Waymo, a leader in autonomous driving technology, is significantly expanding its commercial robotaxi service onto freeways in major U.S. metropolitan areas. While the company frequently announces new city rollouts, this strategic move to integrate freeways is poised to be a pivotal development for the future of urban mobility.

Waymo's Freeway Expansion: A Critical Step for Robotaxis

Following years of rigorous testing and development, Waymo's commercial robotaxi service is now operational on freeways across the San Francisco Bay Area, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. This integration is crucial for connecting vast metropolitan regions, such as the Bay Area, where Waymo's service now covers 260 square miles, including Silicon Valley and San Francisco.

The company projects that freeway access will reduce ride times by up to 50%, offering more efficient routes. Furthermore, freeway capabilities are vital for Waymo's plans to provide service to and from San Francisco Airport, a location currently undergoing testing. While the airport connection is expected to be a significant draw for travelers, the long-term financial viability of this expansion remains to be seen.

Industry Buzz: Lucid Motors Leadership and Key Deals

Lucid Motors is reportedly close to naming a new permanent CEO, nearly nine months after Peter Rawlinson's abrupt resignation. Sources indicate the luxury EV maker has identified an external candidate for the top position. This development suggests that interim CEO Marc Winterhoff would likely return to his previous role as Chief Operating Officer.

Mobility Deals and Funding Rounds

The autonomous vehicle sector continues to attract significant investment, with several companies securing substantial funding this week:

  • Einride, the Swedish electric and autonomous truck startup, plans to go public via a merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC). This deal, valuing Einride at $1.8 billion, comes just weeks after raising $100 million from investors. The company, which generates revenue from its software-as-a-service product and a fleet of 200 heavy-duty electric trucks, expects the merger to close in the first half of 2026, with a debut on the New York Stock Exchange.
  • Forterra, a company developing autonomous technology for defense applications, raised $238 million in equity and debt funding. Moore Strategic Ventures led the equity portion, with Crescent Cove providing debt financing.
  • Gopuff, the rapid-delivery startup, secured $250 million in a round led by Eldridge Industries and Valor Equity Partners. This funding places its valuation at $8.5 billion, a notable markdown from its last raise in 2021.
  • Harbinger, a Los Angeles-based electric truck startup, raised $160 million in a Series C funding round co-led by FedEx. As part of the investment, FedEx also ordered 53 of Harbinger's electric truck chassis.
  • Octopus Electric Vehicles, a U.K.-based EV-leasing business, finalized a deal with lenders including Lloyds Banking Group, Morgan Stanley, and Credit Agricole, bringing its total funding line to £2 billion ($2.6 billion).
  • Teradar, a Boston-based startup developing a solid-state sensor, exited stealth mode with $150 million in Series B funding. Investors include Capricorn Investment Group, Lockheed Martin's venture arm, Ibex Investors, and VXI Capital.
  • Upway, an e-bike refurbishment startup, raised $60 million in a Series C funding round led by A.P. Moller, with participation from Galvanize, Ora Global, and Sequoia Capital. The company has raised over $125 million since its 2021 founding.
  • Vay, a German startup that remotely pilots rental cars to customers, announced a $60 million investment from Singaporean tech giant Grab. The deal, subject to regulatory approval, could see an additional $350 million as joint milestones are achieved within the first year.

Notable Reads and Other Tidbits in Mobility

  • Ford is expanding its BlueCruise hands-free highway driving technology in Europe, making it available in several models, including the Puma, Puma Gen-E, Kuga, and Ranger PHEV 5, starting in spring 2026.
  • Joby Aviation conducted the first flight of its turbine-electric, autonomous VTOL aircraft. This demonstrator, built off its all-electric air taxi platform, features a hybrid turbine powertrain designed for defense applications.
  • Lyft has partnered with Curb, a ride-hailing platform for licensed taxis. This integration will connect Lyft riders with Curb's network of drivers, initially in Los Angeles, with other cities to follow.
  • Rad Power Bikes, a prominent e-bike company, faces a potential shutdown in January if it cannot secure new funding or an acquisition, according to an internal staff email.
  • Tesla might bring Apple CarPlay to its EVs, a feature long requested by users. Meanwhile, the company's energy storage division is dealing with an expanded recall of its consumer-based Powerwall 2 product following reports of fires.
  • The Boring Company, Elon Musk's tunnel-excavation firm, is under scrutiny after firefighters reportedly received chemical burns during a safety drill at one of its Las Vegas construction sites.
  • Toyota has commenced production at a new $13.9 billion battery plant in North Carolina, marking its first battery manufacturing facility outside Japan. The company plans to invest an additional $10 billion in the U.S. over the next five years.
  • Uber has quietly begun piloting in-app video recording for drivers in India. The ride-hailing giant is also targeting premium customers with new offerings like Uber Ski, allowing riders to reserve trips to nearly 40 popular ski destinations in North America and Europe.
  • Via reported its first earnings since becoming a publicly traded company, posting a loss of $36.9 million in its third quarter, a 73% increase year-over-year, despite revenue growth to $713 million (an 11% increase YoY).

Tesla Product Goal Poll Results

In a recent poll, readers were asked which of Tesla's ambitious product goals, based on Elon Musk's $1 trillion compensation package, is most likely to be achieved by 2035:

  • 20 million Tesla vehicles delivered
  • 10 million active Full Self-Driving subscriptions
  • 1 million robots delivered
  • 1 million robotaxis in commercial operation
  • None of these will be reached

The results showed a close split between two options: 34.7% of respondents believe Tesla will deliver 20 million vehicles, while 32% chose "None of these will be reached." The other three goals—1 million robots (9.5%), 10 million active Full Self-Driving subscriptions (12.6%), and 1 million robotaxis in commercial operation (10.5%)—received significantly less support, indicating skepticism about their feasibility within the next decade.