We’re going to do a bit of a deep dive today, which may make this newsletter look a little different than normal. There is a reason!
How do you ticket a robotaxi? Under these new rules, law enforcement can cite AV companies for traffic violations committed by their vehicles. The rule, called “Notice of Autonomous Vehicle Noncompliance,” requires the manufacturer (meaning the robotaxi company) to report the violation to the DMV within 72 hours of receiving it from law enforcement.
I’ve heard a number of interpretations of this rule and how it will be implemented, but it appears there is not a monetary fine attached to these violations. Instead, these violations are another piece of data that the DMV can use to identify problems and take action if needed.
Insiders told me that the data is actionable and more important than a monetary fine. My question: Why not both?
The good news for industry: The DMV will now allow heavy-duty vehicles equipped with autonomous vehicle tech to test and eventually deploy on public roads. Self-driving truck companies are happy with this outcome. Daniel Goff, VP of external affairs at Kodiak, told me the company is already working on the required documentation to apply for a permit.
The burden for the industry: The word that came up in every conversation I had with someone in the AV industry was “burdensome.” And it was always used in reaction to the new data collection and sharing regulations.
Goodbye, disengagement reports; hello, malfunctions: Others were happy to see annual disengagement reporting disappear. Disengagement reports, which detailed instances when human drivers had to take over control due to technology failures or safety concerns, have been controversial because companies use varying standards. This has made it impossible to compare the results or rate the proficiency of autonomous vehicle technology.
That entire section has been removed and replaced with a requirement to report “dynamic driving task performance relevant system failure.” This may seem like semantics — trading one jargony phrase for another. Insiders tell me that while it is not a perfect metric, it is clearer than its predecessor. That doesn’t mean it is beloved either.
There is a lot more in these documents, including a requirement to provide annual updates to first responder interaction plans, access to manual vehicle override systems, two-way communication links with 30-second response times, and updated training requirements to ensure safe and timely interactions with first responders.
My question for you, reader, is whether these rules go too far or if they are appropriate and provide the kind of reporting and data collection needed to keep these companies accountable? Sign up for the Mobility newsletter to vote in our polls!
A little bird
Image Credits:Bryce Durbin
We had a lot of little birds talk to us about the new California AV rules, so nothing new to add here. But remember, you can always send us tips. Here’s how.
BMW i Ventures launched a new $300 million fund with a timely thesis: AI will reshape how the automotive industry operates. The fund will invest in early-stage through Series B startups in North America and Europe that are working on agentic AI and physical AI as well as industrial software, advanced materials, and manufacturing and supply-chain technologies. This third fund brings the firm’s total capital under management to $1.1 billion.
Other deals that got my attention …
Sereact, a German robotics startup, raised $110 million in a Series B funding round led by VC Headline. Other investors include Bullhound Capital, Felix Capital, Daphni, Air Street Capital, Creandum, and Point Nine.
Spirit Airlines is preparing to shut down after failing to secure a $500 million lifeline from the government, the WSJ reports. The company is expected to cease operations around 3 a.m. ET Saturday.
Notable reads and other tidbits
Image Credits:Bryce Durbin
China suspended issuing new licenses for autonomous vehicles after dozens of Baidu’s Apollo Go robotaxis suddenly stopped last month, Bloomberg reported.
Faraday Future paid around $7.5 million to a company controlled by its founder, Jia Yueting, in 2025, senior reporter Sean O’Kane discovered in a recent SEC filing.
Rivian reported earnings this week and one item that stood out to us — and to many others — was the downsizing of its DOE loan from $6.6 billion to $4.5 billion. That loan restructuring comes with changes to its Georgia factory. Instead of two 200,000-vehicle capacity structures on the Georgia site, Rivian will now build a 300,000-vehicle capacity factory and leave the adjacent “pad” untouched and ready for future development. Analysts didn’t necessarily view this as negative but did position this as rightsizing. Barclays, for instance, views the modification as Rivian adjusting to the current EV environment, according to a research note published Friday. Barclays also stated it didn’t believe Rivian currently plans to build the second plant at Georgia, “at least not until early/mid next decade.”
