TechCrunch Mobility: The cost of Waymo

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced at the end of this week that it is planned to facilitate the 555 exemption process to expedite the automakers that want to set up self-driving vehicles without human control like steering wheels or paddles.

The letter sent by “stakeholders” (which means that the companies working on AVS) are still fairly opaque. And the manufacturers still have to show that vehicles provide an equivalent protection level as loyal vehicles without the traditional steering wheel, driver-driven brakes or rearview mirrors and the discount is in the public interest.

The main point here is that the NHTSA claims that the current part 555 discount process is not suitable for automatic driving system-equipped vehicles and this is a long and complex process. In short: Agency wants to speed up things.

In the news related to other federal agencies, Trump Issued A few executive orders Drone and rapid tracking related to supersonic travel.

Side Note: I can see that my predictions (from the last version) that Trump The results will turn into one of them again, the re -relationship offer relationships were correct.

Come on the rest of the news.

A little bird

Last week, i Shared our scoop About Johnny IvFirm is working as well Rivian Designer and a score works team that ends spinning AlsoAy Micromobility StartupThe

Ok, a few more small birds have popped up to share a bit more and clarify the relationship. I learned that the project was cod-coded. Rivian actually applied for a Name But later it leaves. The sources further shared that the Loveform Team brought in its art design skills efforts – and apparently a great motor design – it was not involved with any UI/UX.

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Deal!

JetzeroLong Beach, California-based vacant jet aircraft company is working on wing aircraft, plans to build a factory in Greensbaro, North Carolina. Capital of various initiatives (like truck VC) and supporters from strategic investors such as United Airlines and Alaska Airlines have said that it will invest $ 4.7 billion in the next decade Wall Street Journal said on the project. Construction is expected to begin in the first half of 2026 with the first customer supply in the early 2030s, the company said.

The agreement contains an important details: state performance incentives include more than $ 1.5 billion, which will be provided for more than 5 years and dependent on Jetziro, produces more than 5,7 from 2027 to 2036. Reported ReutersThe

Other deals are noticeable …

AllyStartup of a battery material, Has collected $ 15.6 million The planned $ 50 million funds in the round.

Significant lessons and other TDBITS

Autonomous vehicle

Wemo More than the ride Uber Or Lift – and People are paying for anywayAccording to OBI, an application that combines real-time prices and pickup time in multiple ride-helling services. The company reveals “the first depth test of the Weemo price schedule”. TL; DR: Wemor’s self-driving car rides are consistently more expensive than comparative offers in Uber and lift-and it seems no matter.

After the Wemo Robotaxis image, several driverless vehicles-anti-ice graffiti and slashed tires became a symbol of the LA protest after the co-exhaustion. Wemo has removed its remaining vehicles from the LA region and plans to carry out criminal cases and collect compensation from those who vandalized its robotaxis. The event raises something Important surveillance About how numerous cameras and sensors are used in Wemo vehicles and whether it is providing camera footage to the authorities to identify the protesters. Wemo didn’t answer our questions about that.

June 22 is large Tesla Robotuxi Launch Day According to the least according to the Texas Austin Tesla’s CEO Elon KasturiThe

Wave And Uber has announced a plan to launch a LondonThe Although this is not happening right now, and the time is significant here: the UK government recently announced a accelerated structure to roll out self-driving commercial pilots in the spring of 2026 in the late 2026.

Electric vehicles, batteries and charging

Infinite machineSupported by New York -based micromobility startup A16zPublished Scooter Known as Olto, which starts shipping later this year, will cost $ 3,495 $. Olto is featured in 40 miles range, easily drawn from the 48V lithium-ion battery.

In -car tech

Time AppleIts WWLUDCC 2025 Event, A A few cars related items Was published, co -organization is adding widgets and message tapeback to Carplay with iOS 26 Including