Toronto, Ontario — In this week’s electric/autonomous report, which covers the period between June 11 and 25, India, the U.K. and France take steps to prepare for autonomous vehicles, OEMs launch new taxi services and much, much more!
FASTag Expansion
India’s road transport ministry is planning to expand its FASTag system, an RFID vehicle tracking system originally implemented for use by toll roads. The upgraded system will iclude EV charging, parking and insurance integration. Officials see this as part of a larger digital mobility platform linking transportation services under a single interface. The pilot rollout is expected to be held later this year in major cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
Solid-State Breakthrough
QuantumScape’s “Cobra” ceramic separator has reached a key production milestone, enabling safer, cheaper and longer-range solid-state EV batteries. Commercial readiness is now targeted for 2026. The company claims its new cells outperform traditional lithium-ion in energy density and durability. Despite QuantumScape’s enthusiasm, investors provided a muted response, with shares rising about 12 percent after the announcement.
Charger Funding
A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to release EV charger funds, overturning the freeze on a five billion dollar program. The ruling restores infrastructure support in 14 states. The decision follows a lawsuit from several states and environmental groups arguing the freeze was unlawful. Charging network expansion is now back on track, especially along key interstate corridors.
Autonomous Trials
The UK government will begin full driverless taxi trials in spring 2026 under its new Automated Vehicles Act. Partnerships like Uber and Wayve are projected to provide the economy with a £42 billion, or about $78 billion, economic boost by 2035. Trials will be conducted in cities like London and Manchester using vehicles with remote oversight. Legislation ensures clear liability and safety standards for commercial AV deployment.
Deceptive Claims
France’s consumer authority has found Tesla overstated its vehicles’ autonomous capabilities in advertising and on its website. Unless it complies with the regulator’s demands, the OEM could face fines of about $79,000. The ruling follows a two-year investigation into consumer complaints and crash data.
Waymo-Uber Launch
Waymo’s fully driverless electric robotaxis are now bookable via Uber in Atlanta. The service uses Jaguar I-PACE vehicles and marks a major step toward AV integration in daily ride-hailing. Riders can opt into the experience through the Uber app and summon cars with no driver present. Initial coverage is limited to central neighborhoods but will expand if early demand proves strong.
Tesla Launch
Tesla’s Austin robotaxi service now features Model Ys with onboard monitors instead of safety drivers. The company is also preparing to release its purpose-built Cybercab. This new model is expected to cost US$30,000 and enter service in 2026. Critics have raised concerns about how Tesla handles safety reporting and state-level compliance.
Pony AI
Chinese startup Pony AI has signed a deal with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority to launch a robotaxi service. Supervised trials begin in 2025, with full autonomy expected in 2026. The move is part of Dubai’s goal for twenty-five percent of trips to be autonomous by 2030. Pony AI will provide the software stack and vehicles while Dubai handles regulatory oversight.
