Canoo Files for Bankruptcy, VanMoof’s Revival Continues, GM Data Sharing Halted, Nio Opens Vehicle API in Europe

?? This Week In The Mobility World

???Appointments (& resignations)

• Northvolt announced Markus Dangelmaier as the new CEO of Northvolt Ett in Skellefte?, Sweden, a critical step for Europe’s largest battery gigafactory.
• Frank Marotte has been appointed Director of Marketing, Sales and Operations for the Dacia brand, effective February 1. He will join the management committee and report to CEO Denis Le Vot.

?? Micromobility

• VanMoof’s revival continues as it relaunches its e-bikes in 2024, focusing on connectivity for 2025. The new Ride Pro subscription offers advanced features like GPS geolocation and syncing with Apple Health, enhancing security and functionality. Unlike the Theft Proof service, it doesn’t cover bike replacement but improves recovery through better tracking. Available first for older models like the S3 and X3, the Ride Pro subscription costs €4.99 per month or €49 annually, with new free features coming alongside paid ones.

?? Factories/Manufacturing/Recalls

• Cellcentric has solidified plans for its ambitious KLIMA|WERK fuel cell production site, notarizing a land acquisition agreement with the city of Weilheim/Teck on December 20, 2024. Spanning 16 hectares, KLIMA|WERK will become the hub for scaling production of the NextGen fuel cell system, pivotal for decarbonizing long-haul and heavy-duty transport.

• Tesla has begun producing the refreshed Model Y at Gigafactory Berlin but has yet to open orders for the updated vehicle in Europe. While the new Model Y was recently unveiled and made available in China, European customers are still offered the older version, priced between €44,990 and €54,990. The refreshed model is anticipated to debut at a higher price.
• Talking about Tesla, the grand Cybertruck production plans are hitting a speed bump as inventory piles up faster than a Texas BBQ, forcing the company to shuffle workers to Model Y production instead. Despite initially aiming for 250k Cybertrucks annually, with dreams of ramping that up to half a million, the reality is more like a low-speed chase. After selling just 40k trucks in its first year, Tesla is now throttling down production, even throwing in discounts and “free supercharging for life” to move the metal. Meanwhile, workers are swapped over to the Model Y lineup.
• In a move that screams innovation, Toyota Motor Corp. has decreed that its North American salaried employees must grace the office with their presence from Monday through Thursday starting in September. Fridays, however, are generously bestowed as remote workdays! Noncompliance? Well, that could lead to termination of employment, but fear not, this isn't a ploy to trim the workforce; it's all about "efficiency" and "mentoring”. Not to be outdone, other automotive giants are jumping on the back-to-office bandwagon: Tesla, Stellantis, Renault Group, etc…
• Chinese officials and automakers are targeting German factories set for closure, with a particular focus on Volkswagen’s sites, as part of a strategic move to penetrate Europe’s automotive market. This potential acquisition would enhance China’s influence over Germany’s prestigious auto sector, especially as VW, amid declining sales and increased competition, seeks to offload underperforming plants such as those in Dresden and Osnabrueck. The move is politically sensitive, given the historical dominance of German automotive giants and the current European push to reduce dependency on China. If realized, the investment could allow Chinese EV manufacturers to bypass EU tariffs on imports, further intensifying competition with European automakers. However, concerns over union reception and labor guarantees remain pivotal in shaping the deal.
• The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a lawsuit against Deere, accusing the farm equipment maker of anti-competitive practices by inflating repair costs. According to the FTC, Deere has monopolized the repair market by restricting access to essential software for equipment repairs, making it available only through its authorized dealer network. This practice prevents farmers from using independent mechanics or performing repairs themselves, ultimately driving up costs. The FTC seeks to compel Deere to make its repair tools available to both equipment owners and independent repair providers. The lawsuit, supported by Illinois and Minnesota, reflects the Biden administration’s broader push to combat anti-competitive behavior in agriculture.
• The US Department of Energy confirmed its $6.6B loan to Rivian supporting the construction of its Project Horizon EV factory in Georgia, despite the threats from the Trump administration. Let’s see how the Trump administration will react, or rather if the Trump administration can do anything in what would be a worrisome move.

