Top 10 Automotive Startups in the US
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), transportation accounts for nearly 24% of global CO2 emissions, with road vehicles contributing approximately 75%. Furthermore, a report by the World Resources Institute highlights that transport emissions are expected to grow faster than those from any other sector.
Current technologies such as electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid systems, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) represent significant steps forward.
However, these technologies still face several challenges. EVs are often limited by range and long charging times, deterring potential consumers.
The high cost of batteries also remains a significant barrier to widespread adoption. Hybrid systems, though more efficient, still rely on fossil fuels.
Innovations and new technologies are crucial to overcoming these challenges in the automotive industry.
Solid-state batteries, for example, promise higher energy densities and faster charging times than traditional lithium-ion batteries, addressing range anxiety and reducing charging durations.
Autonomous driving technologies, with AI integration, are being refined to provide higher levels of safety and efficiency, reducing the potential for human error. New materials and manufacturing techniques, such as 3D printing and lightweight composites, are also making vehicles more efficient and sustainable.
In this article, we will explore ten automotive startups driving innovation in the industry. These startups are leveraging advanced technologies and novel solutions, such as LiDARs, pressure monitoring sensors, safety systems, etc., to push the boundaries of automotive vehicle safety and sustainability.
They have the potential to grow rapidly, are in a good market position, and will introduce game-changing technology to the market in the next 2-3 years.
This makes them a great option to partner, collaborate, or acquire.
While researching the Automotive Industry, we came across 100+ startups working on AV technologies and solutions. Fill out the form to get a complete list of these startups in your inbox:
1. Altos Radar
| Founding Year | 2023 |
| Headquarters | California, United States |
| Total Funding Amount | $3.5 Million |
| Last Funding Round/Amount | Seed/$3.5 Million |
| Website | https://www.altosradar.com/ |
Current automotive radar systems have limited detection range, poor angular resolution, and high costs. This hinders the performance and adoption of ADAS and autonomous driving technologies. Moreover, existing radar solutions frequently suffer from performance degradation in adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, and fog.
Altos Radar has developed the innovative Altos V Series 4D imaging radar to tackle these challenges. This radar system utilizes a unique non-FPGA 4-chip cascade design based on the Texas Instruments TDA4 platform.
The Altos V Series offers exceptional point cloud density, low noise levels, and high angular resolution, with azimuth and elevation resolutions under 1.5° at a 16dB dynamic range.
The radar provides a superior detection range, identifying large vehicles at up to 600 meters, small vehicles at 400 meters, and pedestrians at 200 meters. Additionally, it eliminates speed ambiguity in a single frame, which is crucial for accurate and instantaneous speed measurement in autonomous driving applications.
The startup’s radar technology offers enhanced performance at a lower cost. Priced at approximately half the cost of similar models with onboard processors, the Altos RF Series, a non-computing front-end radar module, connects seamlessly to a standard camera interface. It utilizes untapped ADAS central computing resources to produce high-quality point clouds.
Altos Radar’s technology performs robustly in adverse weather conditions, addressing a standard limitation of traditional radar and LiDAR systems.
Li Niu is the founder and CEO of this Automotive industry startup. He worked with Pony AI as a Staff HW Engineer. His educational background includes a PhD in Automotive Engineering (EEE) from Clemson University.
Altos Radar raised its latest seed funding for $3.5 Million on Aug 14, 2023. Monad Ventures, Yifan Li, and ZhenFund are the lead investors for this round.
2. V2M
| Founding Year | 2021 |
| Headquarters | New York, United States |
| Total Funding Amount | $100K |
| Last Funding Round/Amount | Seed |
| Website | https://v2minc.com/ |
Traditional onboard sensors often miss vehicle malfunctions like wheel bearings, timing belts, and suspension components. These undiagnosed and nuanced issues often require time-consuming and imprecise manual inspections. If not addressed promptly, these problems can lead to costly repairs and safety risks.
