Segway-Ninebot has a solution for all of those dockless electric scooters that need to be gathered up every night for charging: build one that can drive itself to the charging station.
The Chinese scooter giant’s new self-driving scooter, the KickScooter T60, was introduced at an event in Beijing on Friday, according to Reuters. The scooter has three wheels (two in front, one in back), and it can supposedly use artificial intelligence and remote cloud capabilities to guide itself without a human rider.
The pain point for scooter operators is to better maintain the scooters at a lower cost,” Gao Lufeng, Ninebot chairman and chief executive, told Reuters.
There was no public demonstration of this capability, and the scooter is reportedly not expected to hit the road until early next year. But Ninebot said that Uber and Lyft, which have expanded into bike- and scooter-sharing, have expressed interest in the new scooter, according to Reuters.“WE HAVEN’T YET MADE ANY COMMITMENTS AROUND THIS PRODUCT.”
But that may not be entirely accurate. “We are always interested in seeing the latest innovations from potential partners like Ninebot, but we haven’t yet made any commitments around this product,” a spokesperson for Lyft said in a statement. A spokesperson for Uber declined to comment.
Formed in 2015 by the combination of Chinese electronics maker Ninebot and US mobility company Segway, the company quietly became a leading provider of electric scooters to rental startups like Bird and Lime. The company sold 1.6 million scooters in 2018, according to Reuters, citing a prospectus filed in April.
The KickScooter T60 is expected to sell for 10,000 yuan ($1,420), which is more than the company’s traditional scooters that sell to customers and scooter companies for $100 to $300 each.
The idea of dockless, electric scooters that can drive themselves to a charging station or a more optimal pickup spot certainly sounds useful on the surface. But it is likely to be cost-prohibitive for most scooter-sharing companies that are scrambling to bring in enough revenue to recoup the costs of their fleet operations. Uber is rumored to be interested in developing self-riding bikes and scooters, but it hasn’t confirmed that publicly.
UPS has had autonomous trucking startup TuSimple hauling cargo for it between Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona, since May as part of a newly publicized partnership between the two companies. The delivery giant made the announcement today alongside the news that its venture arm is taking a minority stake in TuSimple. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
TuSimple had previously run a partnership with the United States Postal Service in May, where the startup’s trucks carried mail on the 1,000-mile stretch between the USPS’s Phoenix, Arizona, and Dallas, Texas, distribution centers. That pilot has since ended, though the two sides are discussing “next steps,” according to a TuSimple spokesperson.TUSIMPLE IS BACKED BY NVIDIA AND CHINESE TECH COMPANY SINA
Founded in 2015, TuSimple uses Navistar trucks outfitted with the startup’s own self-driving tech, which sees the world largely through nine cameras. While each truck is outfitted with a pair of LIDAR sensors as well, the startup is focused on developing a vision-based autonomous system — similar to what Tesla uses in its cars. The startup is already backed by Nvidia and Chinese technology company Sina, and it has a headquarters in San Diego, California, and another in Beijing.
TuSimple says it has been helping UPS “better understand the requirements for Level 4 Autonomous trucking in its network” — a reference to the Society of Automotive Engineers’ scale for self-driving vehicles, where Level 4 refers to full autonomy that’s locked to a designated geographic location. The trucks in use still have a safety driver and an engineer on board who monitor the system, like many of the other self-driving pilot programs currently running in the United States.
There are a number of startups and established companies working on autonomous trucking, from Kodiak and Einride to Waymo and even Daimler. (Uber shuttered its program last summer after one of its self-driving SUV test vehicles killed a pedestrian.) TuSimple is one of the few hauling actual commercial cargo, albeit in a limited capacity on just a few routes.
The EV market still lacking a fun Miata-size convertible and a rendering artist tried to imagine what it would look like if Tesla gave it a shot based on Model 3: Love it or Hate it?
There are all-electric roadsters on the market and more coming but they are mostly focused on the higher-end of the market.
Tesla has its next-gen Roadster coming and while the specs are impressive, we are talking about a $200,000+ car.
What we are talking about is a “Mazda Miata of electric cars.”
A light 2-seater with no more than a ~50 kWh battery pack, like the base Model 3, and it would still get over 200 miles of range thanks to its weight and form factor.
While a Mazda Miata price point would be hard to achieve, it could ad least be sold for under $50,000.
We haven’t seen many companies going for that market aside for Electra Meccanica with the Tofino, which checks a lot of those boxes, but the vehicle is still far from hitting the market.
