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As the season for summer road trips rolls in, excitement brewed with Google‘s announcement of Google Maps updates. We were hoping for a feature that lets us temporarily stop navigation without the app urging us to return to the route whenever we exit the highway for a quick stop. Unfortunately, this update is missing, notes TC’s senior reporter Sean O’Kane, who fantasizes about a future where pausing navigation for short detours is possible. Here’s an overview of Google’s actual announcements, alongside O’Kane’s longing for a pause feature.
Oh, and before it slips my mind, is anyone attending Monterey Car Week this month — a sacred period for some of us? While I’ll be missing out, a few TechCrunch contributors will be scouting for the latest in tech, hybrids, and EVs throughout the event. Should you have any interesting stories or technology to display, do get in touch with Kirsten Korosec at kirsten.korosec@techcrunch.com.
Let’s dive in!!!
A little bird
Word has it that Rad Power Bikes, a leading e-bike start-up that has secured over $300 million in funding, enacted another round of layoffs in July. This marks the fifth workforce reduction since April 2021, which saw 100 employees depart.
While Rad Power confirmed the layoffs, exact figures were not disclosed. Sources indicate that the product development team was heavily impacted. We’ll continue to investigate for further details.
Have a tip? Reach out to Kirsten Korosec at kirsten.korosec@techcrunch.com, Sean O’Kane at sean.okane@techcrunch.com, or Rebecca Bellan at rebecca.bellan@techcrunch.com. Alternatively, explore these directions to communicate with us through encrypted messaging services or SecureDrop.
Deals!
In a conversation with TechCrunch back in March, Applied Intuition co-founder Qasar Younis expressed his ambition for the company to be the first port of call for automotive and defense industry leaders confronting software or AI challenges.
The call has been answered by both clients and investors alike.
The autonomous vehicle software company recently finalized a $300 million secondary sale, a remarkable figure indeed. What makes it even more striking is that this comes merely four months following a $250 million Series E funding round.
The secondary sale saw participation from Fidelity Management & Research Company, with Applied Intuition also enjoying support from Lux Capital’s Bilal Zuberi, Elad Gil, Andreessen Horowitz, and Bond – Mary Meeker’s growth fund.
Applied Intuition is quickly emerging as a standout AI “picks and shovels” business for 2024.
Other attention-grabbing deals …
Rapido, an Indian bike-taxi start-up, recently raised $120 million in a Series E funding round led by WestBridge Capital, propelling it into unicorn status with a valuation surpassing $1 billion.
Sennder, the German freight forwarding unicorn, is set to acquire the European ground transportation assets of the logistics major C.H. Robinson in a cash transaction. Though financial details remain undisclosed, sources close to the matter compare it to Sennder’s acquisition of Uber’s European freight business in 2020, rumored to be around €900 million.
Notable reads and more
In recent news, Anthony Levandowski, a well-known figure in the autonomous vehicle domain, discussed his latest venture Pronto, which is beginning to see success, notably through an extended trial with Heidelberg Materials. Discover why Levandowski is focusing on off-road AV technology.
Nuro is set for a revival having received the green light from California regulators to extend its driverless testing zone.
Fisker’s journey in bankruptcy faced an unexpected twist as it struck a preliminary agreement with Heights Capital Management, its primary secured lender, to explore settlement options for asset liquidation. If unresolved, the case may proceed to Chapter 7. Delve into the complete Fisker narrative with our comprehensive timeline.
TechCrunch’s Rebecca Bellan got hands-on with two pioneering products from Lime currently in testing across several cities: the LimeBike and the LimeGlider.
Zapp Electric Vehicles, a London-based manufacturer planning to introduce its inaugural electric two-wheeler, has ambitions to go global, with India among its initial target markets, TechCrunch has learned exclusively.
TC’s cybersecurity lead, Zack Whittaker, sheds light on how Americans can choose to opt out of facial recognition technology at airports.
U.S. border officials are now required to secure a warrant before conducting searches on the electronic gadgets of American and international travelers entering the country, as per a recent federal court verdict.
Uber introduces the feature of booking concurrent rides in India, allowing users to schedule up to three rides for contacts simultaneously. This feature enables payments to drivers directly via cash or through the app, a strategy likely aimed at expanding its customer base.
Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and other gig economy firms are permitted to continue categorizing workers as contractors in California, following a state Supreme Court decision.
This week’s wheels
My neighborhood has grown accustomed to a variety of new EVs and hybrids frequenting my driveway, prompting particular interest when one garners special attention. The 2024 Fiat 500e Inspired by Design undoubtedly sparked those “what is that?” inquiries.
Priced at $37,595, including the destination fee, the 2024 Fiat 500e Inspired by Design stands out among two new trims reintroducing the electric hatchback model. Adorned in a rose-gold exterior with a cream interior, this version boasts an array of features elevating it above the early-year Fiat 500e Inspi(RED) edition. It includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside a suite of driver-assistance technologies like lane-departure warning, drowsy-driver detection, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot detection, all the while sporting a luxurious appearance with chrome finishes and a vinyl-coated dashboard. Despite its compact size, the rear seating and storage space adequately accommodate groceries and a modest amount of luggage.
And yes, it’s undeniably cute. Yet, how does it perform? The Fiat 500e may not boast robust power or extensive range — offering about 141 miles from its 42 kilowatt-hour battery — yet it exhibits a sporty demeanor in urban settings, powered by an electric motor producing 117 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. While its stiff suspension might not appeal to everyone, it’s fitting for a vehicle designed with city life in mind.
The front-wheel-drive EV features three driving modes: Normal, Range, and Sherpa, allowing for variable regenerative braking intensity and range preservation. Personally, I found Sherpa mode overly restrictive — turning off the AC was a step too far in the Arizona summer heat.
Ultimately, this chic urban EV came equipped with sufficient range and technological enhancements to meet all my requirements for running errands and embarking on a mountainous weekend getaway.
What’s “This week’s wheels”? It’s our opportunity to share insights on various transportation modes we’re trying out, from electric or hybrid vehicles to e-bikes and autonomous vehicle experiences.
Compiled by Techarena.au.
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