V2M has developed an innovative AI-powered acoustic diagnostic system to address these challenges. This system uses two electroacoustic sensing modules placed in the front and rear of the vehicle, connected to a central control unit. These sensors continuously monitor and record the sounds of the vehicle’s operations.
The analog sound recordings are converted into digital signals and analyzed by V2M’s AI algorithms. This real-time analysis can identify specific malfunctions and notify the car owner or mechanic through a dedicated app and dashboard.
For now, V2M’s system can diagnose issues like problematic wheel bearings and CV joints and is being expanded to cover suspension problems. The startup intends to use the technology in both internal combustion and electric vehicles. The current prototype version of the system has been installed in a Tesla sedan.
V2M’s technology can perform real-time, acoustic-based diagnostics without an internet connection, making it highly reliable and cost-effective. It integrates seamlessly with existing vehicle hardware, providing a high accuracy rate and ease of installation.
Founder and CEO Petr Bakulov is an Entrepreneur, scientist, and racing driver. He loves cars and holds a PhD in Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician from Moscow State Automobile and Road Technical Institute (State Technical University) (MADI).
Petr started his career in the Automotive industry by co-founding Larson Car, a sub-dealer automobile services network. Before founding V2M, he was a professor of the Department of Transport Telematics at MADI.
V2M has raised $100K in three funding rounds. Its latest seed funding round was on Jan 8, 2024.
Navigating the competitive EV market and identifying groundbreaking innovations can be challenging. Let our experts assist you in discovering new ideas, technologies, and startups that will set your company apart from the competition. Reach out to our experts to ensure your EVs stand out on the road.
3. Olympian Motors
| Founding Year | 2021 |
| Headquarters | New York, United States |
| Total Funding Amount | Undisclosed |
| Last Funding Round/Amount | Seed |
| Website | https://olympianmotors.com/ |
The traditional EV market is often criticized for producing vehicles that are functionally similar and lack distinctive design elements. It also faces long production lead times and high manufacturing costs. Olympian Motors aims to disrupt this market by offering visually striking, environmentally responsible, and quickly brought-to-market vehicles.
To achieve this, Olympian Motors developed the Modular Vehicle and Drivetrain System (MVDS), simplifying the manufacturing process through a modular, Lego-like architecture. Compared to traditional methods, this system significantly reduces tooling and machinery costs by over 80% and shortens production lead times by 60%.
The startup’s flagship models, the Model O1 and Model 84, feature battery ranges of 210-305 miles and 205-335 miles, respectively. Both models are powered by the Olympus Operating System, which supports a fully modular vehicle architecture and rapid customization and scalability. The design emphasizes minimalism and sustainable materials like recycled steel, wood, and bio-based polyurethanes.
Olympian Motors focuses on a decentralized production model that spans multiple locations across the United States, such as Brooklyn Navy Yard, NY, and Malibu, CA. This approach allows for a more agile and cost-effective manufacturing process.
Eren Alan Canarslan is the co-founder, CEO, and chief engineer at this automotive startup. He worked with Qualcomm for three years in Strategy & New Ventures of Autonomous Driving, Car-to-Cloud and Digital Chassis, and other digital connectivity areas.
Eren also worked for Tekfen Ventures and Ford Company. He completed his MBA from Columbia Business School.
Olympian Motors has raised two funding rounds. The startup is backed by Collaborative Fund, Y Combinator, Climate Capital, and DVC. It is also part of the Newlab accelerator, which allows it to freely test its unregistered prototypes and get free software, including MathWorks tools for development.
4. RINDEV
| Founding Year | 2020 |
| Headquarters | Colorado, United States |
| Total Funding Amount | Undisclosed |
| Last Funding Round/Amount | Pre-Seed |
| Website | https://rindev.com/ |
Traditional internal combustion engines in off-road vehicles contribute significantly to pollution and noise, often limiting access to certain recreational areas. These conventional vehicles also fall short in durability, maintenance efficiency, and being environmentally friendly.
To address these challenges, RINDEV developed the Unity, an all-electric side-by-side vehicle with up to 507 horsepower, 1,037 foot-pounds of torque, and a range of up to 350 miles.
