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Autonomous sidewalk delivery specialist Serve Robotics has just unveiled its third generation of robots that are faster, smarter, tougher, and a fraction of the cost to manufacture. With production now underway, Serve looks to deploy these upgraded delivery robots soon as a critical component in its plans to expand its services across the entire United States.

Serve Robotics ($SERV) is a developer of autonomous AI-powered sidewalk delivery robots spun out as an independent company from Uber in 2021. Investors include NVIDIA, 7-Eleven, and Uber Eats, which partnered with its former entity to begin offering autonomous robot deliveries to select customers around Los Angeles.

That initial 2022 transaction included the deployment of up to 2,000 delivery robots before Serve Robotics expanded its relationship with Uber Eats by signing a deal with Shake Shack to offer select customers in Los Angeles robot deliveries.

Most recently, Serve’s Gen2 robots have been deployed for testing with drone delivery operator Wing to explore autonomous robot-to-drone deliveries. According to the partners, Wing deliveries will be able to be picked up by a Serve delivery robot from the curb or sidewalk in front of a participating restaurant, then delivered autonomously to a Wing drone AutoLoader nearby before it is delivered by air to customers as far as 6 miles away.

While Serve explores air deliveries with Wing, it has also kept a keen focus on what it knows best—autonomous sidewalk deliveries. Today, the company unveiled its Gen3 delivery robot, which has seen some major improvements inside and out.

  • delivery robot
  • delivery robot

Serve’s Gen3 delivery robots are smarter, faster, and cheaper

According to details shared by Serve Robotics today, its next generation of autonomous sidewalk robots has seen a complete overhaul in nearly every category, all for the better. For instance, its cargo space gained 2 gallons (+15%) of additional volume and can now transport four 16-inch pizzas.

The new delivery robot also saw a 67% increase in battery capacity, boosting its all-electric range from 23 miles (10 hours) in Gen2 to 48 miles (14 hours) in the Gen3 model. The exterior was bolstered to support more inclement weather ranging from -4 to 113℉ and heavy rain, and its new suspension offers a smooth ride to keep hot meals safer in transit.

The all-terrain drivetrain also saw improvements, bringing the delivery robot’s top speed up from 7mph to 11mph (+60%), with the ability to stop 40%more quickly. Improved sidewalk safety is also the result of quicker reaction times and ultra-fast decisions, thanks to the Gen3 robot’s major sensor suite upgrades, including an NVIDIA Jetson Orin chip and Ouster REV7 digital LiDAR.

All of the improvements are impressive in their own right, but the most newsworthy aspect of Serve’s Gen3 robot debut is arguably the fact that it implemented all these upgrades while cutting manufacturing costs in half. Serve Robotics co-founder and CEO Dr. Ali Kashani elaborated:

Producing a cutting-edge robot that can drive faster and further while running 5 times more AI and slashing costs by half is a true engineering feat. I am proud of what our team has accomplished with our third-generation robot, which represents the culmination of years of relentless effort. Our new robot puts Serve significantly down the cost curve and ahead of the competition as we roll out one of the largest autonomous fleets in the country in the coming months.

Serve shared that Gen3 robots are already being assembled in North America with the help of contract manufacturer Magna International. The initial rollout will include 2,000 autonomous robots to new cities in 2025 through Serve’s continued partnership with Uber Eats. That will begin in Los Angeles and “one new metro market” that has yet to be shared, but Serve intends to continue to expand its fleet of delivery robots across the entire US someday.

You can see more of the Gen3 robot in Serve’s video below:

Source: Serve Robotics

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Ford is paying dealers up to $22,500 to sell F-150 Lightning models through a new program

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Ford is paying dealers up to ,500 to sell F-150 Lightning models through a new program

Ford dealers just got a significant new incentive to move F-150 Lighting inventory. Through a new pilot program, Ford will pay dealers up to $22,500 for every F-150 Lightning model restocked from a Retail Replenishment Center.

During Capital Markets Day last May, Ford CEO Jim Farley outlined plans to make buying an electric vehicle as easy as possible.

The changes included transparent pricing, a better customer experience, and remote delivery options. To get vehicles into customers’ hands quicker, Ford said it would introduce new Retail Replenishment Centers (RRC) that can deliver EVs in under ten days.

According to a new bulletin (via CarsDirect), Ford will pay dealers up to $22,500 when replenishing F-150 Lightning models from an RRC.

From October 15 through November 15, 2024, Ford’s new incentive gives dealers $1,000 for every 2024 F-150 Lightning that comes from a Replenishment Center.

If a dealer unloads more than nine (max 15), the incentive increases to $1,500. Throughout the month, dealers can earn up to $22,500.

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2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum Black (Source: Ford)

Ford to pay dealers to move F-150 Lightning inventory

Ford’s dealer note said the program is designed to “further test the logistics and efficiencies of RRCs” while boosting engagement.

The incentive applies to all trims except the base F-150 Lightning Pro, which is no longer available for retail sale.

Ford-dealers-F-150-Lightning
2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Flash (Source: Ford)

As CarsDirect points out, the program could be good and bad for buyers. Some dealers will want to move F-150 Lightning inventory at lower prices, while others can sell models that don’t have many on the lot.

However, this could mean fewer choices when visiting a dealership. The pilot program likely comes as Ford looks to move older models ahead of the new 2025 F-150 Lightning.


