TechCrunch Mobility: Inside the Rivian skunkworks program, and Trump’s gift to Tesla

Tech Crunch - Mar 28th, 2025
Open on Tech Crunch

In a significant move, President Trump has imposed a 25% tariff on all cars imported into the United States, including those from neighboring countries Mexico and Canada, as well as certain auto parts. This decision is likely to increase the cost of new and used cars but is seen as a boon for Tesla, led by Elon Musk, who was a major financial supporter of Trump's presidential campaign. Additionally, Trump has pardoned Trevor Milton, the convicted founder of the bankrupt hydrogen trucking startup Nikola. Meanwhile, Lucid Motors is exploring partnerships to enhance the autonomy of its vehicles, particularly the upcoming Gravity SUV.

In other major news, TechCrunch has been acquired by the private investment firm Regent, although Yahoo Holdings retains a small ownership stake. This acquisition follows Regent's recent purchase of Foundry, a publisher of tech publications. In the realm of tech investments, BetterFleet, The Bot Company, DeCharge, Fleetio, and Manna have all secured substantial funding rounds, highlighting ongoing interest and investment in electric vehicle technology and automation. Furthermore, Waymo plans to expand its robotaxi service to Washington, D.C., pending regulatory approval, while Rivian spins out its micromobility startup Also with significant funding.

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RATING

7.2
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article from TechCrunch provides a comprehensive overview of recent developments in the tech and transportation sectors, focusing on Rivian's new startup, Trump's tariffs, and TechCrunch's acquisition. It is well-written and timely, appealing to readers interested in industry trends. However, the article's accuracy is somewhat affected by speculative claims and a lack of external verification for certain assertions. While the source quality is high, with TechCrunch's reputation lending credibility, the article could benefit from a more balanced perspective and greater transparency regarding the basis for its claims. Overall, the article effectively informs its target audience but has room for improvement in areas such as balance and transparency.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The article provides a mix of verified and speculative information. The claim about Rivian's skunkworks program being spun out into a new startup called Also is accurate based on external sources. However, the claim about Trevor Milton's pardon by Trump requires verification, as it is significant and unusual. The discussion on Trump's tariffs on cars and parts is broadly accurate but lacks detailed economic analysis to support the potential impacts on Tesla and the car market. The mention of Lucid's potential partnerships is speculative and not backed by concrete evidence, making it an area needing further verification. Overall, while the article contains several factual claims, some are speculative or lack detailed support, affecting its overall accuracy.

6
Balance

The article presents information primarily from the perspective of companies and individuals within the tech and transportation sectors. It tends to focus on the positive aspects of business developments, such as Rivian's new startup and TechCrunch's acquisition, without delving into potential criticisms or challenges these entities might face. The article briefly mentions the impact of Trump's tariffs but does not explore the broader economic implications or viewpoints from other stakeholders, such as consumers or competing automakers. This lack of diverse perspectives results in a somewhat imbalanced presentation, favoring the business and innovation aspects over potential downsides or opposing views.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow from one topic to the next. It uses straightforward language and avoids overly technical jargon, making it accessible to a broad audience. The tone is neutral, providing information without overt bias. However, the article could benefit from clearer delineation between confirmed facts and speculative information, particularly in sections discussing potential partnerships and economic impacts. Overall, the clarity is strong, but a more explicit distinction between verified information and speculation would enhance comprehension.

8
Source quality

The article is published by TechCrunch, a reputable source known for its coverage of technology and business news. It cites its own reporters and contributors, which adds to its credibility. However, the article does not extensively reference external sources or data, particularly for claims that require verification, such as the impact of tariffs and the specifics of Lucid's partnerships. While the internal sources are reliable, the lack of external verification or data points slightly diminishes the overall source quality. Nonetheless, TechCrunch's reputation and the involvement of named reporters provide a solid foundation for the article's credibility.

7
Transparency

The article is transparent in its disclosure of the acquisition of TechCrunch by Regent, which is an important context for readers. It also provides contact information for the reporters, encouraging reader engagement and tips. However, the article lacks detailed explanations of the methodologies or data supporting its claims, particularly regarding the economic impacts of tariffs and the specifics of new business ventures. While it is clear about who is reporting the information, the basis for some claims is not fully transparent, leaving readers with unanswered questions about the evidence supporting certain assertions.

Sources

  1. https://20fix.com
  2. https://beamstart.com/news/us-president-trumps-25-tariff-17431845759635
  3. https://scholars.truescho.com/rivian-spins-out-a-new-micromobility-startup-called-also-with-105m-from-eclipse/
  4. https://beamstart.com/news/trump-administration-pauses-financial-contribution
  5. https://www.teslarati.com/rivian-renewable-energy-matching-r1/