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Before jumping into Transportation News this week, it’s worth pointing out a few articles focusing on Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO and biggest shareholder and founder of several other companies, including SpaceX and Neuralink.
You may remember researching TechCrunch’s team on People at Elon Musk’s Doge Universe in February. The continuing updates focus on people working for the Department of Government Efficiency, an entity founded through President Trump’s executive order. A new report by another team here at TechCrunch focuses on founders and VCS who are working with Doge. Check it out!
Speaking of Musk, his close ally Trump puts 25% tariffs on all cars imported into the US, including those from Mexico and Canada. He also places a 25% tariff on certain parts used in the construction of cars. As reporter Sean Okane points out, it’s a decision that is likely to charge the costs of a new used car, but it’s also a gift for Tesla, a company run by Musk, his biggest financial advocate in the presidential election.
And finally, other AM-II-In-a-Simulation news has confirmed to TechCrunch that Trump has pardoned Trump for bankrupt hydrogen trucking startup Nicola. Tidbit: We waited hours for the White House to check.
OK, with the rest of the news this week:
Little bird
Little Bird recently said that Lucid has been focusing on partnerships as a way to reach a higher level of autonomy, especially in new gravity SUVs. Can you see your partnership with Mobileye or with other automated driving technology providers?
Any tips for us? Email Kirsten Korosec at [email protected], or email kkorosec.07, sean o’kane ([email protected], or rebecca bellan ([email protected]). Alternatively, check these instructions and contact us via an encrypted messaging app or SecureDrop.
Great deal!
Welp, there is a non-transport related transaction here, but it’s very noteworthy.
TechCrunch has been acquired by private investment company Regent. Although no financial terms have been disclosed, our previous owner, Yahoo Holdings, maintains a small share of ownership. The acquisition comes just days after Regent purchased Foundry, home to high-tech publications such as PCWORLD, MACWORLD, INFWORLD and CIO, although not yet closed.
Other deals that caught my attention…
Michigan-based BetterFleet, which developed the EV charging fleet management software, raised $15 million in a Series A funding round led by Aligned Climate Capital, the Ecosystem Integrity Fund (EIF), and a notable venture environment (RVC).
Reuters, the robotics startup Bot Company, founded by former Cruise co-founder and CEO Kyle Voight, has raised $150 million in the round led by Greenoaks.
EV charging infrastructure startup DeCharge has raised $2.5 million in a round led by Lemniscap. Other investors include lifting the Colosseum, Daedalus Angels, EV3 Lab, Echo fundraiser chain Yodajedis, and labs.
Fleetio, the vehicle fleet software management company, raised $450 million in a round co-ledged by Elephant VC and Goldman Sachs alternatives. This funding will be used to fund the purchase of the automatic integration of the maintenance certification platform.
Manna, a Dublin-based drone delivery company, raised $30 million in the round led by Tapestry VC and Molten Ventures. Coca-Cola and Dynama Venture also participated.
Notable readings and other information
Self-driving cars
Waymo will begin offering Robotaxi Rides in Washington, DC via the Waymo One app in 2026. There’s an important catch. Before Waymo launches commercially, the company needs to raise lobbying games in capitals where autonomous vehicles need humans behind the wheels.
Electric cars, charging, batteries
The announcement of BYD’s groundbreaking EV charging prompted reporter Tim de Chant to learn more last week.
Cadillac debuted another EV: The Optiq SUV. Contributor Emme Hall has the opportunity to drive the Optiq and the new Escalade IQ.
Rebel, a Brooklyn-based electric vehicle charging infrastructure startup, has launched its first fast charging station in San Francisco.
Rivian has been running a Skunkworks program that focuses on electric micromotorization for many years, founder and CEO RJ Scaringe told TechCrunch. Currently, Libian is launching the startup with $105 million in funding from Eclipse Ventures. Libian also has a small share of interest, and Sculling will serve on that board. Chrisyu, Libian’s future vice president of programs, will become its president.
In-car technology
Waze has removed Google Assistant from iOS due to an ongoing issue. The company plans to introduce an “enhanced speech interaction solution” as an alternative in the near future.