Lucid Motors, Nuro, and Uber have announced they are all partnering up to launch a next-generation autonomous robotaxi program exclusively for Uber’s global ride-hailing platform. The initiative will deploy over 20,000 Lucid Gravity SUVs equipped with Nuro’s Level 4 self-driving system over 6 years. These EVs will be factory-fitted with autonomous hardware and activated via Uber’s network. The Lucid Gravity, known for its 450-mile range, is designed to offer a premium, efficient, and safe ride experience. The 1st launch is planned for a major American city in 2026, with subsequent global expansion to follow. Uber is investing hundreds of millions into both Lucid and Nuro to support the rollout. This collaboration is quite significant and aims to redefine urban mobility by combining Lucid’s EV technology, Nuro’s AI-driven autonomy, and Uber’s massive user base, making autonomous ridesharing scalable and accessible to millions worldwide.
The Netherlands has announced it has awarded over €700m in subsidies to support 11 green hydrogen projects with a combined electrolysis capacity of 602MW, thus significantly expanding the country’s renewable hydrogen infrastructure. This funding comes from the OWE subsidy programme, which covers up to 80% of capital costs and offers operational subsidies based on hydrogen output. The selected projects, run by companies including Air Liquide, Vattenfall, Uniper, and Statkraft, were chosen for their (relatively) low subsidy requirements per megawatt. Collectively, these initiatives will triple the capacity of the country’s largest current project, the 200MW Holland Hydrogen. Interestingly, while individual project allocations haven’t been disclosed, the government emphasised (and prioritised) cost-efficiency and scalability in its selection. This investment marks a major step in the Netherlands’ strategy to become a European leader in green hydrogen production, supporting its broader climate goals and energy transition efforts by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and boosting clean energy innovation.
Bradford and Sheffield have received a combined £28m in additional UK government funding to support the purchase of zero-emission buses. Sheffield will receive £20m, complementing £11.5m already allocated from Clean Air Zone funds, while Bradford will get £8 million, adding to its existing plans that include 15 battery-electric Mercedes-Benz eCitaros for the Shuttle route. The funding is part of broader efforts by the South and West Yorkshire Combined Authorities to roll out bus franchising and transition to cleaner public transport. Although the exact number and manufacturers of the buses are yet to be confirmed, the Department for Transport suggests the investment will boost domestic manufacturing and support jobs in engineering and green industries. Around 60% of buses funded through previous schemes were UK-built. Local leaders praised the move, highlighting its role in improving air quality, supporting regional economies, and advancing integrated, sustainable transport systems.
SamTrans has announced it has awarded 2 contracts to Trillium USA Company, LLC to design, build, commission, and maintain a new permanent hydrogen fuelling station at its North Base facility in South San Francisco. The project supports SamTrans’ transition to a zero-emission fleet, aligning with its Innovative Clean Transit Plan. The contracts include $17.7m for the station’s construction and up to $2.97m for 5 years of maintenance. The new station will replace an interim setup that lacks the capacity to support SamTrans’s growing fleet of hydrogen fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs). Currently, 89% of the agency’s greenhouse gas emissions come from diesel buses, but SamTrans plans to replace 115 of them with FCEBs. Design work is expected to begin later in 2025, with full operation targeted for autumn 2027. The initiative reflects SamTrans’s commitment to cleaner air, healthier communities, and leadership in sustainable public transportation.
Panasonic Energy has announced it has officially begun mass production at its new EV battery factory in Kansas, marking a significant milestone in US battery manufacturing. The facility, one of the largest of its kind in North America, will produce 2170 cylindrical lithium-ion batteries and is expected to reach an annual capacity of 32 GWh. This is Panasonic’s 2nd US battery plant, complementing its Nevada facility, and will boost the company’s total American output to c.73 GWh. The new Kansas factory spans 300 acres and features advanced, labour-saving production lines that are projected to increase productivity by 20% vs the Nevada site. It is also expected to create up to 4,000 direct jobs and 8,000 additional roles through suppliers and related industries, making it the largest economic development project in Kansas history. Panasonic plans to integrate next-gen materials to enhance battery capacity, reinforcing its leadership in the EV battery market.
