This Weekender: Our deep dive analysis on the investments in L-category electric mobility in the last 15-years, Livewire has a fleet program for law enforcement, Verge creates a world record, Conifer gets funded, Ultraviolette reaches UK...
Why do some E2W/L-category vehicle startups get massive funding, while many die without support? What do investors look for? Does everything make sense? What makes startups attractive? We dug through 15+ years of funding data to identify trends. Then, the question: What is the RoI for investors?
There are not too many publicly traded E2W and electric light mobility players. The ones that are have mostly been struggling. We last checked their health eight months back. Now, we check on them again and realize that things have taken a downturn for the worse.
In an ultra-competitive industry, a startup that admits it wants to stay away from racing is refreshing. Dust Moto has a great-looking off-roader, and we wouldn't have been surprised if they tried to go head-on with Stark. But, no. Colin Godby, the CEO, sees the market differently...
Livewire's full-year unit sales could not cross the 2023 numbers even as cost-cutting measures and a high loss base meant that the Milwaukee-based Harley offshoot could improve on its losses. It needs new and smaller products. It needs a huge cultural shift in America. It needs a miracle.
Livewire has further added to the S2 range with a third model. The S2 Alpinsta, the 'cheapest' Livewire, further builds on the S2 platform but is it a significant effort?
Livewire started with a bang with its operations out of Silicon Valley. Harley has its back. However, the solid financial backing, a tech-heavy platform, and heavy spending have not translated into sales numbers. It just had another bad quarter and is now pulling back from Silicon Valley
We look at the important electric launches from EICMA, an event where Honda finally showed seriousness to electric mobility and came with a mid-size electric sports motorcycle and some scooters. Also, unveilings from Zero, Silence, Can-Am, Kymco and many more.
India-based Ola Electric is coming with an IPO. We take a look at how the previously listed E2W manufacturers have done across the world. None seems to be thriving.
