Robotaxis Face New Scrutiny After Incidents

The autonomous vehicle sector is rapidly expanding, with companies like Waymo initiating tests in new cities and Uber/Avride launching robotaxi services. California is also revising rules to permit self-driving trucks. This acceleration, however, is accompanied by increased scrutiny and concerning incidents. Waymo is under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration following reports of its robotaxis illegally passing school buses, and a recent incident involved a fatality of a pet. These events highlight the complex challenges accompanying the technology's integration into public spaces.

Simultaneously, Lucid Motors is undergoing significant internal changes. The electric vehicle manufacturer has seen several top executives depart, including its CEO and chief designer. These departures occur as Lucid aims to scale up production of its Gravity SUV. The company is addressing these vacancies through a combination of internal promotions and external hires, with recent reports indicating further management changes in its software and electrical teams.

In other mobility news, electric aircraft maker Beta Technologies secured a substantial deal to supply electric motors, potentially valued at $1 billion over ten years. Despite reporting increased revenue, the company also saw its net losses grow significantly in the third quarter. Several other startups in the autonomous vehicle and electric propulsion space also announced funding rounds and acquisitions, underscoring the dynamic nature of the industry.