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California has let two Chinese startups offer robotaxis to the public

China’s driverless cars are coming for passengers in the United States. AutoX and Pony.ai just became the first Chinese companies allowed to offer self-driving robotaxis in the state of California, according to notices posted on the website of the California Public Utilities Commission this week. Started in 2016 by Princeton University professor Jianxiong Xiao, called… Continue reading California has let two Chinese startups offer robotaxis to the public

Billionaire behind Energy Absolute is seeking to build the Tesla of Thailand

It’s the epitome of a closed circuit: the utility helping power one of Southeast Asia’s biggest cities is building electric cars, batteries and charging stations for the nascent market, and then supplying the juice to keep them all running. Thailand billionaire Somphote Ahunai envisions his Energy Absolute Pcl as a titan of EVs even though… Continue reading Billionaire behind Energy Absolute is seeking to build the Tesla of Thailand

GROUPE RENAULT AND NISSAN SIGN EXCLUSIVE ALLIANCE DEAL WITH WAYMO TO EXPLORE DRIVERLESS MOBILITY SERVICES

Groupe Renault and Nissan to become the first automotive manufacturers to explore driverless mobility services with Waymo in France and Japan Exclusive agreement to initially focus on driverless mobility services for people and goods in France and Japan Groupe Renault, Nissan Motor Co., and Waymo, leaders in their respective fields, have entered into an… Continue reading GROUPE RENAULT AND NISSAN SIGN EXCLUSIVE ALLIANCE DEAL WITH WAYMO TO EXPLORE DRIVERLESS MOBILITY SERVICES

Renault, Nissan join Waymo in exploring driverless services in France, Japan

DETROIT/PARIS (Reuters) – French automaker Renault SA, its Japanese partner Nissan Motor Co and tech giant Alphabet Inc’s Waymo are exploring a partnership to develop and use self-driving vehicles to transport people and goods in France and Japan, the companies said on Thursday. FILE PHOTO: The logos of car manufacturers Renault and Nissan are seen… Continue reading Renault, Nissan join Waymo in exploring driverless services in France, Japan

RPT-Renault CEO Bollore has no plans to reduce Nissan stake

(Repeats story that ran late on Wednesday, with no changes to text) By Munsif Vengattil NEW DELHI, June 19 (Reuters) – Cutting its stake in alliance partner Nissan is not on Renault’s agenda, the French carmaker’s chief executive Thierry Bollore said on Wednesday after a global vehicle launch in New Delhi. Renault and Fiat Chrysler… Continue reading RPT-Renault CEO Bollore has no plans to reduce Nissan stake

Via and Busways Launch Microtransit Service Connecting The Ponds and Schofields Residents to Public Transit

Published June 12, 2019 4:16 pm, Via NYC
Via and Busways Launch Microtransit Service Connecting The Ponds and Schofields Residents to Public Transit
The Cooee Busways app brings on-demand, dynamic transportation to suburbs surrounding two new Sydney Metro stations.

June 12, 2019 (New South Wales, Australia) — Via, the world’s leading provider and developer of on-demand public mobility solutions, today announced a new microtransit deployment in partnership with Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) and Busways, a leading Australian public transit provider. Called Cooee Busways, the new on-demand shared transit network brings first- and last- mile rides for residents in The Ponds and Schofields, connecting more residents to the Sydney Metro public transportation system.

Cooee Busways is now Via’s fourth microtransit deployment in New South Wales, Australia, joining services in Newcastle, Northern Beaches and Macquarie Park.

“Via’s technology is redefining mobility across the globe, and we are thrilled to partner with Busways and TfNSW to provide residents with a convenient, affordable, and congestion-reducing transportation alternative,” said Daniel Ramot, co-founder and CEO of Via. “Via’s powerful passenger matching and vehicle routing algorithm is the solution to solving the first-and-last mile challenge, seamlessly integrating into the existing public transit infrastructure to connect residents to transit hubs in their communities.”

Using the Cooee Busways app, riders will be able to hail a shuttle directly from their smartphone. Via’s advanced algorithms will enable multiple riders to seamlessly share the vehicle. The powerful technology will direct passengers to a nearby virtual bus stop within a short walking distance for pick up and drop off, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips without lengthy detours, or inconvenient fixed routes and schedules.

Cooee Busways operates Monday to Friday from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m., connecting commuters with Schofields Train Station and the new Sydney Metro stations at Tallawong and Rouse Hill. With the opening of Sydney Metro Northwest, Via’s timely deployment provides an affordable, convenient, and reliable transportation option for those commuting through these new major transit hubs.

“Integrated public transport options will alleviate commuter’s frustration with congestion on western Sydney roads when they’re just trying to get to work and back home each day,” Busways Managing Director, Byron Rowe, said. “The Ponds and Schofields are growing areas and the Cooee Busways on-demand service provides a crucial first and last mile link to the train and metro.”

Commuters can use the service by downloading the Cooee Busways smartphone app powered by Via, available on iOS and Android. Users can book rides between Schofields Train Station, Tallawong Metro station, or Rouse Hill Metro station, and anywhere within the service zone highlighted within the app.

