TechCrunch Mobility: AV companies pick their lanes

techcrunch.com Sep 27, 2026

TechCrunch Mobility: AV companies pick their lanes

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Sep 27, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Autonomous vehicle firms are shifting from testing to commercial deployment through strategic partnerships and geographic focus. Wayve secured a Level‑2 collaboration with Mercedes‑Benz, expanding its presence alongside deals with Nissan and Stellantis, and has begun a robotaxi pilot with Nissan and Uber in Tokyo. Waymo concentrates roughly 80% of its 4,000 robotaxis in California and Texas, with a 49% recent surge in Texas. Aurora targets 30,000 driverless trucks by 2030, already aiming for 200 units this year. Zoox halted its Atlanta test fleet after safety‑driver gas‑exposure incidents, prompting an OSHA inquiry.

💡 Why It Matters

· These moves illustrate how AV companies are leveraging partnerships and regional hubs to accelerate real‑world adoption, while safety concerns underscore the regulatory scrutiny that will shape the industry’s growth trajectory.

Capsules Transport

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Trump declares end to ‘EV mandate’ with new fuel economy standards

President Donald Trump signed new fuel‑economy standards that aim to reverse the Biden administration’s push for electric vehicles. The U.S. Department of Transportation is expected to approve the standards on Monday, extending them through 2031. Trump claims the rules will lower vehicle production costs and increase fuel spending, arguing they will reduce “waste” in car manufacturing and keep prices down for consumers. He cited support from major automakers, including General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis, who have urged the administration to facilitate domestic production. The standards will replace the stricter emissions targets set under the previous administration.

💡 The shift signals a potential rollback of federal climate policy, reshaping the automotive industry's investment priorities and consumer pricing dynamics.

bringatrailer.com · Sep 27

2023 Ram 1500 TRX Crew Cab 4×4

A 2023 Ram 1500 TRX Crew Cab 4×4, originally purchased new, now has 7,000 miles and is listed for auction at $1,600. The vehicle features the TRX Level 2 Equipment Package, Trailer‑Tow and Advanced Safety groups, and a Diamond Black Crystal Pearl finish with black leather and microsuede interiors. Power comes from a supercharged 6.2‑liter Hemi V8, eight‑speed automatic, full‑time two‑speed transfer case, and electronically locking rear differential. Notable options include 22″ Vossen forged wheels, Bilstein adaptive dampers, heated/ventilated seats, Harman Kardon audio, 360° camera, and a 12″ UConnect touchscreen. The truck also carries a clean Oregon title, accident‑free Carfax, and a set of 18″ bead‑lock aluminum wheels.

💡 The auction offers a rare, low‑mileage high‑performance Ram TRX at a price far below its retail value, providing a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to acquire a fully equipped, factory‑spec model with a clean title and comprehensive safety and towing packages.

cleantechnica.com · Sep 27

Volvo’s Electric Trucks Win International Truck of the Year 2027 at IAA

Volvo Trucks’ new generation of heavy‑duty electric trucks—FH Electric, FM Electric, FMX Electric and FH Aero Electric—was awarded International Truck of the Year 2027 at IAA Transportation 2026 in Hanover. The jury praised the range’s longer driving distances, energy efficiency, payload capacity and versatility. Volvo began series production of the new models on September 14 at its Tuve plant, with additional output planned in Ghent. The flagship FH Aero Electric can travel up to 700 km on a single charge and supports megawatt charging.

💡 The award signals that battery‑electric trucks are moving beyond niche urban routes into long‑haul and high‑payload markets, reshaping freight logistics and accelerating the industry’s shift toward zero‑emission haulage.

motor1.com · Sep 27

These Useful Car Features Are Hiding In Your Owner’s Manual

Modern vehicle owner’s manuals often contain hidden convenience functions that many drivers never discover. While most owners consult the manual only for warning lights or oil specifications, it also details features such as remote window operation, customizable door‑unlock settings, automatic mirror folding, adjustable interior lighting, and a valet mode for infotainment systems. These capabilities vary by make and model, and many are accessed through specific key‑fob button combinations or menu selections that are not obvious from the dashboard. Consumer Reports has highlighted that some functions require activation in the vehicle’s settings before they become usable. The manual’s sections on keys, remote entry, and vehicle settings provide the most reliable source for unlocking these lesser‑known tools, preventing trial‑and‑error experimentation.

💡 Drivers can instantly boost safety, convenience, and resale appeal by mastering features that are already built into their cars but remain undocumented in everyday use.

cleantechnica.com · Sep 27

CATL Unveils TECTRANS II Battery Platform at IAA Transport Show

Chinese battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL) unveiled TECTRANS II, a modular battery platform for commercial vehicles, at IAA Transportation 2026. The version promises up to 1,000 km (621 mi) range and megawatt‑level charging that reaches 80 % state‑of‑charge in 25 minutes. Standardized packs can be configured for e‑axle or central‑drive systems, support conventional charging or swapping, and are designed for a 12‑year, 1.5 million‑km service life with 70 % capacity retention. CATL says the architecture can cut development cycles by roughly 50 % and lower R&D costs by 60‑70 %. The system delivers 170 Wh/kg energy density, 96 % round‑trip efficiency, and adds about 0.6 tonne payload. CATL signed an MoU with DHL Group to create green freight corridors in Europe, pairing the batteries with logistics networks for electric deployments.

💡 By enabling 1,000‑km trips with minimal downtime, the platform makes long‑haul electric trucks operationally viable, accelerating the shift to zero‑emission freight.

bringatrailer.com · Sep 27

2025 Mercedes-AMG G63 Brabus 800 Widestar Signature

The 2025 Mercedes‑AMG G63 Brabus 800 Widestar Signature, a heavily modified W463 G‑Class, is listed for auction in the United States with a current bid of $200,000. Brabus spent roughly $278,000 to equip the vehicle with its PowerXtra B40S‑800 performance kit, a valved exhaust, and a Widestar body kit, while adding carbon‑fiber trim inside and out. The twin‑turbo 4.0‑liter V8 remains mated to a nine‑speed automatic, dual‑range transfer case and three locking differentials, and rides on forged 24‑inch Monoblock ZV wheels with lowered AMG Active Ride Control suspension. Exterior finishes include Manufaktur Graphite Metallic, a sunroof, surround‑view cameras and a rear wing. Inside, the Signature Edition features black leather, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a Burmester surround‑sound system, rear‑seat entertainment and three‑zone climate control.

💡 The auction showcases how ultra‑luxury tuners are turning already premium SUVs into exclusive collector pieces, blurring the line between performance engineering and high‑end lifestyle branding.