TechCrunch Mobility: Within the Rivian SkunkWorks program and Trump’s gift for Tesla

Welcome back to TechCrunch Mobility – Your Central News and Insight Center for the future of Transport. Sign up here for free – just click on TechCrunch Mobility!

Before we jump in the transport news for the week, it’s worth focusing on a few articles that are focused on Elon MuskCEO and the largest Tesla shareholder and the founder of several other companies, including SpaceX and Neuralink.

You can recall the investigation the team here in TechCrunch published in February at The people in the Dog’s Dog universe of Elon MuskS The article that continues to be updated focuses on those who work for Ministry of Government Efficiencyan entity established through the executive order of President Trump. A new report, by another team here at TechCrunch, focuses on Founders and VC working with DocaS Check it!

Speaking of Musk, his close ally Trump has set 25% rates for all cars imported to the United States, including those from Mexico and Canada. It has also set a 25% tariff of certain parts used to build cars. As reporter Sean O’Kain notes, this is a solution that is likely to recharge the price of new and used cars, but this is Also a gift for teslaThe company managed by Musk, his largest financial supporter in the presidential election.

Finally, in other news about Am-IIAA-Lysimulation, Trevor MiltonFounder of bankruptcy bankruptcy Nikola, who was convicted of fraud, has has been pardoned by TrumpThe White House confirmed the TechCrunch. Tidbit: We waited for hours and hours before the White House confirmed.

Okay, forward with the other news of the week.

Ladder

A small bird recently told us that Lucid He views partnerships as a way of reaching higher levels of autonomy, especially with the new SUV of gravity. Can we see a partnership with Mobileye or any other incredible provider of driving technology?

You have advice for us? Send an email to KIRSEN KOROSEC to kirsten.korosec@techcrunch.com or my signal in kkorosec.07, Sean Okain of Sean.okane@techcrunch.comor Rebecca Belen on rebecca.bellan@techcrunch.comS Or check These instructions To learn how to contact us through encrypted messages or Secondrop applications.

Deals!

Welp, here is a transaction that is not related to transport, but it deserves some attention.

Techcrunch it was Acquired by private investment company RegentS No financial terms were discovered, but our previous owner Yahoo Holdings has maintained a small share of ownership. The acquisition, which has not yet closed, comes just days after Regent bought a foundry, publisher of the home of technology publications such as PCWORLD, MACWORLD, Infoworld and CIO.

Other deals that caught my attention …

BetterfleetMichigan -based company that has developed Navy Management Software for EV Loading, raised $ 15 million In a series of funding round, led by equalized climate capital, Ecosystem Integrity Fund (EIF) and remarkable endeavor (RVC) endeavors.

Bot companyThe launch of the robotics founded by the former co -founder and CEO CEO Kyle vogtraised $ 150 million in a round led by Greenoaks, Reuters He reported, citing unnamed sources.

EjectionLaunch infrastructure to load EV, raised $ 2.5 million In a circle led by Lemniscap. Other investors include Colosseum, Daedalus Angels, EV3 Labs, Echo fundraising Chainyoda Jedis and Levity Labs.

Fleetvehicle software management company, raised $ 450 million In a circle led by Elephant VC and Goldman Sachs Alternatives. The funds will be used to finance the purchase of the platform for the maintenance of a permit for automatic integration.

ManaDublin -based drone delivery company, raised $ 30 million In a circle led by Tapestry VC and melted endeavors. Coca-Cola and Dynama Venture also participated.

Remarkable readings and other treats

Autonomous vehicles

Waymo will start offering robotaxi walks In Washington, Colombia CountyThrough the Waymo One app in 2026, there is an important catch: before Waymo can start a commercial, the company will have to increase its lobbying game in the capital, where autonomous vehicle permits still require a person behind the wheel, according to the reporter Rebecca Belen.

Electric vehicles, charging and batteries

BydEV breakthrough message last week prompted reporter Tim de Shant yes Learn moreS

Cadillac Debuts another EV: SUV Optiq. Assistant Em Hall got a chance to Drive Optiq and the new IQ EscaladeS

NotifyBrooklyn -based startup of electric vehicle charging infrastructure starts its first fast -charging station in San Francisco.

Rivian Operating the SkunkWorks program for years focused on electrical microbumility, founder and CEO Rj scaringe He told TechCrunch. Rivian is now launch – Also known as Eclipse Ventures funding with $ 105 million. Rivian also has a share of minorities, and Scaringe will serve on board. Chris Yu, Vice President of Rivian for future programs, will be his president.

IN-auto-mobile technique

Wase has Removed Google Assistant from iOS due to continuing problems. The company plans to introduce an “improved voice interaction solution” somewhere in the near future as a substitute.