Design editor and rendering artist Lem Bingley tried to imagine what it would look like if Tesla would try to make something in this segment based on the Model 3.
“A while ago I tweeted about an imaginary Tesla Roadster, about the same size and shape as a Mazda MX-5. I’m dreaming of a smaller, lighter and cheaper sports electric vehicle than Tesla’s actual proposed Roadster 2. I’ve created a couple of new images. Let me know what you think!”
Here are the images of Bingley’s Mazda MX-5-like Tesla Roadster (via Twitter):
The vehicle is borrowing several design features from the Model 3 and using the form factor of the Miata.
What do you think of the vehicle? Love it or hate?
BMW disappointed some with the specs of the new all-electric Mini Cooper SE, but many others are apparently still looking forward to it, as the automaker claims to have received “over 45,000 reservations” for the new all-electric car.
The electric Mini Cooper SE, a 3-door Cooper, was unveiled last month, and it’s BMW’s first all-electric car since the BMW i3 was released in 2013.
Some were disappointed by the fact that the vehicle’s powertrain is based on an older BMW i3 electric powertrain.
Its electric motor delivers 135 kW/184 hp and a maximum torque of 270 Nm. BMW claims the front-wheel drive electric SE can get from zero to 60 km/h (37 mph) in 3.9 seconds, and zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.3 seconds.
The electric Mini’s 32.6 kWh battery has a reported range of 235 to 270 km (146-168 miles) based on the new WLTP cycle. That means EPA/real world should be closer to 140 miles.
The specs were interesting enough to attract many prospective buyers.
German magazine Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung reports that Elena Eder, project manager for the Mini-e, said that they received over 45,000 reservations:
So far, we already have over 45,000 registered prospects.
Production is expected to start in November at the automaker’s Oxford, UK, plant.
Brexit could complicate the exportation of the new electric vehicle, but Eder doesn’t expect any issue:
Whatever happens, we are ready for any eventuality. It does not affect us, it has meanwhile been talked about for so long that we are prepared for all eventualities.
They haven’t released prices for every market, but in Germany, it starts at €32,500 (about $36,400).
German auto industry giant Bosch is developing new technology that will add glasses-free 3D imaging to future versions of its in-car digital display technology. These 3D displays use passive 3D tech, which mans you won’t need to wear glasses to see the effect, and it also skips eye tracking, which is a key ingredient for most high-quality glasses-free 3D displays today.
Going glasses-free, and not requiring that a viewer look from a very specific position are both key ingredients for successfully bring 3D display tech to cars – for obvious reasons. A driver needs to be focused on the road, and the fundamental guiding principle for all Curren in-car display tech is that they provide easy-to-grasp information at a glance, so that a driver’s focus stays exactly where it should.
But why would a driver even want 3D visual effects in their instrument panel or infotainment display? Well, Bosch says that there are multiple compelling reasons, including making sure that crucial alerts really pop-out when they need to in an attention-catching way. Plus, parking cameras can present even more accurate 3D views to the driver so they really get a sense of the space they’re working with. And during navigation, guidance can offer 3D representations of where and when to turn, which can eliminate questions around whether that next corner really is the right corner you’re looking for.
That’s all stuff that could be beneficial now, but it’s also a bet on a future where vehicles are autonomous at least part of the time, and in-car immersive displays could be even more of an opportunity to entertain and inform passengers while they’re ferried to their destinations.
Bosch says that part of the reason they can do this now, compared to in the past, is that more powerful mobile computing has changed the game for what they can build. Instead of having essentially a myriad of tiny, cheap underpowered controllers scattered throughout a car’s tech stack, automakers are generally moving towards having one centralized computer that’s plenty more powerful, and that can be updated easily and quickly over-the-air.
The company doesn’t say when we’ll see these systems actually in use through their automaker customers in shipping cars, but especially in the high end where premium distinguishing features can make all the difference, it shouldn’t be long before some carmaker takes the plunge.
Porsche started teasing its first all-electric car almost four years ago to the month, and we’ve learned a lot about it since then. Two of the biggest things left to discover about the car (called the Taycan) are what it will truly, actually, finally look like, and how it performs. We can now start to fill in the latter, though, because former Fifth Gear presenter Jonny Smith repeatedly put the new electric Porsche through its launch mode paces in a new video published this week.
If you’re not familiar with Smith, he’s an appropriate person to get the first crack at giving the Porsche Taycan a full go. Not only does he make loads of videos about electric cars on the Fully Charged YouTube channel, he’s known for taking a tiny 1970s commuter car and turning it into the world’s quickest street legal EV.
