cellcentric, the joint venture between Daimler Truck and Volvo Group, has officially launched its next-generation fuel cell system, the BZA375. Unveiled at Hannover Messe 2026, the system (previously known as NextGen) is designed as a direct competitor to modern diesel engines in terms of performance, durability and total cost of ownership (TCO).

The BZA375 represents a significant advancement over its predecessor, the BZA150, by moving from a ‘twin-system’ to a powerful single-system design. This evolution has resulted in a 40 percent increase in power density, allowing the unit to fit within engine compartments originally designed for standard 13-litre diesel engines. Despite this compact footprint, the system delivers up to 375 kW of continuous net power – equivalent to more than 500 horsepower – while weighing less than 500 kg. This lightweight construction is critical for heavy-duty operators, as it ensures payload capacities remain comparable to those of traditional diesel-powered trucks.

Efficiency and durability are central to the system's value proposition. The BZA375 achieves a 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption compared to the BZA150, enabling a fully loaded 40-tonne truck to operate on less than 6 kg of hydrogen per 100 kilometres. Engineering refinements have also led to a 40 percent reduction in waste heat (at 300 kW net power) and a 40 percent reduction in overall system complexity by minimising components and interfaces. These improvements do not come at the cost of longevity, as the system is rated for a 25,000-hour service life, matching the 10-year operational expectations of modern diesel engines in long-haul transport.

While the BZA375 is primarily optimised for heavy-duty long-haul trucks, cellcentric is pursuing a ‘one-product strategy’ to apply the system across several demanding sectors to create economies of scale:

• Coaches: Offering long-range zero-emission travel with fast refuelling.
• Stationary Power: Serving as a clean energy source for data centres and industrial sites.
• Rail: Providing an alternative for non-electrified tracks or topographically demanding routes.
• Mining: Delivering high reliability and diesel-equivalent payload capacity for 24x7 operations.

Prototype production has commenced, with units currently available to OEM customers for testing and validation. cellcentric anticipates that larger volumes of mature prototypes will be deployed for initial fleet applications ahead of series production scheduled for the turn of the decade.

Karin Radstrom, President and CEO, Daimler Truck, said, “Two key technologies will lead the way on our path to decarbonise transport: battery-electric and hydrogen. We’ve already taken important steps, and cellcentric’s new fuel cell system is the next major milestone. Building on the success of its predecessor, it represents a new level of efficiency and performance.”

Martin Lundstedt, President and CEO, Volvo Group, said, “With the launch of the BZA375, cellcentric and its partners have created the blueprint for zero-emission long-haul transportation in the heavy-duty segment. This is a game changer for logistics providers and society at large, and it takes us yet another step towards the decarbonization of the industry.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Tesla has opened online reservations for the new Roadster in select global markets, including India, with production scheduled to begin in 2028 for left-hand drive configurations. Alongside the reservation announcement, Tesla India has also introduced a complimentary Acceleration Boost for its Model Y L six-seater SUV.

The new Roadster design incorporates aerospace-inspired elements and SpaceX components. In the domestic product lineup, the Model Y L SUV receives an Acceleration Boost software update, reducing its zero-to-100 km/h acceleration time to 4.5 seconds while offering an operating range of up to 681 kilometres under WLTP testing standards.

Tesla currently offers the Model Y and Model Y L in India. The entry-level Model Y is priced at INR 5.08 million, while the Model Y L starts at INR 6.19 million. The EVs carry safety evaluations from global testing bodies, including NHTSA, Euro NCAP, ANCAP and C-IASI.

To support vehicle ownership, Tesla's domestic charging infrastructure comprises 20 Supercharger stalls and 28 Destination Charger stalls, with three additional sites planned by the end of 2026.

Home charging setup has been established for owners across 23 Indian states. The manufacturer has also introduced its Refer and Earn program in India, offering purchase discounts for buyers and referral credits for existing owners.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

VIDA, the electric mobility brand powered by Hero MotoCorp, has unveiled the DIRT.E K3 6DAYS Limited Edition at the 100th FIM International Six Days Enduro in Grândola, Portugal.

The release marks the first collaboration between an Indian electric vehicle manufacturer and the event as an official partner of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme.

The model is limited to 100 units, with each unit assigned a number corresponding to an edition of the event. The electric two-wheeler features Portuguese flag-inspired green and red livery, race competition typography and official 6DAYS branding.

First introduced in December 2025, the DIRT.E K3 is an electric off-road vehicle designed for youth riders. It incorporates a modular frame that adjusts without tools at three points, allowing handlebar height, footrest positioning, and seat height to be adjusted as the rider grows.

