Uber and Waymo's partnership in Phoenix has ended, leaving the future of autonomous taxis uncertain. Tensions rise as Uber prepares for more direct action against Waymo, with policy battles likely over who gets access to new markets.
This week saw a significant federal directive from NHTSA administrator Jonathan Morrison, warning AV developers that their vehicles must not interfere with first responders or law enforcement. This seems particularly directed at Waymo, given past incidents and the latest gridlock in San Francisco involving their robotaxis.
The 2026 Regulatory Plan will impact autonomous vehicle companies like Tesla and Zoox by proposing changes to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards that could allow for vehicle designs without traditional human driving features. Meanwhile, Rivian raised $1.32 billion through a stock sale to fund its expanding production of the R2 electric SUV.
Other deals highlight innovative startups; Bidbus raises funds in LA, while Serveo's bike-share business is acquired by Lyft. TaiSan, a U.K.-based battery startup, secures funding for eVTOL development.