To see a guy that familiar with quick electric cars get delighted by the Taycan’s speed again and again should be a promising sight for prospective buyers. And as Smith and the Porsche reps mention again and again in the video, it’s that repeatability that the German automaker will likely focus on when the Taycan comes to market. Some of Tesla’s cars may be faster to 60 miles per hour, but the Porsche’s liquid-cooled 800V battery pack will apparently be able to dole out more electrons before the software screams uncle.
The video also offers one of the best senses of what the Taycan will sound like, both at low speeds (with its legally mandated pedestrian safety noise) and as it accelerates. It does not, however, give us any look at the interior. In fact, the seats and dashboard all appear to be covered in fabric so that viewers can’t spot any of the final details of the car that’s been years in the making. Porsche’s been quite open about the development of the Taycan over the last four years, but it looks like the company is trying to at least keep some air of mystery in the final month before the car’s official unveiling.
Fresco Motors, Norway-based EV startup, has unveiled an intriguing new electric sedan with unbelievable specs and features.
Norway is without a doubt the world leader in electric vehicle adoption, but despite the market buying more EVs per capita than any other country in the world, Norway is not producing its own electric car.
Fresco Motors wants to change that.
The startup came out of stealth mode this week by unveiling its first car: The Reverie.
It’s an all-electric sedan with a radical design that is somehow reminiscent of both the original Tesla Model S prototype (without the nosecone) and a Chrysler 300 (look at the window/door proportions):
The size of the Fresco Reverie is somwhere between a Tesla Model S and Model 3, two of the most popular electric vehicles in Norway.
Here are the dimensions of the Reverie:
Length: 4807 mm
Width: 2226 mm
Height: 1401 mm
Wheelbase: 2746 mm
The company only unveiled a few computer-generated images and clearly doesn’t have a working prototype.
Yet, Fresco is promising some unbelievable specs and features.
For the range, the company didn’t offer any specifics and instead, it only said that owners will not have any range anxiety.
In terms of performance specs, the startup says that the Reverie will be able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 2 seconds and achieve a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph).
It claims to achieve that with an AC induction motor and a 4-speed automatic gearbox with “overdrive.”
As for some cool features, Fresco says that the Reverie will come with “portable batteries”:
“It’s common amongst owners of vehicles with internal combustion engines to have jerrycans. Why shouldn’t owners of electric vehicles have the same?”
The startup also says that its vehicles will come with a wireless charging pad.
Fresco is not releasing pricing or a timeline for the availability of its electric sedan, but it started taking reservations this week.
Audi has a new electric micro-mobility offering known as the e-tron Scooter. Half skateboard, half scooter, this new last-mile vehicle from Audi is all-electric.
The handle is designed to be ridden with just a single hand while the rider stands sideways. The wheels are more similar to conventional skateboard trucks, providing four points of contact and lean-to-turn steering.
According to Audi:
The Audi e-tron Scooter, combining the advantages of the electric scooter and the skateboard, is designed for sporty riders. To be transported by car, bus, or train, the 12-kg (26-pound) e-scooter can be folded up and conveniently stored in the back of the car, or if preferred, pulled like a trolley. Above all, the Audi e-tron Scooter stands out, thanks to its handling, which is like surfing waves. The rider has one hand free, and so is able to look around and give hand signals.
As sporty as Audi calls it, the e-tron Scooter still won’t travel over 20 km/h (12.5 mph), which could put a hamper on anyone hoping to set a new land speed record.
RANGER launches all-new RANGER 1000 and RANGER CREW 1000, RZR introduces next level of performance with the all-new Pro XP class, Sportsman and Scrambler unleash industry’s first 55-inch wide ATVs with unmatched suspension travel.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – July 29, 2019 – Polaris Off Road, the world leader in powersports and off-road innovation, today introduced its 2020 model year lineup, highlighted by the next generation of the all-time best-selling RANGER with the new RANGER 1000 and RANGER CREW 1000; an all-new class of extreme performance side-by-sides with the RZR Pro XP lineup; and the industry’s first 55-inch wide ATV offerings with the Sportsman XP 1000 S and Scrambler XP 1000 S.