???Tech

• WeRide is powering a pioneering pilot project in Switzerland, funded by the Canton of Zurich and Swiss national railway SBB, and managed by the Swiss Transit Lab (STL). This experimental initiative will test the integration of Nissan Ariya autonomous vehicles into suburban transit, beginning in the Furttal Region with operations in Otelfingen, Boppelsen, Hüttikon, and D?nikon. Initially deploying up to four vehicles in Q2 2025, the project will expand to eight vehicles by 2026, operating fully unmanned for up to five years.
• Nio has launched a Vehicle API in Europe, enabling partners to access vehicle data and functions, facilitating the development of applications that integrate with Nio vehicles. This initiative, currently in its pilot phase, includes partnerships with Enode for smart home integration and Tronity for battery monitoring. The API is free for partners, allowing Nio drivers across five European markets to link their vehicles to third-party platforms without additional hardware or costs, while maintaining control over their data.
• Vantage Towers, TOTEM, Orange, O2 Telefónica, and Saarland University of Applied Sciences have announced the creation of one of Europe’s first cross-border 5G motorway corridors, spanning 60km from Metz in France to Saarbrücken in Germany. Set for completion by 2027, this groundbreaking project, "5G Autobahn to Autoroute" (5G A2A), aims to enhance connected mobility through cutting-edge infrastructure that supports advanced services such as autonomous vehicle testing, collision prevention, and real-time traffic management. Supported by the European Union and regional authorities, the project will integrate seamlessly into the ATLANTIC trans-European transport network, ensuring uninterrupted 5G coverage for travelers and testing innovative industrial connectivity solutions.

• GM and OnStar just got slapped with a five-year ban on selling customer driving data, after getting caught in a data-sharing scandal. The FTC's smackdown follows a New York Times investigation, which revealed GM was collecting intimate details of your driving habits, acceleration, braking, and even trip lengths, and selling it off to insurance companies and data brokers without so much as a "by your leave." Naturally, customers, who thought OnStar was just keeping tabs for roadside assistance, were left scratching their heads as their insurance premiums shot up. GM, apparently as surprised as its customers, has now promised to ask for permission before snooping on your every turn and stop, though, you know, once bitten, twice shy.
• The Zeekr-Waymo collaboration around the Zeekr RT robotaxi is actually still alive, despite the Biden administration crackdown on Chinese software. Waymo confirmed it would only receive “stock” vehicles without any software. The software would indeed be installed and operated by Waymo, avoiding any impact from the incoming restrictions planned for 2027.
• Canoo, the seven-year-old electric vehicle startup, has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and will cease operations immediately, citing unsuccessful funding discussions and significant financial liabilities exceeding $164 million against $126 million in assets. The company struggled to deliver its electric vans and faced multiple executive departures, leading to the furlough of its workforce and the idling of its Oklahoma factory. Canoo's bankruptcy follows a trend among EV startups that merged with SPACs, with several others, including Electric Last Mile Solutions and Lordstown Motors, also filing for bankruptcy in recent years.

???New Car Reveals

• Chrysler's electric crossover, originally expected to launch next year, has been delayed indefinitely due to a suspension of the C6X project. Suppliers were instructed to stop spending as development has been put on hold. This setback follows a major redesign of the crossover 18 months into development, abandoning the initial Airflow concept in favor of a completely new direction. Chrysler's CEO confirmed the delay but hinted at a model inspired by the Halcyon concept. The crossover is expected to share the STLA Large platform with the Dodge Charger EV, featuring a 100kWh battery and over 300 miles of range.

• Flynt, a Dutch startup, is preparing to launch a range of 100% electric commercial vehicles in Europe, partnering with Chinese firm MiracoMotor for manufacturing. The vehicles are expected to feature a high-end model with a 100 kWh battery offering 500 km of range, alongside two other versions with LFP batteries, and will support fast charging capabilities. While Flynt aims to carve out a niche in the nascent electric utility vehicle market, it faces challenges similar to those encountered by other startups in the sector, with the first prototypes set for completion in 2025 and deliveries anticipated in early 2026.
• TELO Trucks has partnered with Aptera to offer customizable solar panel configurations for the TELO MT1 electric pickup truck, enhancing its sustainability and off-grid capabilities while allowing users to charge their vehicles using solar energy.

?? EVs

• As President Biden’s tenure ends, his administration is pushing through key measures to solidify its clean energy legacy, including a crackdown on Chinese vehicles and software, citing national security concerns. A new rule banning most Chinese EVs and components from US roads could affect both Chinese and US automakers. Additionally, the White House’s AI chip restrictions could limit access to crucial technology for self-driving cars, especially in China. On a positive note, $636M in EV charger grants aim to expand infrastructure, but political shifts could affect the progress made. The future of EV policies remains uncertain as the industry braces for changes under the incoming Trump administration.
• Amazon has placed its largest-ever order for electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs), acquiring over 200 eActros 600 trucks from Mercedes-Benz to bolster its middle-mile transportation network in the UK and Germany. These zero-emission trucks, capable of covering 500 km on a single charge, are set to move 350M packages annually once operational. To address the challenges of heavy vehicle electrification, such as charging infrastructure and energy availability, Amazon is installing high-capacity chargers and partnering with stakeholders to expand external charging networks.
• Kia's much-anticipated rollout of Tesla Supercharger access for its EV9 and EV6 models, originally scheduled for January 15, has been delayed. Kia confirmed this setback, citing a shift to the "first quarter of 2025" for the launch, with no further specific target date provided. The delay follows a broader trend within the industry, with other automakers like General Motors and Ford facing similar last-minute schedule adjustments, often due to issues with adapters and supply chain challenges.
• Toyota has been revealed as the largest funder of climate deniers in the US Congress, according to a report by Public Citizen. Despite being the world's largest automaker and selling more gas-powered vehicles than any other company, Toyota continues to fund climate denial while lobbying against clean air regulations. The company has contributed over $810k to 143 climate-denying candidates in recent election cycles, with a significant increase in donations in 2024. This lobbying has led to softened environmental regulations, which harm public health and exacerbate climate change. Toyota’s refusal to transition to electric vehicles is increasingly damaging its reputation, as consumers shift to cleaner alternatives, especially in China. By supporting polluting vehicles, Toyota risks not only its own future but also Japan’s economy, as it fails to adapt to the global shift toward EVs.

