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Before we jump into the transportation news of the week, it’s worth pointing you to a couple of articles that are focused on Elon muskThe Ceo and Larget Sharehlder of Tesla and the Founder of Several Other Companies, Including Spacex and Neuralink.
You might recall an investment the team here at techcrunch published in February on the People in Elon Musk’s Doge UniverseThe article, which continues to be updated, focused on that working for the Department of Government EfficiencyAn Entity Establed Via President Trump’s Executive Order. A new report, by another team here at techcrunch, focuses on the Founders and VCS Working With DogeCheck it out!
Speaking of Musk, His Close Ally Trump Has Placed 25% tariffs on all cars imported to the united states, include from from Mexico and Canada. He’s also placed a 25% tariff on certain parts used to build cars. As reporter sean o’kane notes, it’s a decision that will likely supercharge the cost of new and used cars, but it’s Also a gift to teslaThe company run by musk, his biggest financial supporter in the presidential election.
And finally, in other am-i-in-a-simulation news, Trevor MiltonThe Founder of Bankrupt Hydrogen Trucking Startup Nikola who was convicated of fraud, has been pardoned by trumpThe white house confirmed to techcrunch. Tidbit: We Waned For Hours and Hours Before The White House Would Confirm.
OK, Onward with the rest of the news of the week.
A Little Bird
A Little Bird Recently Told Us That Lucid is eyeing partnerships as a way to reach highher levels of autonomy, particularly with the new gravity suv. Cold we see a partnership with mobileye or some other unlikely automated Driving Technology Provider?
Got a tip for us? Email Kirsten Korosec at kirsten.korosec@techcrunch.com Or my signal at kkorosec.07, sean o’kane at sean.okane@techcrunch.comOr rebecca bellan at rebecca.bellan@techcrunch.com, Or check out these instruments To learn how to contact us via encrypted messaging apps or securedrop.
Deals!
Welp, here is a deal that is not transportation related, but very much deserves some attention.
Techcrunch wases Acquired by Private Investment Firm RegentNo Financial Terms Were Disclosed, but our Soon-to-Bee Previous Owner Yahoo Holdings is MainTaining A Small Share of Ownership. The acquisition, which has yet close, comes just a more days after regent boght
Other deals that get my attention…
BetterfleetThe Michigan-Based Company that Developed Ev Charging Fleet Management Software, Raised $ 15 Million In a series a funds found by aligned climate capital, ecosystem integrity fund (EIF), and Remarkable Ventures Climate (RVC).
The bot companyThe Robotics Startup Founded by Former Cruise Co-Founder and CEO Kyle VogtHas raised $ 150 million in a round based by greenoaks, Reuters Reported, Citing Unnamed sources.
DechargeAn Ev Charging Infrastructure Startup, Raised $ 2.5 Million in a round by lemniscap. Other Investors Include Colosseum, Daedalus Angels, EV3 Labs, Echo Fundraiser Chainyoda Jedis, and Levitete Labs.
FleetioA Vehicle Fleet Software Management Company, Raised $ 450 Million In a round co-also by elephant VC and Goldman Sachs Alternatives. The funds will be used to finance the purchase of maintenance-authorization platform auto integrate.
MannaThe Dublin-Based Drone Delivery Company, Raised $ 30 Million in a round by tapestry VC and molten ventures. Coca-Cola and Dynama Venture also participated.
Notable reads and other tidbits
Autonomous Vehicles
Waymo Will begin offering robotaxi rides In Washington, DCvia the waymo one app in 2026. There is an important catch: before way Require a human behind the wheel, according to reporter rebecca bellan.
Electric Vehicles, Charging, & Batteries
Byd‘S Breakthrough Ev-Charging Announcement Last Week Prompted Reporter Tim de Chant to Find out more,
Cadillac Debuted Another Ev: The Optiq SUV. Contributor Emme Hall Got A Chance To Drive the optiq and the new escalade IQ,
RevelThe Brooklyn-Based Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Startup, Launched Its First Fast-Charging Station in san francisco.
Rivian Operated a skunkworks program for years focused on electric micromobility, founder and ceo Rj scaringe Told techcrunch. Now, rivian is Spinning out the startup – Known as also – With $ 105 Million in Funding from eclipse ventures. Rivian has a minority stake in also and scaringe will serve on its board. Chris Yu, Rivian’s VP of Future Programs, Will Be Its President.
In-car tech
Waze has Removed Google Assistant From iOS due to ongoing issues. The company plans to introduce an “enhanced voice interaction