The future of transportation is accelerating, and TechCrunch Mobility is here to bring you the latest news and insights. This week, we're seeing a surge in electric vehicles, autonomous technology, and startup funding that's driving the industry forward.
In Tanzania, electric-powered three-wheelers are gaining traction, while back in San Francisco, TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 is just around the corner, featuring top transportation-related events and interviews with industry leaders like GM CEO Mary Barra and Rivian's Wassym Bensaid.
On the funding front, Adden Energy, a solid-state battery startup, raised $15 million in Series A funding, while Beacon AI, a startup developing AI co-pilots for flight decks, secured $15 million in a Series A round. Nevoya, a zero-emissions trucking platform, raised $3 million in a seed round, and Universal Fuel Technologies, a sustainable fuel aviation startup, brought in $3 million in a seed round.
Meanwhile, Pony.AI, a Toyota-backed autonomous vehicle company, went public on the U.S. stock market, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched an investigation into Tesla's "Full Self-Driving" software following four reported crashes.
Other notable developments include Amazon's plan to offer EV drivers a discount on gas, Wayve's expansion into San Francisco, and the Federal Aviation Administration's ruling to clear the path for electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft to share U.S. airspace.