Tesla launched a Semi-Charging for Business program, which includes a new product called the Basecharger that is designed for depot and overnight use.
Uber has tapped Hertz to clean, charge, and fix its Lucid Motors robotaxis. This announcement left us with a cheeky question: How many companies does it take to launch a robotaxi service?
Uber customers in the United States can now book hotels directly through the app, one of several new features announced this week that pushes far beyond the company’s original ride-hailing purpose and even deeper into its users’ lives. At launch, Uber customers will have access to more than 700,000 hotels worldwide through a partnership with Expedia Group, the travel company that Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi led for 12 years.
Vay, a remote driving tech startup, says it has grown its fleet to 175 vehicles on the road and has surpassed 60,000 rides.
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Former Plateau State Governor and elder statesman, Senator Jonah David Jang, has voiced strong opposition to proposals that would allow Hausa/Fulani residents in Plateau State to obtain indigene certificates, describing the issue as one with far-reaching implications for the state’s cultural heritage, identity, and indigenous rights. Jang made his position known while addressing ongoing debates surrounding citizenship, residency, and indigeneity, topics that have remained at the center of political and social discussions in Plateau State for decades.
According to the former governor, indigene certificates are historically linked to communities and ethnic groups recognized as the original inhabitants of Plateau State and should not be granted solely on the basis of long-term residence. He argued that while every Nigerian has the constitutional right to live and conduct lawful activities anywhere in the country, such rights should not automatically translate into indigene status, which he said carries unique cultural and historical significance.
Jang further maintained that preserving the distinction between residents and indigenes is necessary to protect the interests, heritage, and political representation of indigenous communities. He warned that altering the existing framework could create tensions and undermine the rights of groups that have historically been recognized as native to the state. The former governor emphasized the need for careful consideration of any policy changes relating to indigene certificates to avoid unintended consequences.
The comments have since generated mixed reactions among stakeholders across the state and beyond. While supporters of Jang’s position argue that protecting indigenous identity is essential for maintaining social and cultural balance, others contend that individuals who have lived in Plateau for generations should be afforded broader recognition and inclusion. The debate continues to spark conversations on the broader issues of citizenship, belonging, and equal opportunities within Nigeria’s diverse society.
Nigerian thrower Vincent Ugwoke produced one of the most significant performances in Nigerian field event history, launching a massive personal best of 63.89 metres to claim the bronze medal in the men’s discus throw at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
Sports247 reports that the outstanding effort not only secured Ugwoke a place on the podium but also elevated him into the history books, recording the furthest discus throw by a Nigerian athlete since 2004.
Competing against one of the strongest collegiate fields in the world, Ugwoke delivered when it mattered most, producing a career-best mark to earn his first NCAA medal and underline his growing status among Nigeria’s elite field athletes.
The event was won by Jamaican star Ralford Mullings, who captured gold with a throw of 65.81m, while compatriot Racquil Broderick secured silver with a personal best of 64.15m. Ugwoke’s 63.89m throw completed the podium and ensured Nigeria was represented among the medal winners.
Beyond the medal itself, the significance of the performance lies in its historical context. Nigerian athletics has traditionally been known for its success in sprinting and jumping events, making Ugwoke’s achievement particularly noteworthy.
His mark stands as the best by a Nigerian discus thrower in more than two decades, highlighting both the quality of his performance and its importance for the development of field events in the country.
The bronze medal also caps an impressive season of progress for the Nigerian, whose steady improvement culminated in a breakthrough performance on one of collegiate athletics’ biggest stages.
Delivering a personal best under championship pressure is a testament to both his preparation and competitive mindset.
For Nigerian athletics, Ugwoke’s achievement serves as a reminder of the growing depth of talent emerging across different disciplines.
His success could provide inspiration for a new generation of throwers looking to make their mark nationally and internationally.
With a personal best, an NCAA bronze medal, and a place in the record books now secured, Vincent Ugwoke leaves the championships having achieved a truly memorable milestone.
His 63.89m throw will be remembered as one of the finest Nigerian discus performances of the modern era and a significant moment in the resurgence of Nigerian field events.
