TechCrunch Mobility: A new speed bump for EV owners and Waymo’s robotaxi fleet surpasses 2,000

Welcome to the latest edition of your go-to source for transportation insights! As we dive into the current landscape of electric vehicle (EV) sales in the U.S., many are expressing skepticism regarding the market's future once the federal tax credit is no longer in effect. A recent poll from our last newsletter revealed that about 60% of respondents anticipate a significant drop in EV sales following the expiration of the tax incentive. While some experts share this pessimistic view, there are automakers who are likely to offset the impact of the $7,500 credit through alternative price reductions, at least temporarily. Companies launching new EV models in late 2025 and 2026 might have an advantage over their competitors, although rising tariffs could pressure profit margins. In addition to these market challenges, a new hurdle has arisen as automakers shift towards Tesla's North American Charging Standard. This development raises concerns about the increasing number of charging adapters, or dongles, that EV owners may need. General Motors, for instance, has introduced a new adapter that allows existing electric vehicles to utilize Tesla Supercharger stations. While this innovation brings more charging options for customers, it complicates the charging experience, potentially resulting in households with multiple adapters for their EVs. In other news, the leadership situation at Lucid Motors remains in flux. After Peter Rawlinson's unexpected exit earlier this year, Marc Winterhoff has stepped in as the interim CEO while the company searches for a permanent replacement. Speculation surrounds whether Winterhoff himself is a candidate for the position. Meanwhile, Tesla's plans for a supercomputer in Buffalo, New York, appear to be progressing despite initial uncertainties about the company's AI division. Reports indicate that Tesla remains committed to investing $500 million in the project, with a significant portion already allocated. There's even talk of rebranding the facility as Cortex, aligning it with Tesla's broader supercomputing initiatives. In the realm of startups, Blue Water Autonomy has successfully raised $50 million for its unmanned ships project, while Joby Aviation has completed its acquisition of Blade. Additionally, Vox AI is making strides with its voice AI platform, securing €7.5 million in seed funding. Lastly, Waymo continues to expand its robotaxi fleet, now surpassing 2,000 vehicles across various markets, including over 800 in the San Francisco Bay Area. As the company navigates challenges such as severe weather, its innovative approach to urban transportation remains a focal point of interest in the industry.