Air-taxis, or eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) vehicles, are transforming urban mobility by offering faster, sustainable travel solutions. Before making a strong position in the travel industry they have to convince the larger users/customers to adopt this latest mode of transport. They face challenges in safety, battery technology, regulations, and public acceptance before widespread adoption. In this week's AutoTech newsletter we take you through a range of articles, which highlights the trends in the Auto Technology world.
Driving safety forward
ZF CVS India unveils a state-of-the-art ESC test track in Chennai, certified by TÜV Rheinland and ARAI. This advanced facility enables cutting-edge safety testing, fostering innovation in vehicle stability and handling. Highlighting collaboration and data-driven insights, ZF reinforces its global commitment to road safety and customer-centric advancements. Read the full article here.
ZF India launches advanced electronic stability control test track to enhance vehicle safety
Air-taxi debt deal
Vertical Aerospace strikes a deal with Mudrick Capital to convert debt into equity, extend repayments, and secure up to $75 million in funding. The move, if finalised, eases financial strains, bolsters its piloted flight test program, and extends cash runway amid challenges in revolutionising urban air mobility with the VX4 eVTOL. Here is the detailed article.
Air-taxi maker Vertical signs tentative funding deal with investor, extends cash runway
Hydrogen fuels future
India eyes hydrogen as a game-changer for carbon neutrality by 2070. Industry leaders highlight H2ICE's cost-effective promise for transportation. Challenges like cost, infrastructure, and policy support persist, but collaborations, government efforts, and a long-term roadmap could propel hydrogen adoption, ensuring a sustainable, zero-emission future for Indian mobility. Know more about in the following article.
What industry wants for H2ICE adoption; govt seeks stronger representation for tech roadmap
Air-taxi challenges
The eVTOL sector faces a cash crisis, regulatory hurdles, and high burn rates, delaying commercial launches. Middle Eastern opportunities offer hope, while companies like Joby and Archer secure funding. Analysts predict profitability and certification by 2027, with mergers and streamlined models crucial to overcoming challenges and capturing the urban air mobility market. Read to know more.
Lilium's fall throws spotlight on air-taxi cash crunch
Leh goes green
Amara Raja Infra completed India’s first green hydrogen fuelling station in Leh, Ladakh, producing 80kg daily to power NTPC’s hydrogen buses. Despite harsh conditions, the project highlights India's commitment to green mobility under the National Hydrogen Energy Mission, setting a precedent for future eco-friendly infrastructure nationwide. Read the detailed article.
Amara Raja Infra sets up India's first green hydrogen fuelling station in Leh
Hyundai's electric edge
Hyundai debuted its Ioniq 9 electric SUV and Initium hydrogen FCEV at the Los Angeles Auto Show, alongside 40 other models. Kia showcased the EV9 GT and updated SUVs. With futuristic designs, advanced tech, and U.S. production plans, both brands emphasised innovation and strong market presence for 2025 launches. Here is the full article.
Hyundai unveils Ioniq 9 and Hydrogen Initium at Los Angeles auto show
Driving commercial innovation
Software-defined vehicles (SDVs) are revolutionising the commercial vehicle sector by improving fleet management, reducing costs, and enabling customisation. With advancements in predictive analytics, autonomous driving, and over-the-air updates, SDVs offer a profitable future for fleet operators, despite challenges like cost and durability in harsh environments. Read the following article.
How software-defined vehicles are revolutionising commercial vehicles —and why you should care
AI-driven industrial revolution
Rockwell Automation and Microsoft expand their collaboration to revolutionise manufacturing with advanced cloud and AI solutions. The partnership integrates Rockwell's industrial automation expertise with Microsoft's Azure IoT and AI capabilities, enabling manufacturers to enhance efficiency, scalability, and productivity. New solutions like AI-powered design and real-time insights will drive digital transformation. Read more.
Rockwell Automation and Microsoft unite to accelerate industrial transformation
Healthcare robotics lab
Tata Elxsi, DENSO Robotics, and AAtek Group launched a ‘Robotics and Automation Innovation Lab’ in Frankfurt to accelerate healthcare innovation. The lab focuses on robotics solutions for personalised medicine, diagnostics, and bioprocessing, providing a platform for co-creation, product development, and regulatory support to meet growing market demands. Know more in the following article.
Tata Elxsi, DENSO and AAtek inaugurate robotics and automation innovation lab in Frankfurt
Smart vehicle monitoring
Continental will debut its award-winning Invisible Biometrics Sensing Display at CES 2025, using hidden sensors to monitor passengers' vital signs, enhancing safety and comfort. Developed in partnership with trinamiX, this groundbreaking technology integrates seamlessly into vehicle interiors, offering advanced features like airbag optimisation and driver health monitoring. Here is the detailed article.
Continental to unveil innovative invisible biometrics sensing display at CES 2025
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