“There’s no better way to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Polaris than by introducing world-class off-road machines that truly elevate each brand’s product offering,” said Chris Musso, President of Polaris Off Road. “The all-new RZR Pro XP takes drivers to the next level and is the most capable, most agile and most versatile RZR we have ever built. The RANGER 1000 and RANGER CREW 1000 offer consumer-inspired improvements to get more done and are the ultimate combination of price and performance, while the newly designed Sportsman and Scrambler boast the first-ever, 55-inch wide ATV chassis, offering riders the most capable machines on the market.”
Polaris RANGER, the industry’s No. 1-selling utility side-by-side, introduced the all-new RANGER 1000 and RANGER CREW 1000. Polaris built upon the world’s best-selling RANGER, the RANGER XP 900, to create the ultimate combination of price and performance. The RANGER 1000 delivers added capability to haul more, tow more and last longer with an all-new ProStar 1000 single overhead cam (SOHC) engine, all while delivering more riding comfort, convenience and value.
Polaris RZR, the world’s No. 1-selling sport performance side-by-side, pushes the industry to a whole new level with the first of a new generation of extreme performance side-by-sides with the ground-breaking introduction of the RZR Pro XP, Pro XP Premium and Pro XP Ultimate. With an all-new platform, professional-grade performance and thoughtful design, the RZR Pro XP can dominate the most rugged terrain thrown at it.
Pioneering the premium ATV category for more than 30 years, Polaris Sportsman has unleashed the industry’s first 55-inch wide ATV equipped with more than 14-inches of unmatched suspension travel. Designed to conquer boundless territories, the No. 1-selling brand of automatic 4×4 ATVs introduces the 2020 Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 S and Scrambler XP 1000 S.
To find more information about the 2020 model year Polaris off-road vehicle lineup see below and visit Polaris.com/OffRoad.
Polaris RANGER
2020 RANGER 1000 – Starting at $12,999 U.S. MSRP 2020 RANGER CREW 1000 – Starting at $14,399 U.S. MSRP Driven to Do More, the all-new RANGER 1000 and RANGER CREW 1000 feature owner-inspired improvements on a newly-designed chassis. This machine was engineered to work with an all-new ProStar 1000 SOHC engine delivering 61 horsepower and 55 lb-ft of low-end torque, allowing users to get the most out of the class-leading 2,500-lb. towing capacity. Overall vehicle comfort has been taken to the next level with improved ergonomics and 25% thicker seats, while the one-piece chassis, full-body skid plate and large steel bumper offer improved durability, making this machine a true workhorse ready to take on any job or trail.
RANGER Factory Choice Packages RANGER has also introduced new Factory Choice Packages available on a variety of models and colors for the new 2020 RANGER 1000 family lineup. As the only utility side-by-side vehicle manufacturer to offer factory-installed packages, the latest accessory offerings are designed to pair with a variety of use cases to meet every rider’s needs. The Factory Choice Packages include:
RANGER Winter Prep Package – Starting at $2,000 U.S. MSRP Available for the RANGER 1000, RANGER CREW 1000, RANGER XP 1000 and RANGER CREW XP 1000 models, the Winter Prep Package is designed to extend riding through the winter season and easily install accessories for plowing and outdoor recreational activities. Accessories include a heater kit, Polaris Pro HD 4,500-lb. winch and pre-installed cab seals offering a turn-key package to customize units with the RANGER Pro Shield cab system.
RANGER Back Country Package – Starting at $2,800 U.S. MSRP Built to tackle uncharted terrain, the Back Country Package is now available in all Premium model colors for the RANGER XP 1000 and RANGER CREW XP 1000. Accessories include high-mount air intakes, arched A-arms, sealed electrical components, Polaris Pro HD 4,500-lb. winch, Active Descent Control and a 20% stronger driveline.
RANGER RIDE COMMAND Package – Starting at $2,500 U.S. MSRP Offering the same improved riding experience consumers expect with Polaris RIDE COMMAND technology, the 2020 RIDE COMMAND package now comes standard with a Sport Roof, Polaris Pro HD 4,500-lb. winch and new RIDE COMMAND software enhancements for the RANGER XP 1000, RANGER CREW XP 1000, RANGER XP 1000 NorthStar Edition and RANGER CREW XP 1000 NorthStar Edition. The RIDE COMMAND software now features Plow Mode which automatically engages (lifts, drops and drags) the plow based on the gear the vehicle is in and Group Ride, allowing riders to stay connected with other riders.
