TechCrunch Mobility: How Jony Ive’s LoveFrom helped Rivian and what Uber’s next-generation playbook looks like

Welcome to the latest edition of TechCrunch Mobility, your go-to source for all things related to the future of transportation. With a decade of experience covering Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk, I find myself reflecting on his recent public disagreements with former President Donald Trump. While many analysts have weighed in, I aim to provide a unique perspective grounded in historical context. Musk is known for forging strong partnerships before ultimately severing ties, a pattern that raises questions about his future interactions with political figures. As noted by senior reporter Tim De Chant, Elon is navigating the complex world of politics. However, his penchant for risk and dramatic flair suggests that any semblance of peace may be short-lived, leading to a cycle of temporary calm followed by public disputes. The fallout from Musk’s recent controversies could reverberate across all his businesses, particularly affecting Tesla’s sales and the potential impacts of legislative actions like the proposed “Big, Beautiful Bill.” In the immediate term, I will focus on Tesla’s ambitious robotaxi project in Austin, Texas, and how Musk’s turbulent relationship with the Trump administration might influence his dealings with transportation authorities. In other news, Rivian has been in the spotlight following its transition from a skunkworks project to an independent entity. Insights reveal that Jony Ive’s design firm, LoveFrom, collaborated closely with Rivian’s team during this transformation. Senior reporter Sean O’Kane and I are diving deeper into this development. In a notable move, Joby Aviation has signed a memorandum of understanding with Saudi Arabia’s Abdul Latif Jameel to potentially distribute up to 200 electric aircraft. This collaboration is significant as it seeks to turn an investor into a customer, a dynamic that can often complicate business relationships. Meanwhile, Obvio, a startup focused on enhancing road safety through AI and camera technology, secured $22 million in Series A funding led by Bain Capital Ventures. This funding aims to expand its operations beyond its initial five cities in Maryland. Portless, an innovative e-commerce fulfillment startup, has raised $18 million to optimize logistics using a model that defers costs until after sales. Similarly, Toma, an AI voice assistant tailored for car dealerships, has successfully raised $17 million, with backing from Y Combinator and prominent investors in the automotive sector. Uber is also making waves with its strategic shifts, including the appointment of Andrew “Mac” Macdonald as president and COO. This move signals the company’s intensified focus on autonomy, as Khosrowshahi elaborated on Uber’s commitment to supporting the autonomous vehicle ecosystem. Additionally, Tesla has applied for trademarks related to its upcoming “Robotaxi” service, indicating its determination to advance in the self-driving sector. On a different note, Redwood Materials has decided to forgo a conditional Department of Energy loan, opting instead for private funding that has seen the company raise over $2 billion. Lastly, Walmart and Alphabet’s Wing are expanding their drone delivery services to reach thousands more customers, adding 100 stores across multiple cities. In the world of electric trucks, former Nikola founder Trevor Milton is facing legal challenges as he navigates the aftermath of his company’s bankruptcy. Stay tuned for more updates as we keep you informed on the ever-evolving landscape of transportation technology.