The Unity features advanced climate control, satellite connectivity, and a waterproof rating of IP69k, ensuring it can withstand various environments and tasks, from recreational use to heavy-duty applications like farming and construction. The vehicle’s modular design allows for customization, including removable windows and doors, and it supports fast charging from any standard outlet or charging station.
RINDEV’s Unity uses upcycled plastics and American-sourced components, significantly reducing its environmental footprint. Additionally, its self-diagnostic AI system enables real-time monitoring and maintenance alerts, enhancing durability and reducing downtime.
Founder Ari Kronish is the CEO of this startup. He is also co-founder and CEO of Stealth, a software development startup.
Ari has experience founding and leading multiple startups and companies, including AKRO Snow Removal as president, Platinum Racing as co-founder, and Techno-Aide as co-founder and CEO.
RINDEV raised its latest pre-seed funding round on December 1, 2020.
5. AIO MOTORS
| Founding Year | 2020 |
| Headquarters | California, United States |
| Total Funding Amount | $1 Million |
| Last Funding Round/Amount | Pre-Seed/$1 Million |
| Website | https://aiomotors.com/ |
Personal vehicles often have high ownership costs, environmental impacts, and space inefficiencies. There is a need for affordable and intelligent personal transportation. AIO Motors aims to overcome these issues by offering a more convenient and eco-friendly alternative with its single-occupant electric vehicles.
The automotive startup has developed the AIO Ve1, a driver-only electric vehicle (EV) designed for consumer and industrial applications. The Ve1 has advanced AI-powered systems and customizable features to enhance driver safety and reliability.
The Ve1 boasts sustainable space frames and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to ensure optimal performance. It is part of AIO Motors’ broader strategy to create smart, efficient, affordable transportation solutions.
AIO Motors integrates AI to offer intelligent driving experiences and features typically found in higher-end vehicles. Moreover, it emphasizes sustainability by using environmentally friendly materials and efficient production methods.
Andrew Feder is the Founder and CEO of this automotive startup. He worked for Ford Motors for 11+ years, last as the Global Strategy and Data Analytics Manager. Andrew was also part of Canoo, an EV technology leader.
AIO MOTORS’ latest Pre-Seed round of $1 Million was raised on March 1, 2021.
6. Revo Zero
| Founding Year | 2020 |
| Headquarters | Virginia, United States |
| Total Funding Amount | $500K |
| Last Funding Round/Amount | Seed/$500K |
| Website | https://revozero.com/ |
Range anxiety, the fear of running out of power before reaching a charging station, remains a significant barrier to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). Additionally, conventional EVs and hybrid vehicles often require longer charging times and rely on fossil fuels as a backup power source, contributing to ongoing emissions and environmental concerns.
To solve these problems, Revo Zero has developed the Energy SUV, which utilizes their innovative pFC (plug-in Fuel Cell) technology. This technology combines a hydrogen fuel cell (by Nuvera) with a battery to create a vehicle that offers zero emissions and an extended range.
The pFC technology allows the vehicle battery to be recharged while driving, using the hydrogen fuel cell as a range extender.
Its flagship SUV, the Model Energy, features a range of up to 700 miles, thanks to the hydrogen fuel cell acting as an onboard charger that refuels in just seven minutes. The vehicle includes a spacious three-row design, configurable cargo space, and advanced safety and comfort features.
The combination of quick refueling and a significant range extension addresses the limitations of purely battery-powered EVs, making long-distance travel more feasible and convenient.
Revo Zero is also expanding its technology beyond personal vehicles. The company offers Hydrogen-as-a-Service (HaaS), which allows organizations to adopt hydrogen fuel without significant infrastructure investments. The US startup plans to release a sportscar (Electron) and a crossover (Ride) based on its pFC technology.
Ruben Creus is the CEO at Revo Zero. He has been a Managing Partner at BINNACLE Consulting Group for 13+ years. He also worked for Everis as a Managing Partner.