For more information on the all-new RANGER 1000 models, new Factory Choice Packages or other 2020 RANGER models, visit ranger.polaris.com. Also visit us and join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Polaris RZR
2020 RZR Pro XP – Starting at $22,999 U.S. MSRP 2020 RZR Pro XP Premium – Starting at $24,499 U.S. MSRP 2020 RZR Pro XP Ultimate – Starting at $28,499 U.S. MSRP The all-new RZR Pro XP lineup delivers the next level of performance for the most demanding off-road drivers. Featuring professional-level performance, revolutionary design and brute strength, each Pro XP model packs 181 horsepower, 20- and 22-inches of usable travel, and a brand new 96-inch wheelbase with eight-times stronger axles and a three-times stronger drive system. The top-of-the-line RZR Pro XP Ultimate features unmatched technology, including DYNAMIX 2.0 and an updated RIDE COMMAND system. The new machines form an unrivaled rider-to-machine connection.
To learn more about the 2020 RZR Pro XP, visit Polaris.com/rzr.
Polaris Sportsman
2020 Sportsman XP 1000 S – Starting at $14,999 U.S. MSRP Redefining sport-utility standards, the 2020 Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 S features the industry’s first 55-inch wide chassis for unmatched capability and high-speed stability to dominate any terrain. Class-leading long-travel suspension (front: 11.5-inches and rear: 14-inches) and Walker Evans 2.0 shocks with compression adjustment provide ultimate control and confidence. Boasting extreme performance, including 14.5-inches of ground clearance, riders will have the confidence to go further and do more. An incredible 1,750-lb. towing capacity, factory-installed two-inch hitch receiver and 500-lb. combined front and rear rack capacity allow for even more hauling to help get the toughest jobs done.
2020 Scrambler XP 1000 S – Starting at $14,999 U.S. MSRP Engineered for ultimate performance, the Scrambler XP 1000 S sets new industry standards with key features and improvements, including a 55-inch wide stance. Industry-leading long travel suspension (front: 12.5-inches and rear: 14-inches) and two-mode (standard and performance) throttle control allows riders to dominate any trail. Walker Evans 2.0 shocks with hi-low speed compression and rebound adjustment offer the confidence to attack rugged terrain, while 12-inch lightweight, aluminum wheels allow the 27-inch tires to resist puncture.
Sportsman Factory Choice Packages Polaris Sportsman has launched new Factory Choice Packages to enhance vehicle capabilities for an elevated riding experience. The factory-installed packages include the Trail Package and Utility Package – providing consumers with added accessories that help them work hard and play harder.
Sportsman Trail Package – Starting at $1,000 U.S. MSRP The Trail Package makes the Sportsman XP 1000 and Sportsman 850 Premium models the ultimate off-road machines capable to take on the toughest trails. Features include sealed suspension bushings, LED lower headlights, dual arched A-arms, Polaris Pro HD 3,500-lb. winch with handlebar controls, Bluetooth® phone connectivity, cut-and-sew seat, 27-inch Duro® Power Grip tires and color-matched springs.
Sportsman Utility Package – Starting at $300 U.S. MSRP Thanks to factory-installed front and rear metal racks and a front utility bumper, the new 2020 Utility Package offers the ultimate protection for the toughest jobs. The added metal racks provide unlimited tie-down locations so that riders can get more done with the Polaris Sportsman 570 EPS, Sportsman 570 and Sportsman® 450 H.O.
To learn more about the all-new Sportsman and Scrambler XP 1000 S models, new Sportsman Factory Choice Packages or other 2020 ATV models, visit Polaris.com/atv.
To find more information about the 2020 Polaris off-road lineup, or to find your local dealer, visit Polaris.com/OffRoad. Join the conversation on Polaris’ social channels: RANGER, GENERAL and Sportsman: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. RZR: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About Polaris
As the global leader in powersports, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) pioneers product breakthroughs and enriching experiences and services that have invited people to discover the joy of being outdoors since our founding in 1954. With annual 2018 sales of $6.1 billion, Polaris’ high-quality product line-up includes the Polaris RANGER, RZR and GENERAL side-by-side off-road vehicles; Sportsman all-terrain off-road vehicles; Indian Motorcycle mid-size and heavyweight motorcycles; Slingshot moto-roadsters; snowmobiles; and deck, cruiser and pontoon boats, including industry-leading Bennington pontoons. Polaris enhances the riding experience with parts, garments and accessories, along with a growing aftermarket portfolio, including Transamerican Auto Parts. Polaris’ presence in adjacent markets includes military and commercial off-road vehicles, quadricycles, and electric vehicles. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves more than 100 countries across the globe. www.polaris.com
