150 miles on a single charge.

BMW’s i4 Electric Sedan

BMW has officially unveiled its all-electric i4 sedan. Alongside this reveal, the German automotive manufacturer announced the arrival of version 8 of its iDrive operating system.

This new iDrive iteration features a redesigned dashboard layout and a fresh visual aesthetic, incorporating two curved screens. It will initially debut within both the i4 and iX models.

Chanje Faces Legal Challenges

Chanje, an electric vehicle startup that initially gained attention in 2017 and is currently owned by Chinese automotive firm FDG, is embroiled in a legal dispute with Ryder. Ryder alleges that Chanje failed to deliver the promised 100 out of 125 vans.

Ryder claims it is owed approximately $4 million. Previous issues have also surfaced, with former employees filing lawsuits alleging unpaid wages and bonuses, and liens from the California Secretary of State for unpaid taxes.

Lucid Motors Explores Battery Repurposing

Lucid Motors, already involved in energy storage solutions for both commercial and residential applications, is now investigating the potential for repurposing batteries from its electric vehicles. This information was reported by TechCrunch’s Aria Alamalhodaei.

While CEO and CTO Peter Rawlinson has previously discussed building energy storage systems utilizing new batteries, this marks the first time the company has publicly addressed second-life applications for its battery technology.

This initiative is particularly noteworthy considering Lucid’s first EV, the luxury Lucid Air sedan, is not expected to reach the market until the latter half of 2021.

Hyundai Offers Complimentary Charging

Hyundai is providing owners of the 2021 Kona Electric and Ioniq Electric with 250 kWh of complimentary charging. This equates to roughly 1,000 miles of EPA-estimated driving range.

The complimentary charging is available on the Electrify America fast-charging network.

Rivian’s Expanding Charging Network

Rivian is planning to deploy over 10,000 chargers by the close of 2023. This network will serve a dual function.

It will provide rapid charging for Rivian electric vehicle models via fast chargers situated along major highways, and also offer Level 2 charging at more remote locations near parks and trails.

The Rivian Adventure Network will encompass more than 3,500 DC fast chargers across over 600 sites, exclusively accessible to Rivian vehicle owners. Each location will feature multiple chargers and be conveniently positioned near amenities like cafes and shops.

Additionally, Rivian is installing numerous “waypoint” Level 2 AC chargers throughout the United States and Canada. These chargers will deliver a charging speed of 11.5 kW, potentially adding up to 25 miles of range per hour for the R1T pickup and R1S SUV.

These waypoint chargers will be strategically placed along routes frequently traveled by Rivian customers, including shopping centers, restaurants, hotels, campsites, and parks.

Volkswagen’s Battery Production Plans

Volkswagen AG has detailed its strategy to become the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer. The plan involves establishing six battery cell production plants in Europe, each with a capacity of 40 gigawatt hours (GWh), by 2030.

To achieve this, the automaker has placed a $14 billion order with Swedish battery manufacturer Northvolt, spanning a decade – this is just one of the six planned facilities. A second plant in Germany is scheduled to begin production in 2025.

Thomas Schmall, VW Group board member and CEO of Volkswagen Group Components. Image credits: Volkswagen

Ride-Hailing Services and Worker Status

Uber has announced that its drivers in the United Kingdom will be classified as workers. This reclassification will entitle them to certain employment benefits, including paid holiday time.

Despite this apparent concession following a recent Supreme Court decision, potential disputes are emerging. The core of the disagreement centers on how Uber calculates working time – specifically, from the start of a trip rather than the moment a driver activates the app.

All U.K. drivers will receive holiday pay equivalent to 12.07% of their total earnings. These payments will be distributed on a bi-weekly basis.

Furthermore, drivers will be guaranteed at least the national minimum wage following trip acceptance, after accounting for associated expenses.

Eligible drivers within the U.K. will be automatically enrolled in a pension scheme. Uber will contribute roughly 3% of each driver’s earnings towards this plan.

However, Uber’s policy stipulates that the accrual of working time and related benefits will only begin when a trip is accepted. This is not when the driver initially logs onto the application to indicate availability.

This approach has already sparked considerable criticism from labor rights advocates.

Facial Recognition Concerns

In a separate development, Uber’s implementation of facial recognition technology for driver identification is facing scrutiny in the U.K.

The App Drivers & Couriers Union (ADCU) and Worker Info Exchange (WIE) are urging Microsoft to halt Uber’s utilization of business-to-business facial recognition systems.

Their call follows the discovery of multiple instances where drivers were incorrectly identified, leading to the revocation of their operating licenses by Transport for London (TfL).

The union has documented seven cases of “failed facial recognition and other identity checks”. These failures resulted in job losses and license revocation actions taken by TfL, as reported by TechCrunch’s Natasha Lomas.

Early Stage Founders: A Unique Learning Opportunity

TechCrunch Early Stage is once again being presented, providing founders with an exceptional chance to gain insights from leading experts on navigating the startup landscape. I had the privilege of moderating sessions at last year’s event. The volume of valuable information was considerable.

I am pleased to facilitate access to this knowledge by offering a discount to my audience.

What is TechCrunch Early Stage?

Early Stage is recognized as the leading event focused on practical guidance for startup entrepreneurs and investors. Attendees will gain direct knowledge from highly successful founders and venture capitalists regarding business development, capital acquisition, and portfolio management.

The event comprehensively addresses all facets of company creation, including fundraising, recruiting, sales, achieving product-market fit, PR, marketing, and brand building.

Interactive Learning Experience

Each session is designed to encourage engagement, with dedicated time allocated for questions from the audience and open discussion. This interactive format allows for a deeper understanding of the topics presented.

To secure your tickets with a 20% discount, simply apply the code “TCARTICLE” during the checkout process. Tickets are available here.

Key Takeaways for Attendees

• Gain actionable strategies for fundraising.
• Learn effective recruiting techniques.
• Discover proven sales methodologies.
• Understand how to achieve and validate product-market fit.
• Master PR and marketing strategies.
• Develop a strong brand identity.