Ruben founded Abaforum, an internet service-providing company, which he successfully sold to PSINet. He then joined its global and enterprise division, inter.net, where he worked in the sales, marketing, and operations departments.
Revo Zero raised its latest funding of $500K from a Seed round on January 20, 2023.
Subscribe to get details about more similar early-stage startups and technologies transforming the automotive industry in your inbox:
7. Axicle
| Founding Year | 2020 |
| Headquarters | California, United States |
| Total Funding Amount | $2.6 Million |
| Last Funding Round/Amount | Seed/$1.3 Million |
| Website | https://www.axicleengineering.com/ |
Rollover accidents involving class-8 semi-trucks result in approximately 9,000 serious injuries and 400 deaths annually. It costs insurance payouts around $3.5 billion. Traditional safety measures have struggled to prevent these incidents, particularly under extreme conditions such as high winds or sudden maneuvers, leaving drivers vulnerable to severe accidents.
To combat this, automotive startup Axicle has developed the Tractor Anti-Rollover System (TARS), a fifth-wheel design that automatically jettisons the trailer during an unreversible rollover.
The system uses two independent latching mechanisms and actuators that release the trailer when a rollover condition is detected, allowing gravity to separate the trailer from the tractor. This innovative technology ensures that the trailer detaches safely, preventing the tractor from rolling over and thus significantly reducing the risk of injury to the driver.
Axicle’s fifth wheel activates faster than any driver or autonomous system, ensuring millisecond-level reliability. The system is designed to work with all major fifth wheels, such as Fontaine, SAF Holland, and JOST rails, and is adaptable across different truck models.
In tests, including a Boeing 777 jet engine blast demonstration, the TARS system effectively prevented rollovers, keeping the tractor upright even in extreme conditions. The startup claims a 99.99% accuracy with the help of its algorithm and sensors.
Founder and CTO Steve Krug and CEO Kyle Walker lead this automotive startup.
Kyle also worked as a consultant with GNB Partners LLC and provided consulting in heavy truck product development and business strategy. He founded FlowBelow, a startup developing fuel-saving systems for long-haul trucks, and led it as VP of Engineering for 9+ years.
Steve has experience working with Tesla as a Systems Design/Architecture Engineer for Vehicle Dynamics Modeling. He was also a Technical Director and chassis Engineer for Wisconsin Racing.
Axicle raised its latest seed funding of $1.3 Million on November 14, 2022. Central Texas Angel Network was the lead investor for this round.
8. Overland-E
| Founding Year | 2020 |
| Headquarters | Delaware, United States |
| Total Funding Amount | £250K |
| Last Funding Round/Amount | Seed/£250K |
| Website | https://www.overland-e.com/ |
EVs often lack range, payload capacity, and adaptability to various terrains, limiting their utility for adventurous and practical applications.
Overland-E is addressing the challenge of creating electric vehicles (EVs) that can handle both urban and off-road environments while offering extended range and practical utility.
The startup has developed the Gen2 electric platform, a versatile all-terrain skateboard capable of hosting various vehicle models.
This platform supports vehicles like the Explorer and Monaco, which offer impressive specifications such as a 450-mile range on a single charge and a payload capacity of 1500 kg. The vehicles are designed with practical features such as jet-washable interiors for the Explorer model and luxurious interiors for the Monaco model.
These vehicles incorporate emerging graphene battery technology, which enhances energy density and efficiency, enabling longer range and faster charging times.
Overland-E uses graphene batteries, which are stronger and more electrically conductive than traditional lithium-ion batteries. It is also planning to sell its vehicle to armed forces and participate in motorsport, especially in the U.S. Major strategic partners are Sparco and Expeds International.
Arron Rawding is the founder of Overland-E and has been an Expedition Coordinator with Expeds for the past seven years.
Overland-E has raised £250K from a Seed round led by Pario Ventures on March 1, 2021. It is looking to raise $5 million to develop the Gen2.
