Motions - Issue #50

Fisker Makes Waves with Its EV Lineup, Rivian Emerges as a Potential "Core EV Player" for the Next Decade, and Tesla Cybertrucks Finally Hit the Streets ✨🆕

Courtesy of Fisker

🌟 In the Spotlight

Fisker's electrifying display of EV prototypes has created a buzz, marking its ambitions in the EV space. From the sleek Ronin to the rugged Alaska, Fisker aims to be a dominant EV contender. Here's what you need to know...

• What happened: During Fisker’s “Product Vision Day,” the company showcased several new vehicles – including the Alaska pickup and the PEAR, co-developed with Foxconn. This marked Fisker's first time sharing a glimpse of its forward-looking product roadmap.

• Why it matters: Fisker's global expansion and diverse vehicle lineup underscore its aspiration for significant EV market share. With the Ronin aiming to challenge the Tesla Roadster and innovative offerings like the Houdini trunk in the Alaska, Fisker's commitment to cutting-edge EV design is evident.

• The other side: Though the vehicles remain in the prototype phase with limited details available, the scale of the reveal signifies Fisker's bold strategy. The spotlight is now on turning these visions into tangible, on-road realities without diluting their pledged features.

• What's next: As Fisker accelerates its production timeline, all eyes will be on translating these prototypes into real-world performance, especially the features they've promised.

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🗓 July in Review

• 🚗 Vehicles: The first Tesla Cybertrucks rolled off the production line after a two-year delay. The HiPhi Y launched in China with 503 miles of range. Lucid is slated to reveal its Gravity SUV in November, with production in late 2024. GM unveiled plans for the next-gen Chevrolet Bolt and to expand bi-directional charging capabilities to all Ultium-based EVs by 2026. Motiv introduced Argo, a medium-duty electric truck. Subaru shifted its focus to EVs with plans for eight electric models by 2028.

• 💼 Business: Tesla’s long-time CFO has stepped down. GM’s BrightDrop is bringing its electric delivery vans to Mexico. Waymo shifted focus toward its Waymo One robotaxi fleet, away from autonomous trucking. Volkswagen launched its first autonomous driving test program in the US with ID Buzz AD vehicles. Yandex self-driving group rebrands its international division as Avride. BT Group is exploring EV charging potential using its street cabinet estate. Seven automakers united to create a high-powered charging network across North America.

• 🏛️ Regulatory & Policy: CPUC approved Waymo and Cruise to charge for driverless rides. NHTSA proposed to target 43.5 MPG across new vehicles by 2032.

• 💫 Startups & Partnerships: Hyundai Mobis is slated to supply EV battery systems for Volkswagen’s next-gen EVs. Canoo and the DoD expanded their collaboration to develop a new high-power battery pack. Toyota formed a joint venture with Pony.ai to mass produce robotaxis in China. Audi and SAIC Motor confirmed an EV partnership in China. Mahindra and NXP partnered to drive next-generation smart electric mobility. Nikola and BayoTech partnered to advance hydrogen delivery. Renault Group and Geely sign a JV agreement to launch a powertrain technology company. Chinese EV startup Byton filed for bankruptcy.

• 💸 Investments & Acquisitions: Aurora Innovation raised $820M in fresh capital. Moove, an African mobility fintech, raised $78M from Mubadala and BlackRock. Voltpost raised a $3.6M seed round to bring EV charging to the curbside. Hyundai invested in AI semiconductor firm Tenstorrent. Tesla is potentially expanding its charging capabilities through the acquisition of Wiferion.

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🚀 On the Horizon

Looking forward, here's a sneak peek into some of the things we're keeping our eyes on this month… Uber and Nvidia-backed delivery robot startup Serve Robotics is slated to go public. Lawmakers in Washington are reportedly looking to reignite much-delayed legislation on the safe and regulated adoption of self-driving vehicles. Tesla said it will be in India “as soon as possible.”

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🔎 Interesting Read

Rivian's had a remarkable ascent in the EV market. Analysts spotlighted its Q2 deliveries, which eclipsed expectations and signaled an upswing in profitability and efficiency. With strategic manufacturing shifts and ambitious plans, Rivian is cementing its place as a potential “core EV player” for the coming decade. How did they do it, and what hurdles lie ahead? Dive into this article to discover what's fueling their journey and the insights behind the headlines.

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Thank you for joining us for this month's journey through the world of transportation and mobility services! We'll return in September with more of the latest and greatest mobility news. 📰🚘