Ferrari Luce EV
Ferrari has unveiled its first all-electric vehicle, the Luce, designed by Jony Ive and priced at approximately $650,000. Public reaction has been mixed, with criticism comparing it to the Nissan Leaf.
Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna reports orders from both existing and new customers. The company expects demand to exceed supply.
Texas Autonomous Vehicle Licensing
A new Texas law requires companies to license autonomous vehicles (AVs) with the DMV, with data made public. As of the reported date, Waymo leads with 577 registered AVs, followed by Avride (317), Nuro (47), and Tesla (42). No complaints have been filed against listed companies.
Deals and Investments
- Ryde Technology: Equip Capital took a majority stake in this European e-scooter operator; Goldman Sachs Alternatives is lead investor.
- LiveWire: Acquired electric off-road startup Dust Moto; terms undisclosed.
- Matternet: Raised $33 million and completed a reverse merger with Los Altos Ventures Corp.
- Revel: Merging with Voltera; combined company to operate under Voltera brand, led by Reveal CEO Frank Reig.
- Stark: German drone maker in talks to raise at least €300 million, potentially valuing it at €2.5 billion.
- Volara Motorsports Group: Acquired Lynx Motor Works.
- WeRoad: Raised $58 million Series C led by Airbnb.
Industry Updates
American Airlines: Will install Starlink on over 500 narrow-body Airbus aircraft starting early next year.
Rivian: Will begin R2 SUV deliveries on June 9; company under NHTSA investigation regarding rear suspension service.
Slate Auto: Expected to announce pricing and start nonrefundable preorders for its low-cost EV on June 24.
Volvo Cars: Received Commerce Department authorization to import and sell vehicles in the US despite restrictions on Chinese-connected vehicles.
Waymo: Select riders in LA, Phoenix, and San Francisco now have access to its new Zeekr-based robotaxi, the Ojai.
Poll Results
A reader poll asked whether SpaceX and Tesla will merge: 51% said yes within two years, 34% said never, 14.5% said yes this year.