9. Merlin Mobility
| Founding Year | 2020 |
| Headquarters | Pennsylvania, United States |
| Total Funding Amount | Undisclosed |
| Last Funding Round/Amount | Undisclosed |
| Website | https://drivemerlin.com/ |
With millions of lives lost each year due to traffic accidents, there is a pressing need for advanced safety solutions that can prevent these tragedies and improve overall driving safety. Merlin Mobility is tackling the critical road safety issue, explicitly aiming to reduce the high number of auto collisions caused by driver error.
The startup has developed the Merlin Copilot, an advanced driver safety system to address this problem. The Merlin Copilot uses a combination of artificial intelligence, computer vision, and sensor fusion technology to assist drivers in avoiding collisions, automating routine driving tasks, and taking over driving functions in emergencies.
The system mounts to the front windshield and is compatible with over 100 vehicle models. One key feature is the Driver Vigilance System, which monitors driver engagement through eye gaze and head position detection. It also has an Automated E911 Notification system that transmits vital information to first responders during serious accidents.
Merlin Mobility’s incremental approach facilitates quicker adoption and provides immediate safety benefits by enhancing driver assistance capabilities. Fast Company recognized it as a World-Changing Idea. Its innovative technology aims to significantly reduce road fatalities and make driving safer for everyone.
Bogdan Butoi is the co-founder and CEO of Merlin Mobility. He has also been BB Solutions, LLC’s founder and CEO for the past 9+ years, providing consulting services to startups and businesses. Bogdan was also part of Apple and Johnson and Johnson (J&J).
In 2018, Bogdan took the Comma OpenPilot software and ported it to the pre-AutoPilot Tesla Model S. He created the Automatic Lane Change model and full integration with the Tesla instrument cluster and sensors. Bogdan was part of the CANucks team that won the Car Hacking Village competition at DEFCON 2019, the largest security conference in the world.
Merlin Mobility raised its latest Pre-Seed round on Sep 30, 2021. Everywhere Ventures (The Fund) was the only investor in this round.
10. Hypercraft
| Founding Year | 2019 |
| Headquarters | Provo, Utah, United States |
| Total Funding Amount | $10.5 Million |
| Last Funding Round/Amount | Seed/$6.5 Million |
| Website | https://hypercraftusa.com/ |
Traditional EV development processes are slow and costly due to the complexity of integrating various components and ensuring they work seamlessly together. Hypercraft is addressing the challenge of accelerating the adoption of electric vehicle (EV) technology by providing comprehensive, modular EV powertrains designed to meet various needs across different industries.
The startup has developed various advanced electric propulsion systems, including HyperPack, modular battery systems, and HyperLynk and HyperCore technologies.
The HyperPack batteries come in three configurations—400V, 600V, and 800V systems—offering energy and power output flexibility. The HyperLynk software module simplifies wiring and harnessing, which helps reduce costs and vehicle weight by up to 43%.
HyperCore provides advanced vehicle processing and power management, utilizing machine learning to optimize efficiency and performance. This full-stack vehicle operating system connects users to their vehicles, giving them real-time control and data-driven insights for an enhanced mobility experience.
Hypercraft’s technology integrates hardware and software into a cohesive system that is easy to integrate, scalable, and customizable. Its approach reduces the time and cost of bringing electric vehicles to market while improving performance and reliability.
Jake Hawksworth is the Founder and CEO of this automotive startup.
He worked with Skinz Protective Gear for 14+ years, handling product design, manufacturing, and development. Skinz Protective Gear is a leading manufacturer of aftermarket accessories in the power sports industry.
Jake also worked as an Industrial Designer for Huntington Syfte & Co. Additionally, he developed and designed over 100 products for Yamaha (Motors) Parts and Accessories Division. His total contribution includes 500+ designed products — generating over $250 million in the past decade. He has been awarded eight patents in suspension design and other mechanical systems.
Hypercraft raised its latest funding of $6.5 Million on February 21, 2023, from a seed round led by RevRoad.
Partner with growth-stage innovative automotive startups working on your industry’s toughest challenges and stay ahead of the competition.
Reach out to find similar ventures that perfectly fit your needs.
Authored By: Naveen Kumar, Market Research