Faraday Future has announced that it has secured approximately $105m in new financing to support the launch of its upcoming FX Super One EV and to advance its position in the Artificial Intelligence Electric Vehicle (AIEV) market. The funding includes $82m in unsecured convertible notes and warrants, along with $22m from previous investors. Key backers include Master Investment Group and Sheikh Abdulla Al Qassimi’s investment firm, Faraday’s strategic partner in the Middle East. The capital will accelerate development of the FF and FX brands, enhance AI technologies, and scale production readiness. The company states the financing terms are more favourable than previous deals, with reduced dilution and investor lock-up periods. The company remains focused on becoming a leader in affordable AI-powered EVs in the US market.
Waymo has announced it has significantly expanded its self-driving taxi service in Austin, Texas, increasing its coverage area from 37 to 90 square miles. The company now offers fully autonomous rides, without safety drivers, across key neighbourhoods including South Congress, Sunset Valley, Allandale, and Crestview. This move comes shortly after Tesla launched a limited robotaxi service in the city, though Tesla’s fleet is smaller, semi-autonomous, and includes human safety operators. Waymo’s service, integrated with Uber, currently operates over 100 (repurposed) Jaguar I-Pace SUVs and plans to scale to hundreds more. The company emphasises its 24/7 availability and high customer satisfaction, with riders rating trips an average of 4.9 out of 5. Waymo also highlighted its milestone of 100 million fully autonomous miles driven on public roads, reinforcing its leadership in the sector. This expansion strengthens Waymo’s position in the competitive robotaxi market and underscores its commitment to safe, scalable autonomous mobility.
Deals
Auriga Space, a California-based SpaceTech startup, has raised $6m to develop an electromagnetic launch system for rockets. The funding includes a $4.6m Seed funding round led by OTB Ventures and $1.4m from AFWERX and SpaceWERX contracts. Instead of traditional first-stage boosters, Auriga’s system uses electricity to power magnets that accelerate rockets to hypersonic speeds via a steep launch track. This method aims to drastically reduce propellant use and increase launch efficiency. The reusable ground-based infrastructure could lower costs and enable more frequent launches. While electromagnetic launchers aren’t new, Auriga believes recent advances in power electronics make the concept viable. The system’s high-G forces may limit payload types, but early tests suggest satellite components can withstand these conditions. Auriga is also exploring custom payload adaptations.
Bedrock Robotics, an autonomous vehicle technology startup, has secured $80m in a Series A funding round, led by 8VC, to automate construction sites using autonomous vehicle technology. The startup aims to retrofit existing construction vehicles with self-driving kits. These kits integrate sensors, computing power, and AI to understand project goals, adapt to dynamic environments, and operate continuously. Bedrock is already testing its technology in Arkansas, Arizona, Texas, and California with partners such as Sundt Construction and Zachry Construction. The company joins a growing trend of startups applying autonomous systems to off-road environments such as construction, mining, and industrial sites. The startup is aiming to disrupt the fragmented off-road automation sector by enhancing productivity, safety, and efficiency on job sites.
XPeng Aeroht, a Chinese flying car startup, has raised $250m in a Series B funding round to accelerate the mass production of its Land Aircraft Carrier, a modular flying car. The vehicle consists of a 6-wheeled ground unit (nicknamed the mothership) that carries a detachable electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft. The flying module, stored in a semi-transparent rear compartment, unfolds automatically and can fly manually or autonomously using 6 propellers and a panoramic cockpit. The company has completed its manufacturing facility and is ramping up production, having already received over 2,000 orders. XPeng showcased the vehicle at CES and the Guangzhou Auto Show, where it performed a public flight. The flying module recharges inside the mothership and is designed for low-altitude urban mobility. This funding follows a previous $500m Series A round and positions XPeng Aeroht as a (potential) leader in the emerging flying car market.