The landscape of mobility is experiencing significant transformation driven by the rising popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) and the associated advancements in technology. The 9th edition of the ETAuto EV Conclave took place in New Delhi from December 11-12, serving as an important forum for stakeholders in the mobility sector to present innovations and discuss the future of transportation. The event attracted attention from industry leaders, highlighting the critical areas of electrification, connectivity, and sustainability in redefining transportation modalities and accelerating the transition towards greener mobility solutions.
At the Conclave, notable speakers shared insights on the ongoing changes within the automotive industry. Satish Sundaresan from Elektrobit India introduced the concept of Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs), illustrating their potential to transform mobility through software-driven technologies. He emphasised the importance of collaboration across the industry to tackle challenges related to cost, maintenance, and monetisation, ultimately paving the way for connected and customisable mobility solutions.
Raghu Ramamurthy from Cognizant also underscored the rapid evolution of the automotive landscape, driven by electrification, Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), and digitalisation. He pointed out the importance of infrastructure and innovation in facilitating EV adoption and shared mobility while asserting that collaboration is key to shaping India’s future mobility framework.
In addition to discussions around electrification and connectivity, advancements in navigation technology were highlighted. Sajid Malik of Genesys International showcased AI-powered navigation and mapping solutions such as Genie and Digital Twin. These innovations address challenges related to range anxiety and enhance highway safety by providing real-time data tailored to EV users, thereby improving the overall journey experience.
Furthermore, Lotus Wireless Technologies India, in partnership with Austria's AIT, introduced India’s first commercial-scale Medium Voltage Solid State Transformer (SST), which was demonstrated in Andhra Pradesh. This technological advancement facilitates faster EV charging and offers scalable solutions for both marine and aviation electrification. This initiative exemplifies global cooperation and India's dedication to innovating sustainable energy solutions.
The summit also featured a partnership between Hitachi ZeroCarbon and COBUS Industries aimed at equipping 100 extended range e.COBUS buses with Hitachi's ZeroCarbon BatteryManager by 2025. This collaboration is designed to improve real-time monitoring of EV batteries, which in turn enhances lifespan, cuts costs, and supports airport mobility while aligning with global net-zero goals.
In the context of shifting business strategies, TuSimple Holdings announced a rebranding to CreateAI, pivoting from autonomous trucking to AI gaming and animation technology. CEO Cheng Lu indicated this transition as a natural evolution, aiming to tap into the extensive USD 200 billion gaming market with their unique image-to-video AI model known as Ruyi.
Visteon, on the other hand, highlighted India's engineering capabilities in automotive software development. As part of their strategy to compete globally, CEO Sachin Lawande pointed to plans for joint ventures and localisation of supply chains, focusing on nurturing talent through initiatives like Visteon University. This positions India as a key player in Visteon’s global operations.
Two companies, BluJ Aero and Blade India, have entered into a partnership to acquire 60 Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft, including models for both cargo and passenger transport. This initiative is set to enhance regional mobility, providing sustainable and efficient solutions for mid-mile logistics and underserved passenger routes.
Lastly, Vedanta is maintaining its momentum in the semiconductor sector with a substantial USD 19.5 billion venture despite Foxconn's exit. Chairman Anil Agarwal announced plans to commence chip manufacturing this year, aiming to cater to India’s growing semiconductor market by leveraging production licenses and patented glass technologies.
The developments discussed at the ETAuto EV Conclave highlight the dynamic nature of the automotive industry and the collaborative efforts being made to advance electric mobility and related technologies. The emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and strategic partnerships points towards a rapidly evolving future for transportation in India and beyond.
Source: Noah Wire Services