Robotaxies are Real: GM's Autonomous Vehicle Company to Start Service in San Francisco

President Biden says feds will delay collection of new tariffs on imported solar panels from four SE Asian countries for 24 months; NY awards 22 large clean energy projects totaling 2,000 MW of generation and 160 MW of storage; Ford begins delivering F-150 Lightning electric pickups in May; Toyota rolls out home battery system in Japan; Food service distributer Sysco inks LOI to buy up to 800 battery electric Class Eight tractor trailers from Daimler Truck North America by 2026; GM’s Cruise electric robotaxi service gets regulatory green light to operate at night in San Francisco.

1) President Biden announces any new tariffs on imported solar panels from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam will be delayed by 24 months, citing section 318A of the Tariff Act of 1930 as basis for that authority. 80% of U.S. panel imports affected.

2) New York State announces awards for 22 large scale solar and energy storage projects to be built across the state, totaling over 2,000 MW of solar and roughly 160 MW of storage.

3) Ford starts selling F-150 Lightning electric pickups, with 201 delivered to dealers in the end of May.

4) Toyota unveils home battery energy storage system in Japan, at 8.7 kWh.

5) Food service distribution giant Sysco signs LOI to buy up to 800 battery electric Freightliner eCascadia Class Eight tractor trailers from Daimler Truck North America by 2026. Sysco has indicated intent to electrify 35% of all their trucks by 2030.

6) GMs autonomous vehicle start-up Cruise receives CA PUC approval to start commercial service for driverless taxis in San Francisco. Cruise can offer services at a max speed of 30 mph from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am on designated streets.