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In this blog series, we’ll unpack the latest smart mobility news in a little more detail. Each week we’ll focus on fresh topics, covering emerging stories and research that has caught our attention.

The Biden-Harris government is committed to driving the electric vehicle future, while OEMs are striving to make autonomous vehicles an integral part of future transportation systems. Wejo? As usual, we’re doing our bit to make sure planning teams and manufacturers have the tools they need to fully optimize our roads. 

Electrive.com: US and EU coordinate EV incentive programs

Following a meeting at The White House, President Biden and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have announced their plans to negotiate an agreement on critical minerals for electric car batteries. The agreement would make US-manufactured EVs available for US tax credits, which are currently reserved for cars built in North America. The deal would also secure supply chains for battery production in the EU and access to the US market, giving critical raw materials extracted in the EU the same access to the American market as those extracted in the US.

Accelerating the EV transition 

To prepare for the rapidly approaching era of electric vehicle transportation, we need to boost EV battery manufacturing and address the gaps in existing charging infrastructure. Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will inject $7.5 billion into a national network of EV chargers – and using connected vehicle data, Wejo can help to ensure new charging points are strategically mapped out. With our unique insights, planning teams can effectively identify popular routes frequented by EV drivers; their charging location (at home or at work); their charging time (at night or during the day); and more. 

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Techno Sports: GM is considering ChatGPT in vehicles   

General Motors Co. (GM) Vice President Scott Miller recently declared that “AI is going to be in everything”. He added that chatbot ChatGPT could be used to code features such as a garage door code, or integrate schedules from a selected calendar. In addition, it can be used to access instructions about the car that would usually be within the owner’s manual. According to a business executive who spoke to Reuters, GM is exploring ChatGPT’s potential applications as part of a wider partnership with Microsoft.

Making the autonomous future possible 

Previously an invention dreamed up in the imagined futures depicted on our TV screens, autonomous vehicles are set to radically transform our relationship with travel. As technology advances, OEMs are increasingly leveraging AI automation – developing driver support functions and introducing fully autonomous vehicles. Wejo is contributing to this shift with our Autonomous Vehicle Operating System (AV-OS) – a solution that uses real-time connected vehicle data to support future AV development, testing, and operation.

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WRAL News: $1.2 trillion infrastructure improvements will impact every US citizen, feds says

In an exclusive interview with WRAL News on the Biden-Harris administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Federal Highway Administrator Shailean Bhatt noted, “This is the largest investment we’ve ever made in the transportation system. If we’re going to spend $1.2 trillion as a country on infrastructure, that tide lifts all boats”. Shailean added that the money will aid thousands of construction jobs and expedite project completion times. 

Wejo’s connected vehicle data can win you more bids

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) has been described as a “once-in-a-generation investment” into US infrastructure. While this is undoubtedly an incredible opportunity for state and local governments, it’s critical that the available funds are spent on worthwhile projects. By partnering with Wejo, urban planning teams will have access to the invaluable tool that is connected vehicle data – allowing them to see how people are moving within cities and communities, and make calculated decisions based on this information.

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Jalopnik: The 15 most congested highways in America

The Interstate Highway System is predicted to be the most significant and expensive single infrastructure project ever embarked on by the US federal government. To put the cost into perspective, when adjusted to reflect inflation, NASA’s manned expeditions to the moon totalled $300 million. With the same adjustment, the 48,750-mile highway will cost more than $600 billion to construct. According to the Federal Highway Administration, the nation’s interstate highways are responsible for moving approximately 90% of freight dollars. 

Using Wejo’s Road Health to improve road maintenance 

One of the biggest causes of congestion on our roads is a lack of capacity, along with deteriorating road quality. Traditional maintenance methods are costly, and consumers are becoming frustrated with policymakers as a result. Wejo’s Road Health solution draws on connected vehicle data to collect information on road friction, roughness, and bumps – developing a comprehensive view of road surface conditions. Listen to our webinar to discover how this technology (powered by NIRA Dynamics) can improve our roads.

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Want to learn more?

For further insights into the goings-on in the mobility industry, check out our resource center, or speak to our team by filling out the form below.

As always, if you’ve come across a story that you think is worth sharing, or you want to give your input on what we’ve featured this week, send us a message.