Author: Central Desk

Indonesia is set to become an electric vehicle (EV) hub with the launch of Southeast Asia’s first EV battery plant in West Java. The $1.1 billion facility, created by a joint venture between Hyundai and LG, produces nickel-based battery cells mainly for Hyundai subsidiaries in South Korea and India. At the plant’s opening in July, former President Joko Widodo said the project could position Indonesia as a major player in the EV supply chain. While Indonesia holds the world’s largest nickel reserves, experts note that the country faces challenges with limited processing capacity, environmental concerns, and competition from lithium iron…

When asked about India’s most popular hatchback, the answer is undoubtedly Swift. Swift, which was first launched in 2005, has earned its popularity over decades, with over 3 million units sold, attesting to its massive appeal. To further accelerate Swift’s sales, Maruti has introduced a new ‘Swift VXi Blitz Edition’. Maruti has launched the Blitz edition to celebrate the festive season. This limited edition aims to enhance the popularity of Swift, a favorite among hatchback enthusiasts. While there are no mechanical changes, the Blitz arrives with updates in design and features. With an added value of around $470 (INR 39,500)…

Taking a bold step toward sustainable automotive innovation, Alpine has unveiled its groundbreaking V6 hydrogen engine, signaling a significant shift in the industry. Unlike electric vehicles, this engine brings hydrogen power to the forefront, merging high-performance engineering with eco-friendly technology and challenging the status quo. Twice the Power, Zero Emissions Alpine’s latest model, following the brand’s initial hydrogen-powered release in 2022, reflects the company’s dedication to alternative fuels. This 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine boasts an impressive 740bhp, a high-revving 9,000rpm, and 770 Nm of torque, with two hydrogen engines strategically positioned in the side pods and behind the cockpit. This…

Stellantis Invested $29.5 million in advanced Moving Ground Plane (MGP) wind tunnel tech at its research and technical center in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The enhancement aims to streamline aerodynamics testing for electric vehicles (EVs) and reduce the drag that affects energy efficiency, extending the driving range of Stellantis EVs. The upgraded wind tunnel enables static test vehicles to simulate real-world travel conditions accurately. By employing MGP technology, the system reduces airflow resistance from wheels and tires, which can contribute up to 10% of total real-world aerodynamic drag. An intricate system of five belts, cushioned by air, allows wheels at each…

Archer Aviation has voiced strong support following the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) release of its final Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) for powered-lift aircraft, marking a significant regulatory advancement for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles in the United States. This regulatory framework, delivered ahead of schedule, is essential for Archer and other industry players seeking to safely commercialize eVTOL technology across U.S. airspace. Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of Archer, highlighted the milestone, stating, “We applaud the FAA on the release of the SFAR ahead of schedule as it represents a tremendous milestone for our country and the…

Ford CEO Jim Farley has revealed that he’s been driving a Chinese-made Xiaomi SU7 electric vehicle for several months and doesn’t want to give it up, underscoring the growing gap between Western and Chinese automakers in electric vehicle (EV) technology. In an interview on the Everything Electric Show, Farley described his experiences in the Chinese auto market as ‘epiphanies’ and praised the Xiaomi SU7 for its innovation. “I drive a Xiaomi. We flew one from Shanghai to Chicago, and I’ve been driving it for six months now. I don’t want to give it up,” he said. Xiaomi, known for its…

Antolin, a leader in automotive interior solutions, has partnered with E Ink, the pioneer of electronic ink technology, to introduce innovative design elements to vehicle interiors. This collaboration aims to integrate E Ink’s Prism technology into automotive interiors, enhancing user experience, boosting energy efficiency, and offering customizable designs. The announcement was made at the IZB trade fair, where Antolin is showcasing its cutting-edge portfolio at stand 1217 in hall 1 in Wolfsburg, in line with the event’s theme, ‘Empowering Partnerships.’ Javier Villacampa, Vice President of Innovation & Sustainability at Antolin, explained the significance of this collaboration. “Our objective is to…

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced the launch of its latest Open Innovation Hub in India, marking a major step in its global effort to collaborate with startups to create the next generation of advanced products and services. The India Hub joins JLR’s existing network of innovation centres located in the UK, US, Israel, and Brazil. It will concentrate on cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, the Internet of Things, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and innovative sensor technologies. The hub’s focus will be on developing solutions that improve vehicle performance, customer experiences, and sustainability. In partnership…

India is on the verge of becoming a global leader in EV production, with the market expected to grow from $3.21 billion in 2022 to $113.99 billion by 2029. As the fourth-largest automaker, the country is positioned for a major shift towards sustainable transportation, driven by government initiatives and industry innovation. Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa and former NITI Aayog CEO, stressed the urgency of embracing green mobility, predicting that India could achieve a 30% EV market share by 2030. Projections include 80 million EVs on Indian roads by 2030, and the EV battery market is expected to rise from $16.77…

SAP has reinforced its dedication to sustainable, emissions-free mobility by extending its partnership with Gireve, a leading platform for e-mobility roaming services. This move connects SAP’s standard e-mobility solution to Gireve’s extensive roaming network, opening doors to new collaborations and expanding access to EV charging points. The partnership builds on the initial collaboration between SAP France and Gireve in 2019, which successfully integrated SAP’s research e-mobility solution with Gireve’s platform. This enhanced the visibility of SAP’s French charging network by adopting the OCPI protocol, ensuring interoperability and maximizing the visibility of charging stations. The updated partnership now integrates the advanced…