Trucks | FoT: Bingo, DOGE, Aiden

FoT is the intelligence arm of Trucks Venture Capital 

Notable:

DOGE auto-related cuts: a group at NHTSA overseeing automated vehicle regulation (link). The shutting down of some 8000 EV charging ports on federal property, likely selling majority of government-owned electric vehicles too (link). EV postal truck order likely on the chopping block (link).

Earth-based GNSS constellations can be used for navigation in transit to, around, and potentially on the Moon (link). Via Weans. ‘This test is a very big deal. It tells us that operations on the Moon, at least those on the near side, will likely not require a GPS-type infrastructure in lunar orbit, thus allowing a lot of difficult missions to proceed sooner while saving a lot of money and time.’

Waymo reportedly considering membership plan (link). A survey shows different options ranging from $10 to $15 / month, priority pick up options.

Mercedes reverses course on separate EV lineup and EQ designation (link). 2025 is quickly becoming the year of big OEMs walking back their EV statements.

New car forecast: more EV, more ICE, more hybrid (link). The most striking part of this forecasting chart (via S&P) is that it is trending toward an even three thirds -- with automakers expected to ship competent vehicles across all three powertrain types. 'Global new model launches of ICE and hybrid vehicles are expected to rise 9% this year from 2024, according to S&P Global Mobility. Carmakers are expected to introduce 205 petrol models, down 4% from 2024, while hybrid launches are predicted to rise 43% to 116 models.'

Chinese expansion of high-speed rail increases demand for EVs (link). Via David Z. 'The expansion of high-speed rail can account for up to 1/3 of the increase in EV market share and EV sales in China.'

On AV trucking startup Gatik's outreach plans to first responders (link).

The world's cheapest, most destructive drone is the Iran-made Shahed 136 (link). 'Eleven feet long, with a wingspan of just over 8 feet, the Iranian drone’s range—up to 1,600 miles—is far greater than that of the V-1. Its warhead delivers a payload equivalent to 110 pounds of TNT. At $80,000 a drone, death is dirt cheap.' Related: simplying the design to eliminate flywheel and starter (link). Note the familiar air cooled boxer design. Related: Drones now inflicting 2/3 of Russian losses (link).

Why is the demand for Japan's new 4-door Suzuki Jimny 'Nomad' so high? Orders had to be suspended due to a rush of reservations (link). 4-doors, $17k starting price, minimal design. Note is from GQ Japan, your browser will likely do an automatic translation. Via Material Review.

Video: Horse-and-buggy highway skiing in northern Michigan (link). Via Weans. Audio: Cling CEO William Bergh on Chris Berry's podcast (link). Video: 'We're the architects of Trader Joe's parking lots' (link). Video: Nio factory tour (link). Video: 'gnarliest San Diego hillbomb of all' Milton Martinez rides Dictionary Hill (link). Video: original Waze founder: Google has no plan (link).

Carjitsu is a form of organized fighting taking place inside a very small car (link). Via Steve B. 'Early matches were typically filmed inside a 2005 Toyota Scion — the Scion was chosen based on safety, size and affordability, according to a league source — inside a warehouse in Branson, Missouri, but other locations and cars are now being used.' Related: Title fight between Moore and Davidson (link).

M&A / Deals / Changes:

'One battery, many vehicles' software platform Bingo Technologies raises $2M (link). Led by Trucks.

Connected vehicle startup Aiden raises $6.1M (link). Led by Nuri.

University of Michigan approves plans to create a newer, larger electric vehicle battery lab (link). $60M of funding, 25k sq ft facility.

Texas group ridehailing startup Fetil raises $7.35M (link). Led by Mark Cuban.

Indian AI automotive startup Spyne raises $16M (link). Led by Vertex Ventures.

Board & Executive Changes:

Allison Transmission: Richard Lavin to leave board (link).

Lear: Julian Blissett joins board (link).

Featured Jobs:

Hardware Data Analyst at Aperia Technologies, remote (link).

Senior Test Engineer at May Mobility in Ann Arbor, MI USA (link).

Hiring? Post a job (link). If you're a startup, use code 'Trucks' for free standard listings.

Hunting? View all 325 postings on the MobilityJobs job board (link).

New Stuff:

Tesla will launch supercharger queue after fights break out (link).

Skyryse named as a finalist for Collier Trophy (link). 'Presented annually by the National Aeronautic Association (NAA), the Collier Trophy recognizes the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America, with a focus on improving the performance, efficiency, and safety of air or space vehicles.'

Honda ditches GM, goes solo on next-gen hydrogen fuel cell amid shifting alliances (link).

NYC's congestion pricing framework seems to be ending after Trump's cabinet order (link). 'The transportation secretary said he would revoke federal approval for the program, citing the cost to motorists; the Metropolitan Transportation Authority quickly filed a lawsuit to stop the move.'

Patents & Patent Applications:

Ford's patent application shows package delivery drones integrated with vehicle elevator (link).

Statistics / Projections:

Americans are moving less: In 2023, 92% of the US population stayed where they lived, a record high (link). Via Bloomberg / US Census.

In January 2025, new EV sales volume reached 102,243 units in the US, up 29.9% year over year (link). Via Cox Automotive. 'The top five selling models, ranked by sales volume, were the Tesla Model Y, Model 3, Volkswagen ID.4, Tesla Cybertruck, and Honda Prologue.'

The median price of an Uber and Lyft ride in the US rose 7.2% year over year in 2024 to $15.99 (link). Via WSJ / Gridwise.

'Peak truck' suggested as costs increase: the number of surveyed people who believe their next vehicle will be a truck or SUV fell 3% compared to last year (link). Via Sherwood / Kaiser Associates, America. 'With the average price of a new truck hovering around ~$60,000, compared to $39,233 for cars, the bang for your truck buck just doesn’t quite cut it like it used to for inflation-weary consumers...The share of truck SUVs in the market raced up from 24% in 2014 to 45% a decade later.'

Thank you:

Thank you to Chris Berry (link), Igino Cafiero (link), Rohit Gupta (link), Greg McGuire (link) and Sean Simpson (link) for offers of introductions to new founders, investors and friends over the last week.

Trucks portfolio companies mentioned in this issue:

Aperia Technologies (link), Bingo Technologies (link), Cling Systems (link), May Mobility (link), Skyryse (link). View the full portfolio of Trucks companies (link).

Let's steal the hubcaps off Cadillacs and submit them to the Paris Review (Gustafson),

Reilly Brennan