Is our mobility future more affordable?
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Today’s theme is affordability. Would it be too much to hope that the new era of mobility will be a cheaper one? That’s the goal of Slate Auto, whose minimalist truck (hand-cranked windows!) is a radical departure from auto industry trends. And then there’s the newest automaker on the block: the Mexican federal government, which just unveiled a prototype for a $8,600 EV! Waymo is debuting a new purpose-built autonomous vehicle that will presumably be more economical long-term than Jaguars. Finally, a happy story in the world of e-bikes, where a bootstrapped startup has found success selling practical e-bikes for under $1,000.
What you need to know
Mexico’s new EV: President Claudia Sheinbaum unveils the prototype for a new electric vehicle being developed by the Mexican federal government in collaboration with several public research institutions. Olinia Uno is a bubbly six-seater that will go into production next year and will retail at an estimated price at … wait for it … $8,600. If that’s true, you can bet on a lot of Americans driving home from Cancun after spring break.
A private ride: Slate Auto, the Jeff Bezos-backed startup, is taking measures to keep costs low for its electric pickup that seem practically unfathomable for mainstream automakers. There’s no infotainment, no remote access and no power windows. What might be particularly appealing to some buyers is the promise of privacy: the company has committed to not sell data it gathers on its customers.
Waymo’s new rides: Waymo has begun to gradually roll out its new purpose-built robotaxi, the Ojai. The minivan-looking vehicle, made by Chinese Zeekr, lacks a steering wheel and pedals and is designed to facilitate quick entry and exit. It is also expected to be more durable and economical than the existing Jaguar fleet. Minimizing vehicle costs will be one of the keys to success in the robotaxi era.
The e-bike startup that survived: Lectric eBikes, a bootstrapped startup that sells low-cost e-bikes, is succeeding while many VC-backed two-wheeler startups have flopped. What is the key to its success? Its founders credit keeping its offerings simple and practical.
What we’re reading
Why can’t you walk to the World Cup? Despite the sky-high cost of vehicular transportation to World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey’s Meadowlands, officials are strongly discouraging fans from walking to the games. Out of curiosity, a couple New York Times reporters made the 4.5 mile trek from the entrance of the Lincoln Tunnel in Weehawken and documented a decidedly sub-optimal pedestrian experience.
ICYMI: Where the Smart Money is Moving with Reilly Brennan
When it comes to mobility, does money even matter any more? As the frothy days of SPACs and buzzy consumer mobility tech recede, that’s a question on the minds of investors big and small these days. In the latest episode of Fast Forward, host Nick Perloff-Giles chats with Trucks VC founder Reilly Brennan to tackle this issue.