?? EV Infrastructure Updates

• Mobilize, Renault Group’s brand for new mobilities, and Free To X, a subsidiary of Autostrade per l’Italia, have announced a strategic collaboration to accelerate Italy’s high-power charging infrastructure. Mobilize will acquire a significant stake in Free To X, a leading provider of fast-charging solutions with 110 stations delivering up to 400kW, primarily along highways.

• Mobilize again, formed a joint venture with NW, a leader in electricity storage, aimed at enhancing electric vehicle charging solutions while integrating energy storage capabilities. This collaboration seeks to lower charging costs for users and promote the use of decarbonized electricity.
• Vandalism of EV chargers, including the dangerous act of cutting high-voltage cables, remains a significant challenge in the growing EV infrastructure. ChargePoint is addressing this issue with innovative solutions. It is introducing the industry's first cut-resistant charging cable, designed with durable materials to prevent damage, and offering it to commercial and fleet stations, with plans for wider adoption. Additionally, the company is launching ChargePoint Protect, an alarm system integrated into the chargers that will trigger a response from law enforcement in case of vandalism.

???Results/Investment/Financial/Legal

• Harbinger, a Los Angeles-based EV startup founded in 2022, has secured a $100M Series B funding round by maintaining a sharp focus on electrifying medium-duty commercial trucks with its modular all-electric chassis. Backed by investors like Capricorn Investment Group, Leitmotif, and Tiger Global, Harbinger stands out in an industry plagued by overreach and failed ventures. Its strategy, concentrating on a single product, has enabled the company to innovate cost-saving technologies, such as die-cast battery enclosures, while achieving compelling unit economics early on.
• NEURA Robotics has raised €120M in a Series B funding round, signaling strong investor confidence in its potential. Founded in 2019, NEURA has rapidly advanced with innovations like the first cognitive cobot and is expanding its market presence in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. With a 10x revenue increase and a €1 B order book, NEURA plans to use the new funding to drive further R&D and growth in the cognitive robotics space, leveraging its Neuraverse platform to accelerate the industry’s evolution.
• Polestar has outlined an updated strategy aiming for a compound annual retail sales volume growth of 30-35% from 2025 to 2027, with a target of achieving positive adjusted EBITDA in 2025. The company is set to launch the Polestar 5 and Polestar 7, expanding its product lineup and enhancing its global manufacturing network, while also planning a significant increase in retail spaces by 75% by 2026. Additionally, Polestar is focusing on securing new equity and debt funding to support its development and operational strategies, alongside initiatives to enhance customer charging experiences and capitalize on the growing demand for CO2 credits in the EV market.
• Renault Group has enjoyed a strong 2024 with a 1.3% increase in global vehicle sales, marking its second consecutive year of growth. This success comes on the back of a major range renewal, including the launch of exciting models like the Renault 5, the electric Scenic, and the Rafale. With a focus on hybrid and electric vehicles, Renault has made impressive strides, capturing the second spot in hybrid sales in Europe and pushing EV sales to over 12% in Q4. The future looks even brighter with seven new launches planned for 2025, including the Dacia Bigster SUV and the electric R4. Renault is confidently driving forward with its "Renaulution" plan, positioning itself for continued success.
• Stellantis faces a more challenging year, with a 12% drop in vehicle volumes delivered, largely impacted by a 25% decline in North America. Despite the struggles, there are positive signs, with new-generation models such as the Citro?n C3/?C3, Peugeot 3008, and Opel Grandland making strong early impressions in Europe, driving up orders. The group is also seeing growth in South America, with a 12% increase in billings. However, the stagnation of EV sales in Europe, coupled with supply chain challenges, continues to weigh heavily on the company. While not at Renault’s level of optimism, Stellantis remains committed to overcoming these hurdles with its extensive global reach and ongoing product innovation.

See you next Monday!