2024 Ford F-150 Lightning trim
Starting Price Range
(EPA-est miles)
XLT $62,995 240
Flash $67,995 320
Lariat $76,995 320
Platinum $84,995 300
Platinum Black $92,995 300
2024 Ford F-150 Lightning price and range by trim (*not including $2,095 destination fee)

Ford has introduced significant incentives for the electric truck in recent months. The 2024 F-150 Lightning is available with 0% APR for 60 months.

In addition, through its new “Ford Power Promise,” all EV buyers get a free Level 2 home charger, and Ford is covering the cost of installation. The offer includes a $2,000 cash incentive that can be combined with 0% financing.

Are you ready to take advantage of the savings? 2024 models may not last long with 2025MY arrivals around the corner. You can find the best deals on Ford’s F-150 Lightning near you using our link.

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London’s electric last-mile delivery provider Fin to expand to the US

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London's electric last-mile delivery provider Fin to expand to the US

Sustainable logistics and deliveries provider Fin announced $7 million in seed funding and is expanding its operations to the US.

With the seed funding, Fin is able to scale its operations, now boasting over 100 e-cargo bikes and 100 electric vans used to deliver between 7,000 and 14,000 parcels throughout London daily.

The expansion to the US, with plans to launch in New York City in early 2025, will mark the company’s first venture outside the UK. Fin will also expand into five additional UK cities in 2025. 

Marlon Nichols, managing general partner and co-founder of MaC Venture Capital, which led the funding round, said, “The MaC team has supported Fin since its inception, and we are fully confident in the team’s ability to scale as the company expands its footprint beyond the UK and into the US market.

“The company’s rapid growth in London has demonstrated not only the effectiveness of its model but also the strong market appetite for greener, more efficient delivery options. We believe Fin is well-positioned to shift the culture of urban logistics, especially in New York, where residents need a better solution for efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly deliveries.”

Fin’s deploys electric vans and e-cargo bikes built to carry up to 250 kg, and uses a proprietary AI-powered technology platform that creates optimized routes offering full transparency to clients and end customers. The company offers next-day delivery even for late-night orders.

Looking ahead, Fin is focused on continuing its rapid expansion while maintaining its commitment to sustainability and innovation and aims to deploy 500 more bikes this year across both the UK and New York.

Read more: Revel just added Juice’s ‘face ID for EVs’ to its DC fast chargers

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Ford’s reborn Capri EV now en route to first customers in Europe

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Ford's reborn Capri EV now en route to first customers in Europe

The legend is back for the first time in nearly four decades. Ford’s new Capri EV is headed to the first customers across Europe. Following the electric Explorer, the new Capri is Ford’s second EV based on Volkswagen’s MEB platform.

Ford unveiled the all-electric Capri in July, claiming the “legend” is being revived. A little over three months later, the electric sports crossover is on its way to dealerships across Europe.

The first electric Capri models left Ford’s Cologne EV Center in Germany and are headed to customers.

Ford said the new Capri was designed to “inject some would in the world of electric vehicles.” It’s an all-electric twist on a cult classic. Almost 200,000 customers have created their Capri models on Ford’s website.

The most popular color option was Vivid Yellow, with 24% opting for the modern take on the classic Capri’s Daytona Yellow.

According to Ford, over 50% chose the Capri Premium model, which gains Dynamic LED headlights, a 10-speaker B&O sound system, 20-inch alloy wheels, and more.

Ford's-new-Capri-EV
The all-electric Ford Capri (Source: Ford)

With nearly 400 miles (627 km) WLTP range, the Capri EV can drive from Cologne to London on a single charge.

Meet Ford’s new Capri EV, a legend reborn

“Our new all-electric Capri is the car the iconic sports coupe was destined to become,” Ford Europe’s EV leader, Jon Williams, said.

The Capri’s return has been “well worth the wait,” Williams explained, adding, “We couldn’t be more excited to see a new generation about to experience the style and swagger that made Capri such a legend.”

Ford-Capri-EV
The electric Ford Capri (Source: Ford)

Ford’s electric sports coupe is available in Capri and Capri Premium. Powered by a 77 kWh battery, the RWD Capri EV has a driving range of up to 390 miles (627 km) in Europe.

The Premium model, with a larger 79 kWh battery and AWD powertrain, has a WLTP driving range of up to 368 miles (592 km).

Ford-Capri-EV-interior
Ford Capri EV interior (Source: Ford)

All models come with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The system includes 12 ultrasonic sensors, five cameras, and three radars.

Inside, you will find an adjustable 14.6″ infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support. It also features a wrap-around cockpit and sculpted sports seats for a racecar-like feel.

Range
(WLTP)
Starting Price
(Germany)
Ford Capri EV (RWD) 390 miles (627 km) $48,800 (€44,950)
Ford Capri EV Premium (AWD) 368 miles (592 km) $52,300 (€48,650)
Ford Capri EV price and range by trim

At 4,634 mm long, 2,063 mm wide, and 1,626 mm tall, the new Ford Capri EV is similar to the Volkswagen ID.5 (4,599 mm long, 1,852 mm wide, 1,603 mm tall). From the side, it looks very similar to the Polestar 2.

The new Capri EV starts at $48,800 (€44,950) in Germany, slightly less than the electric Explorer, which costs about $52,700 (€48,500). Meanwhile, the Premium model costs around $52,300 (€48,650).

What do you think of the revived cult classic? Would you buy Ford’s new all-electric Capri? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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