Verge Motorcycles is set to release the Verge TS Ultra, a hubless electric motorcycle with advanced safety features, including a sensor package with six cameras and two high-resolution radars for 360-degree sensing. The bike boasts 201 horsepower and 885 pound-feet of torque, with a unique in-wheel motor design for a low center of gravity. The TS Ultra will also feature high-end 3D graphics on its displays and connect with in-helmet audio systems for spatial audio feedback. Priced at $44,900, it offers up to 233 miles of range, with less expensive models available. The motorcycles are OTA updatable and will start shipping in the US in the summer.
Aurora Innovation has completed the design and architecture of its Aurora Driver, a self-driving technology for semi trucks, in partnership with Continental. They plan to start production in 2027, with a few driverless trucks expected to be deployed by the end of 2024. The company aims to scale up to thousands of trucks within three years and has existing deals with Volvo and Paccar. Despite challenges faced by the autonomous vehicle industry, Aurora is taking a conservative approach to commercialization, focusing on building and testing prototypes and ensuring a reliable fallback system. Aurora and Continental will also develop a service playbook for customers.
Volkswagen's PowerCo has successfully tested QuantumScape's new solid state battery for electric vehicles, which exceeded expectations in the A-sample test, completing over 1,000 charging cycles with minimal capacity loss. This achievement brings the solid state battery technology closer to commercial production, with series production potentially starting in 2024. The test results suggest a significant advancement in EV battery durability and longevity, potentially offering over 500,000 kilometers (approximately 311,000 miles) of total mileage. PowerCo is also planning to build a series of gigafactories for battery production, emphasizing sustainability and recycling.
The robotaxi industry faced significant setbacks in 2023, particularly with GM's Cruise experiencing a system breakdown and regulatory issues after a woman was injured by one of their vehicles. As a result, Cruise pulled its fleet nationwide and is under scrutiny. Waymo, on the other hand, has managed to avoid major incidents and is cautiously expanding its services. Experts predict that while Cruise will struggle to return to San Francisco streets in 2024, Waymo may face its own challenges ahead. Meanwhile, Zoox is expected to have a modest presence, and the autonomous trucking sector is likely to advance more quietly but steadily. The industry as a whole is anticipated to shift its messaging to focus more on safety and community integration.
