TechCrunch Mobility: Tesla takes a hit, the tariff chaos begins, and an EV startup hits a cornerstone

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During the 13 -year reporting of Tesla And his CEO, Elon MuskI watched the rise, the fall, close to the gaps and again rise to the company and its billionaire leader. Musk, known for its desire to take risks, admitted how close the company came to apply for bankruptcy before turning it everywhere.

It was this plot “Us against them” to make Musk a symbol of innovation.

His political alignment with President Trump and more importantly – his activity as an unofficial leader of the Ministry of Government Government has changed the public perception of Musk. But this is Tesla that takes the most big hit including a Decline in Q1 salesglobal Tesla Takedown protestsand the fall price of the shares. And the car manufacturers who have long gone back in EV sales take advantage of this opening by offering sweet Trade deals and other incentives.

Senior Reporter Rebecca Belen has documents the moments In the last few months that have affected Tesla. Her article will be updated periodically, so be sure to check again.

Can Tesla bounce? Recent tariffs announced by Trump can help Tesla Because its vehicles – many of its components – are made here in the United States. It may not be sufficient protection to stop bleeding. And tariffs are likely to harm the Tesla storage energy business.

The chaos around the Trump tariffs will stay. We are just beginning to see how car manufacturers react and correct. Some, like Fordtry to get forward and provide discounts to increase sales in the short term. And Volkswagen told dealers that he was planning Add an import fee to the price of imported cars sold in the United States, according to the New York Times.

Ladder

A little bird told us that while Tesla It definitely seems ready to run a Robotaxi service in Austin this summer, the car manufacturer’s information to the city is small. Others like Waymo and Cruise (back when Cruz was something) tried to get off the right leg, connecting with the most interested parties in the city before they started.

Some civil servants have also shared concerns about Tesla’s autonomy brand. They are worried about Tesla cars may be more restricted to the environment, as they rely only on cameras, not on Lidar and radar, for perception.

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Deals!

Everything quietly on the front deal this week. However, there were a few that were worth noting.

Obvious batteryMassachusetts based on Massachusetts sophisticated startup of battery inspection technologies raised $ 3.2 million In a seed funding circle, led by IBEX investors. National enterprises, automotive endeavors and the Avesta Fund have also joined.

FouterStarting hydrogen, raised $ 18.5 million In Serie A Circle, led by a common catalyst and parameter enterprises. Other participating investors include Airbus Ventures, Borusan Ventures, Gsbackers, MCJ Collective and Positive Ventures.

Windrose TechnologyA manufacturer of EV based in Belgium and with Chinese roots plans to submit an IPO in the United States to $ 400 million, The New York Times reportedS

Remarkable readings and other treats

Autonomous vehicles

TechCrunch Reporter Maxwell Zef Interviewed Mayor of San Francisco Daniel Luriand autonomous vehicles appear. Check out the video here.

Uber have partner with Dubai Road and Transport Administration In a deal that makes the company’s path to operate AVS in the united city of Arab Emirates. Uber does not have an AV, so it will rely on partnerships. His first in Dubai will be with the Chinese company WerideS

Talking about Weride, AV Company obtained a testing and operating permission without a driver In FranceS

Electric vehicles, charging and batteries

Harbinger., Medium load manufacturer has officially launched production and has produced its first 100 selling units, the company told TechCrunch. This is a remarkable stage for the launch based in California, which was founded in 2021. These vehicles will target several customers, including RV giant Thor Industries.

Meanwhile, Harbinger has also joined the bankruptcy proceedings of the EV launch CanoeS Harbinger filed an objection For the sale of Canoo’s assets to its CEO, potentially throwing a wrench in the two -month case of bankruptcy.

Rivian delivered only 8 640 vehicles During the first three months of 2025, the company’s oldest quarterly sign from the end of 2022 said it still expects to deliver between 46,000 and 51,000 EVS by the end of 2025.

Red wood materialsStarting battery and recycling materials founded by former CTO Tesla JB Straubelopen a Center for Research and Development in San Francisco. The facility with an area of ​​15,000 square meters, located in the city design area, is equipped with a laboratory space to support engineers, who will eventually work on any point of the battery ecosystem, from chemical engineering and cathode science to software and electrical engineering.