Mobility's Reckoning: Luminar Files for Bankruptcy as Ford Halts All-Electric F-150 Lightning

A Harsh End to a Tumultuous Year

The end of 2025 is marking a stark reality check for the future of transportation. In a sign of a deepening market correction, lidar maker Luminar and e-bike company Rad Power Bikes have both filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Meanwhile, automotive giant Ford announced it's halting production of its all-electric F-150 Lightning, signaling a major strategic pivot for the EV market.

A Wave of Bankruptcies

According to TechCrunch, Rad Power Bikes filed for bankruptcy weeks after warning employees it could shut down without new funding. A company spokesperson stated that it will continue to operate while the case proceeds and is looking to sell the business within 45 to 60 days.

The situation appears more dire for Luminar. The lidar firm's bankruptcy filing, which follows months of layoffs, executive departures, and a legal battle with its largest customer, Volvo, indicates the company plans to sell off its business and eventually cease to exist. According to senior reporter Sean O’Kane, Luminar has already reached a deal to sell its semiconductor subsidiary and will only continue operating during the bankruptcy process to “minimize disruptions” for suppliers and customers.

Ford Hits the Brakes on Pure EVs

The headwinds in the electric vehicle market are forcing even the biggest players to adjust. Ford announced this week it is ending production of the fully-electric F-150 Lightning as part of a company-wide shake-up that will place more emphasis on hybrids and gas-powered vehicles.

As part of its shift, Ford is turning to an “extended range electric vehicle” (EREV) version of the truck, which adds a gas generator to recharge the battery and power the motors for over 700 miles. The company says it remains committed to producing a midsized electric truck scheduled for sale in 2027.

Robotaxis Rise as Tesla Faces Scrutiny

Despite the market turmoil, the robotaxi industry is gaining momentum. Waymo's rapid expansion is driving much of the growth, and Tesla has marked a milestone by removing human safety monitors from its robotaxis in Austin, though the fleet remains small.

However, Tesla faces a significant challenge in California. An administrative law judge ruled that the company engaged in deceptive marketing regarding the capabilities of its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. The California DMV's penalty—a 30-day suspension of Tesla's sales and manufacturing licenses—has been stayed, giving the company 60 days to comply. Tesla must now either drop the 'Autopilot' name or ship software that makes its cars truly autonomous to avoid the suspension.

Deals and Developments

• Spinny: The Indian used-car marketplace is reportedly raising around $160 million to acquire car services startup GoMechanic, valuing the company at about $1.8 billion.
• Cowboy: The Brussels-based e-bike startup has been acquired by ReBirth Group Holding. Terms were not disclosed but reportedly include €15 million ($17.6 million) from existing shareholders.
• Nirvana Insurance: The insurtech startup focusing on trucking raised $100 million in a Series D round, achieving a new valuation of $1.5 billion.