Via is a leading provider and developer of on-demand public mobility solutions, working with cities and transportation agencies around the world to connect more people to transit. Cooee Busways is among numerous other deployments powered by Via around the globe that make it easier for commuters who do not own a car, prefer not to drive and park, or live within a long distance of a transit hub.

Via has been tapped by cities and transportation players around the world to help re-engineer public transit from a regulated system of rigid routes and schedules to a fully dynamic, on-demand network. Via now has more than 70 launched and pending deployments in more than 15 countries. To learn more about Via, visit www.platform.ridewithvia.com.

About Via
Via is re-engineering public transit, from a regulated system of rigid routes and schedules to a fully dynamic, on-demand network. Via’s mobile app connects multiple passengers who are headed the same way, allowing riders to seamlessly share a premium vehicle. First launched in New York City in September 2013, the Via platform operates in the United States and in Europe through its joint venture with Mercedes-Benz Vans, ViaVan. Via’s technology is also deployed worldwide through dozens of partner projects with public transportation agencies, private transit operators, taxi fleets, private companies, and universities, seamlessly integrating with public transit infrastructure to power cutting-edge on-demand mobility. For more information, visit www.platform.ridewithvia.com.

Self-driving car startup Argo AI is giving researchers free access to its HD maps

Argo AI is releasing curated data along with high-definition maps to researchers for free, the latest company in the autonomous vehicle industry to open-source some of the information it has captured while developing and testing self-driving cars. The aim, the Ford Motor-backed company says, is to give academic researchers the ability to study the impact… Continue reading Self-driving car startup Argo AI is giving researchers free access to its HD maps

Tesla At Least 4–5 Years Ahead Of Competition — According To German Auto Industry Expert

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Published on June 19th, 2019 |

by Dr. Maximilian Holland

Tesla At Least 4–5 Years Ahead Of Competition — According To German Auto Industry Expert

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June 19th, 2019 by Dr. Maximilian Holland

In a recent review of the Tesla Model 3 by German newspaper Die Welt, auto industry expert Prof. Ferdinand Dudenhöffer is quoted as saying that Tesla has a huge lead over the competition. “The technical lead is easily four to five years. Range and driving pleasure are unmatched.”

Dudenhöffer’s comments are quoted as part of a review of the Model 3 Performance by Die Welt’s experienced auto journalist, and former EV skeptic, Nando Sommerfeldt. The veteran reviewer’s previous doubts about EVs were completely blown away by his experience in the Tesla. The review article is titled “This Tesla destroys all my prejudices against the electric car” (translated).

Combatting the myth that an EV powertrain cannot match the driving experience of traditional vehicles, Sommerfeldt has an unambiguous response:

“Nonsense. The Model 3 drives terrific. … The Model 3 feels like a sports car, like an extremely fast sports car.” (Translated from German Original)

[Editor’s note: It’s not only EV skeptics who have been surprised by the Model 3. My first review of the Model 3 was titled, “Sorry, Elon — Tesla Model 3 Much Better Than I Expected.” My review of the Model 3 Performance was titled, “Tesla Model 3 Performance Is A Freakin’ Race Car — Unbeatable.” But to get the same response from old-school, skeptical auto reviews is exciting.]

The Tesla Supercharger network made a very positive impression on the former EV skeptic. After taking a road trip with his family on board, he shared his experience of Tesla Supercharging:

“After my family and I bought ice cream and coffee instead of fuel at the petrol station shop, almost 30 minutes passed. 30 minutes in which the Model 3 actually gained 300 kilometers [186 miles] of range. … The Tesla stations are widespread, well distributed and fast loading. That is the secret. I drove 2000 kilometers by car. The Superchargers have taken away my range anxiety.” (Translated from German Original)

Professor Dudenhöffer is quoted as agreeing with Sommerfeldt that the Supercharger network is a large part of what sets the Tesla ownership experience apart:

“Right from the beginning, the company had a clear plan of where its customers’ traffic flows. … The Tesla owner can also refuel at all the other chargers in this country. But first of all, it would probably be too slow for him. And second, he does not need them.” (Translated from German Original)

With the new Supercharger V3 technology now beginning to roll out to key highway locations, that 300 km (186 miles) regained in 30 minutes that Sommerfeldt experienced on a V2 Supercharger will soon improve even further — to around 20 minutes. We saw last week that the Tesla Model 3 can already regain around 180 miles (289 km) in 20 minutes on 3rd party high power CCS chargers. This is over 61% more range in that time, compared to the closest competition, the Audi e-tron. And the high-power CCS network (150 kW and above) is still nowhere near as developed as the Supercharger network.

Will Tesla’s 4 to 5 year lead remain over the longer term? If ability to attract talent counts for anything, the lead may widen even further. We recently saw that Tesla is one of the most attractive employers for engineering graduates, as well as students of most other disciplines, with other automakers hardly even on the radar.

Do you agree with Sommerfeldt and Dudenhöffer? Please share your thoughts in the comments.

About the Author

Dr. Maximilian Holland Max is an anthropologist, social theorist and international political economist, trying to ask questions and encourage critical thinking about social and environmental justice, sustainability and the human condition. He has lived and worked in Europe and Asia, and is currently based in Barcelona.

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Now Available: XL and Lux Scheduled Rides

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Walmart kickstarting a $1T driverless delivery market

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