TechCrunch Mobility: The cost of Waymo

In a significant move for the future of autonomous vehicles, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced plans to expedite the Part 555 exemption process. This initiative aims to assist automakers in deploying self-driving vehicles that lack traditional controls such as steering wheels and pedals. The NHTSA's recent communication to stakeholders indicates a desire to streamline the current complex exemption process, which they argue is not well-suited for vehicles equipped with automated driving systems. Manufacturers will still need to prove that their vehicles offer safety levels comparable to conventional models and that granting exemptions serves the public interest. This development signals a push towards a more efficient framework for the introduction of advanced autonomous technologies. In other news, past tensions between former President Trump and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk appear to have softened, as Trump issued several executive orders aimed at accelerating the development of drone technology and supersonic travel. Meanwhile, news has surfaced regarding Jony Ive’s design firm LoveFrom collaborating with Rivian on a project that led to the creation of a micromobility startup. The initiative, known as Inder, has been clarified further, revealing that Rivian had once sought a trademark for the name but later abandoned the attempt. Although LoveFrom contributed industrial design expertise, it did not play a role in user interface or experience design. JetZero, a California-based company focused on developing zero-emissions aircraft, has announced plans to establish a manufacturing facility in Greensboro, North Carolina. The venture, backed by prominent investors including United Airlines and Alaska Airlines, is set to invest $4.7 billion over the next ten years, with construction expected to commence in the first half of 2026. This project is contingent on creating over 14,000 jobs by 2036, supported by more than $1.1 billion in state incentives. In the realm of ride-hailing, a new report indicates that Waymo's self-driving rides are generally pricier than those from Uber and Lyft, yet customers continue to opt for them. This analysis, provided by Obi, highlights that despite the higher costs, demand remains stable. Additionally, Waymo's autonomous vehicles have become a focal point of scrutiny following vandalism incidents in Los Angeles, raising questions about the use of surveillance data from the vehicles. As the industry evolves, Tesla is gearing up for its highly anticipated robotaxi launch in Austin, Texas, scheduled for June 22. Meanwhile, in London, Wayve and Uber are preparing to introduce a fully driverless robotaxi service, aligning with the U.K. government's accelerated rollout plan for such technologies anticipated in 2026. Lastly, Infinite Machine, a startup backed by Andreessen Horowitz, has unveiled a seated scooter named Olto, priced at $3,495, which boasts a range of 40 miles powered by a replaceable lithium-ion battery. The upcoming Apple WWDC 2025 event is also set to showcase new features for CarPlay, including enhanced widgets and messaging options, further intertwining tech with automotive advancements.