TechCrunch Mobility continues to reveal pivotal insights into the rapidly evolving transportation sector, shedding light on significant recent developments involving industry heavyweights.
One major announcement comes from Rivian and its bike-focused spinoff, Also, a company initially created as a skunkworks project. Details have emerged that LoveFrom, the renowned creative firm founded by former Apple chief designer Jony Ive, played a key role in shaping this new venture’s first electric bike designs. Ive’s collaboration with Rivian significantly influenced the aesthetics and functionality behind Also’s micromobility concept, highlighting the increasing intersection between tech giants and transportation startups.
Meanwhile, Elon Musk finds himself once more in the political crossfires after a very public and contentious departure from former ally, President Donald Trump. Musk’s abrupt break from Trump’s inner circle comes at a sensitive time; legislation under consideration, including the Autonomous Vehicle Acceleration Act, may significantly impact Tesla’s push into self-driving technologies and robotaxi services. Given Musk’s history of strained alliances and volatile public reactions, observers predict potential complications across Tesla’s operations, notably regarding interactions with regulators and future lobbying efforts.
Particularly vulnerable is Tesla’s ambitious autonomous pilot in Austin, Texas, which could become a barometer for the consequences of Musk’s escalating disputes with Trump and the broader political backdrop. Analysts are now closely tracking EV sales figures, regulatory developments, and Tesla’s overall growth trajectory in light of recent tensions.
In parallel, electric aviation pioneer Joby Aviation is exploring distribution agreements in Saudi Arabia through a memorandum of understanding with its investor, Abdul Latif Jameel. The potential deal for 200 electric aircraft represents both significant business opportunities and complexities, as converting an investor into a customer brings distinct considerations, as evidenced previously by partnerships like Amazon and Rivian.
Moreover, Uber is signaling clear strategic intentions with recent executive reshuffle and statements by CEO Dara Khosrowshahi. The appointment of Andrew “Mac” Macdonald as the new president and chief operating officer consolidates responsibilities over mobility, delivery, and autonomy under a single experienced executive. Macdonald, who spearheaded Uber’s autonomous vehicle strategy in past years, points to a clear refocus onto self-driving technologies. Khosrowshahi confirmed Uber’s further support for companies developing autonomous vehicle systems such as Aurora and Waabi, positioning itself to facilitate a broad, safer, and more accessible transportation ecosystem.
In other emerging stories, Redwood Materials withdrew from a federal funding arrangement after extended procedural delays and the burden of costs involved in obtaining government loans. The battery recycling and material processing company, backed by substantial private investments, cited procedural inefficiencies as outweighing potential benefits.
Walmart and Alphabet’s drone delivery service, Wing, expanded operations significantly to more U.S cities like Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Orlando, and Tampa. Meanwhile, Trevor Milton, recently pardoned former Nikola founder, continues to battle creditor action relating to substantial unpaid debts from the now-bankrupt electric trucking firm.
Across the mobility and transportation landscape, these developments underscore the constant ebb and flow of partnerships, political implications, technological advancements, and commercial strategies that continue shaping the industry’s trajectory.
