Mon February 9, 2026 (Run 3) | Mobility Monitor

Electric Vehicles

Hyundai spotted testing a new electric SUV that resembles the Crater EV Concept, suggesting the concept may be coming to production Electrek
Rivian's R2 SUV enters final validation testing ahead of planned first-half 2026 release, with chief engineer saying it performed "better than we ever expected" Electrek, EV Blog
BYD hits solid-state battery milestone with production expected to begin as soon as 2027, as the world's leading EV maker prepares new battery chemistries Electrek
Toyota partners with Japanese oil giant Idemitsu Kosan to build factory for solid-state battery production, moving beyond pilot program Electrek
Kia's electric hot hatch spotted testing in public for the first time, days after opening orders for EV4 GT Electrek
Toyota launches seven-model EV offensive in Norway, aiming to become the country's top-selling passenger car brand this year EV Blog
Ferrari reveals interior images of its first all-electric supercar, the Luce, designed by Jony Ive The Verge
$35 billion in US EV and clean energy projects canceled or downsized in 2025, eliminating over 38,000 jobs, with $5.1 billion in December alone Electrek

Rivian launching Apple Watch app with remote controls and digital key feature for Gen 1 vehicles Electrek
Anker offering deals on PowerCore Reserve portable power stations (192Wh and 288Wh models) starting from $100, plus eufy robot lawn mowers from $1,000 Electrek

Waymo begins testing driverless robotaxis in Nashville, the typical step before launching commercial service TechCrunch
Lidar-maker Ouster acquires vision company StereoLabs for $35 million plus 1.8 million shares as sensor industry consolidation continues TechCrunch

Lyft opens ride-hailing app to teens with guardrails including parent-controlled accounts, driver screening, and yearly background checks TechCrunch
Uber for Business highlights importance of intentional meal programs for employee satisfaction and retention Uber for Business LinkedIn

Hertz Gold Squad kicks off 2026 with "Goldens in Golden" event, continuing customer experience marketing initiative featured in People Magazine Hertz LinkedIn

GM hires Lucid Motors strategy chief Claudia Gast as deputy CFO and VP to lead corporate strategy and scout tech partnerships EV Blog
Asian hedge fund WT Asset Management cuts Nio stake by 32% in Q4, months after major re-entry EV Blog

Airlines expanding AI initiatives through OpenAI partnerships and existing tech suppliers Phocuswire
Airbnb names former Meta executive Ahmad Al-Dahle as CTO, with CEO citing shared vision for AI use Phocuswire
Travel executives discuss spreading bets with AI, balancing excitement with concerns about risk Phocuswire

iSeatz, Hopper, and Chase Travel executives outline expanding travel marketplace ecosystem at Phocuswright conference Phocuswire
Research shows travel advisors attracting budget-conscious customers despite overall price sensitivity among US travelers Phocuswire
UK-based Snaptrip Group completes two acquisitions: My Boutique Hotel and Staycato (including Simply Sea Views and Dog Friendly Retreats brands) Phocuswire