TechCrunch Mobility: Jeff Bezos support secretly launch of EV and Lucid click of assets of Nikola

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Tariffs, tariffs, tariffs. If there is a certainty at this uncertain moment, this is that: the US tariff policy is likely to change again. As of Friday morning, there is a 90-day pause of the “reciprocal” tariffs placed in most countries. However, 10% base tariffs remain and President Trump has strengthened the rates against China to about 145%.

Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives reduced his price targets Apple and Tesla Because tariffs threaten violate the two businessesS

However, they are hardly the only US companies that are expected to feel the pain – and then decide whether to hand over to customers. The higher tariffs pause, placed on goods imported from Mexico and Canada, provides relief to the transport sector. The sector, especially all EV companies using LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries, are strongly exposed thanks to the huge tariffs placed on China’s imports.

We will closely follow the tariffs, the effects of which will not get away for months.

Ladder

Nearly a year ago a small bird gave us advice that caused a monthly hunt for more information about a secret startup of EV called Slate AutoS And a boy, did we find a lot. Senior reporter Sean Okain has all Details in this storyIncluding that Jeff Bezos supports the company, along with other high -profile supporters such as Mark Walter, the controlling owner of La Dodgers and the CEO of Guggenheim Partners and Thomas Toul, who is a lead investor of Re: Build ManuFactwering.

But there is a lot more including the history of the origin of Slate and its business model, as well as a second story that confirms a A recent spy shot from their first productEV pickup truck.

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, I have to admit that I did not see this deal coming. Talk about Lucid Motors Buying some of the NicholasBankruptcy assets.

Yes, the founder of Nicholas and former CEO Trevor Milton, who was condemned for securities fraud and recently pardoned by President Trump, I wanted these assetsS Milton was greeted with frosty reception. But Lucid was the winner after making about $ 30 million in cash and non -monetary reasons in exchange for the factory, Nikola’s rent at his Phoenix headquarters and “certain machines, equipment and inventory”, according to the submission.

Other deals that caught my attention …

Ayan Capitalwhich provides funding for Halal vehicles serving private tenants and business drivers looking for halal alternatives when purchasing Corresponding to Sharia funding By the institutional partners of the supplier of debt for growth.

NowosEuropean lithium-ion recovery and battery maintenance, raised 6 million euros In a circle led by Impact Venture Fund Shift4Good, such as the participation of the Dutch investors and the Goeie Grutten impact Fund. An additional € 3 million debt financing is currently raising.

SoleStarting an autonomous vehicle based in California, provided $ 106 million In a circle of the E. Range, which was reduced, it brought Nuro’s total funding to $ 2.2 billion and its estimate to $ 6 billion. This is a $ 8.6 billion decline after the cash estimated Nuro’s $ 600 million in 2021, the supporters in this round are mostly existing institutional investors, including T. Rowe Price Associates, Fidelity Management & Research Company, Tiener XN LP-as strategic partners.

Parallel systemsthat develops autonomous, electrical load technology, raised a round of Serie B of $ 38 million Guided by Anthos Capital with the participation of a joint work fund, congruent endeavors and Riot Ventures, among others.

Remarkable readings and other treats

Adas

Elon MuskThe Government’s Ministry of Efficiency has made abbreviations of the National Administration on Movement Safety on Highways, which “disproportionately affected” employees who work on the safety of vehicle automationS

Nissan plans to use automated driving software developed by Wayve yes Accumulate your advanced driver assistance system Starting in 2027

Autonomous vehicles

Waymo prepares to use data from his robotaxis, including video of interior cameras tied to rider identities to train generative models of AI, according to AN an unprecedented version of her privacy policy Found by researcher Jane Manchun Wong.

Meanwhile, Waymo Robotaxi in Santa Monica caused a congestion at Chick-Fil-A After they struck at the entrance to the passage.

Zamx has a small fleet of upgraded test vehicles on Los Angeles streetsS

Electric vehicles, charging and batteries

Canoe CEO Anthony Aquila can buy the bankrupt EV Startup assetsA judge ruled this week.

Elon MuskThe political activities that nourish the global protests of Tesla Takedown are reflected in the company’s sales. Tesla lists used have jumpedS And other brands that still fall far behind Tesla in common sales see a step. For example, Flight Sales jumped through Q1 Discounts such as his Tesla Conquest bonus.