The DIRT.E K3 comes with a removable 360 Wh lithium-ion battery with a three-hour full charge cycle, three software-managed speed modes reaching up to 24 kmph via thumb throttle, a magnetic power cut-off kill switch and a 60 mm rear disc brake system.

Kausalya Nandakumar, CBO of the Emerging Mobility Business Unit, Hero MotoCorp, said, "Being part of the historic 100th edition of FIM ISDE is a proud milestone for VIDA and an opportunity to showcase how electric innovation can shape the future of off-road riding. The VIDA DIRT.E K3 brings together the spirit of motorsport with forward-looking technology, building on the recognition it received at CES 2026 and the Red Dot Design Award. With our Portuguese- inspired 6DAYS® Limited Edition, we are celebrating the legacy of this iconic event while bringing a fresh perspective to electric off-road mobility. At VIDA, we believe innovation should go hand in hand with a safe, engaging, and empowering riding experience for young riders."

Fabio Muner, Marketing and Digital Director, FIM, said, "On behalf of the FIM, I would like to sincerely thank Hero MotoCorp for its active participation in the 100th Edition of the FIM 6DAYS®. Thanks to the DIRT.E K3 6DAYS® Limited Edition bike, young riders have the chance to experience first-hand the beauty of motorcycling and enduro, an opportunity that is essential for building the future of our sport. The fact that these vehicles will be available on the market is a further great achievement for the FIM 6DAYS®. It is another example of how this historic FIM World Championship continues to widen its borders year after year, opening its doors to new generations and new ways of riding. Thank you, VIDA for sharing this vision with us."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Epsilon CAM, one of the leading battery cathode active material manufacturers, and cell technology firm C4V have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to evaluate and qualify lithium iron phosphate and bio-mineralised lithium mixed metal phosphate cathode active materials.

The agreement establishes a framework to evaluate Epsilon CAM's cathode materials for cell-level integration across C4V's battery platforms and North American manufacturing programs, including those operated by sister company Near Prime Technologies.

As per the arrangement, Epsilon CAM will provide material samples and engineering data for testing, including electrochemical performance validation, cycle-life evaluation and process compatibility assessments. Subject to technical qualification and definitive contracts, the firms plan to explore multi-year material supply arrangements and technology integrations.

The evaluation will assess supply-chain sourcing for critical raw material inputs, including lithium, manganese and phosphorus, to align with North American content requirements.

Epsilon CAM is advancing plans for a 20,000-tonne-per-annum cathode active materials plant in India by 2028, positioning its production as a non-foreign-entity-of-concern source for global cell manufacturers.

Vikram Handa, MD, Epsilon CAM, said, "This LoI brings together complementary capabilities across cathode materials, cell technology and manufacturing. Our focus is to demonstrate material performance at the cell level and to work with C4V toward scalable, high-quality LFP and LMFP solutions that address the evolving needs of battery manufacturers and automotive customers."

Dr. Shailesh Upreti, CEO, C4V, said, "Epsilon is helping address one of the most important gaps in the U.S. battery supply chain: reliable access to scalable, ex-China phosphate cathode active materials. C4V is currently evaluating Epsilon’s materials through our Digital DNA qualification process for potential use across C4V cell platforms and U.S. manufacturing programs at Near Prime. Successful qualifications would create an important pathway connecting advanced cathode materials with C4V battery technology and domestic cell manufacturing."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

JSW MG Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has launched the MG Windsor INDULGE Edition at INR 1.79 million ex-showroom.

The MG Windsor INDULGE Edition features a dual-tone exterior with a Shadow Gold body finish paired with a black roof, black exterior mirror housings, 18-inch black alloy wheels and edition badges on the C-pillar.

The interior adopts a tan and black upholstery scheme, embroidered headrests, and a rear-seat entertainment display screen supplied as standard equipment, alongside rear cabin accessories including themed cushions and window sunshades. The EV retains its 38 kWh battery pack delivering 100 kW of power and 200 Nm of torque, with a certified driving range of 332 kilometres per charge.

Vinay Raina, Chief Commercial Officer at JSW MG Motor India, said, "The MG Windsor is an important product not only for us but for the EV segment, as it has encouraged many fence-sitters to embrace electric mobility. Reaching over 80,000 families in just 24 months is a remarkable milestone and a testament to the value the Windsor delivers to customers. Building on this success, the INDULGE Edition introduces exclusive enhancements and an elevated cabin experience, offering customers a more premium and personalised expression of the Windsor lifestyle. It reflects our commitment to continuously evolving the product in line with changing customer preferences while retaining the qualities that have made the Windsor a preferred choice in the EV segment."

The SUV retains its structural layout, including rear seatbacks capable of reclining up to 135 degrees and a 15.6-inch central infotainment touchscreen, as JSW MG Motor expands its electric vehicle lineup across domestic retail networks.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!