The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is partnering with SAE to launch the ASCEND initiative. This government-industry consortium aims to create data-driven performance standards for automated driving systems (ADS) to replace the current lack of standardized testing for autonomous vehicles.
May Mobility plans to go public through a merger with ACP Holdings Acquisition Corp. The deal targets a valuation of $1.4 billion and aims to raise over $300 million. The company operates autonomous Toyota Siennas in three locations and positions itself as the first U.S. public company focused solely on autonomous ride-hailing.
Lucid Motors and European platform Bolt announced a partnership to deploy at least 25,000 autonomous vehicles based on Lucid’s upcoming midsize EV architecture. Meanwhile, the autonomous vehicle company Beep has merged with the Miami-based public transportation firm Freebee, with Beep co-founder Kevin Reid appointed as CEO.
Waymo has resumed robotaxi operations in San Antonio, Texas, and launched a new service in Las Vegas, with plans to begin mapping and testing in Singapore. Additionally, Zoox is set to see its 100-vehicle commercial fleet cap in Las Vegas expire on September 25, allowing for potential expansion.
Battery recycling startup R3 Lithium raised $15 million in a Series A round led by TDK Ventures, Integral GlobalTech Partners, and Axial Partners. In other industry news, Joby Aviation completed a 3,100-mile autonomous flight across the U.S. without human intervention.
