The Trends That Shaped EVs, Robotaxi, and Electric Flight in 2024
As the year comes to a close, it’s clear that 2024 was a pivotal moment for the future of transportation. Amidst the chaos and uncertainty brought on by the consolidation of micromobility startups, some notable trends have emerged in the electric vehicle (EV), robotaxi, and electric flight spaces.
First and foremost, the micromobility industry has all but died, with Tier and Dott merging and Lime continuing to maintain its market dominance. The once-promising e-bike startups like VanMoof and Cake have either filed for bankruptcy or been given a second chance at survival in 2025. However, some resilience can be seen in the form of Joco, which managed to turn its docked e-bike rental service into a profitable business.
On the other hand, electric vehicles (EVs) continued their steady growth. With Tesla and Cruise leading the charge, autonomous vehicles have made significant strides towards mass adoption. Waymo’s robotaxi fleet has expanded significantly, offering more efficient transportation options for riders worldwide. It is crucial to note that this trend has not been without challenges, with Hertz offering discounts on EV rentals in an attempt to boost demand.
Additionally, electric flight technology continued its rapid development, with new entrants like Onyx Motorbikes and DeepSeek pushing the boundaries of innovation. Meanwhile, reports emerged about a robotic “Superman Suit” designed for gymnastics training, further solidifying the role AI will play in revolutionizing various industries, including transportation.
Lastly, the role of AI in transportation was demonstrated by OpenAI’s new AI model, which has generated significant buzz in the industry. Furthermore, startups like Microsoft and Anthropic have continued their focus on AGI research, further solidifying its importance in the world of autonomous vehicles.
Looking back at 2024, it is clear that these trends will continue to shape the future of transportation for years to come.
Source: techcrunch.com