Q: What is your contribution to testing new energy vehicles – Battery Electric Vehicles and Hybrids? Please elaborate on the testing equipment you have for these vehicles?

Arora: As a B2B startup that enables its customers to maximize the capacity of the battery pack, and improve battery life and safety, we run elaborate tests on Battery Management Systems on all of our BMS designs. These BMSes have been deployed by ION’s customers on a fleet of batteries that go inside two / three-wheelers, passenger and commercial vehicles, and industrial electric vehicles.  Our cloud analytics platform, Edison, helps our customers visualize the data coming out of these tests and generate insights. In a bid to counter the challenge of costly industrial equipment, we have developed battery emulators, end of line testing equipment and HIL (Hardware-in-the-loop) setup, in house at about a minimal 10 percent cost of the commercial market rate. We have also built a gaming engine based simulation engine called the ‘Ghost Rider’ that runs simultaneously with our battery models. The simulation helps us integrate our BMS algorithms to vehicles models and monitor the performance of those models in life like situations.

Q: Can you tell us briefly about your overall portfolio of BMS testing equipment and a bit about your company?

Arora: Quality Assurance (QA) and Testing are the most important phases in the life cycle of BMS since the success of this phase dictates the level of safety and the management of the battery’s life. As a startup, we have adopted a lean and creative approach with our testing methodologies. We have a number of indigenously developed tools and software for testing of our batteries. Once the hardware design of the BMS is finalized, the prototypes are validated for their basic functionalities. The prototypes are further optimized based on the functionality and additional features that develop the hardware. When all the modifications are completed, the BMS is validated for its functionalities at different environmental conditions. Based on the data collected in the previous step an ‘operating range’ is defined.

Similar to the hardware, the software is also tested on the prototype BMS hardware. Based on the outcomes and new requirements, the iterations are made to tailor the firmware for its optimum performance and management of battery life and safety. Once the desired results are obtained, the firmware is finalized and deployed in the BMS. The prototype is then sent to external independent laboratories for EMI / EMC tests, basis whose clearance, the hardware and the firmware are again validated, and the design is finalized. In the manufacturing stage, ION Energy conducts as Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) testing is more reliable than manual visual inspection. In the final stage of the manufacturing process, the Design for Manufacturing (DFM) files are used for the component assembly process. Testing is necessary to avoid any incorrect component placement issues. Testing during this stage is typically more intensive than during the fabrication phase.

End-of-Line Testing measures and checks the functionality of ION’s battery management systems. The key factors taken into consideration at ION are high test quantity, test completion and low system with upgrade costs. At ION, we have built an automated testing platform called the ION Testmaster, built specifically for performing automated Functional Circuit Test (FCT) on ION’s BMSes. In the latest update, the ION Testmaster is interfaced with Edison Analytics for accurate and real-time inventory management using the MNP/serial number of the DUT, in this case, the BMS.

Q: A lot of players claim that they build technologies to enhance the life and performance of lithium-ion batteries. What is the USP of ION Energy?

Arora: It's worth noting that oftentimes when organizations emphasize on enhancing the life and performance of a battery, reliability takes a backseat. In a market like India that is still in a nascent stage, ION Energy is one of the very few players that offers reliable and tested solutions, making it our USP. ION Energy is an advanced battery management and intelligence platform that was born out of the desire to tackle the threat of climate degradation by enabling a much more environment-friendly mobility solution. Founded in 2016, ION’s mission is to accelerate Earth's transition to an all-electric planet. We are doing this with a focus on building technology that improves the life and performance of lithium-ion batteries, which power electric vehicles and energy storage systems.

ION’s full-stack solution blends advanced electronics and machine learning with deep domain expertise in energy storage. ION’s disruptive battery intelligence platform - Edison Analytics leverages battery data, software analytics, and ML to significantly improve battery performance and extend battery life by up to 40 percent. Battery Makers & OEMs around the world use ION’s platform to optimize their battery management systems (BMS) and build world-class batteries. ION Energy is leaps ahead when it comes to leveraging data. In a bid to enhance life and performance, ION Energy has a fully integrated stack with Battery Design Engineers, BMS Design Engineers and Software Engineers learning from insights captured by our cloud platform - Edison.

Q: In Evs the packaging is key and anything lighter is the most sought after by the OEMs. What are the contributions from your end on these expectations?

Arora: The battery usually comprises 25-30 percent of the weight of electric vehicles. There is always a tradeoff between the weight and size of the battery, vis-a-vis the range it offers. A bigger battery offers a higher range, but it also adds to the weight of the vehicle - reducing its energy efficiency. It is crucial to achieve the right balance in this trade off - and that needs a deep knowledge and understanding of the application, usage and the environment of the battery packs. At ION Energy, we have tools that can help OEMs find the right size for its battery packs.

Q: How do you see the increasing electronics and vehicles becoming more connected in EV space too? What sort of solutions do you give? Please elaborate.

Arora: The global automobile industry is on the brink of a major transformation. The Global Connected Car Market size is projected to reach USD 212.7 billion by 2027, from an estimated value of USD 42.6 billion in 2019, at a CAGR of 22.3 percent - as predicted by Markets and Markets. Technology is driving this shift, shaped by demographic, regulatory, and environmental pressures. Other factors include - consumer tech companies entering the automotive world, as software and other technologies, are taking a pivotal position in the future of automobiles. These businesses want to focus on design, ease of use, better service and extended battery life to bring new kinds of innovation to the field

Shared Asset Utilization requires companies to leverage advanced IoT, Battery Management & Driver Profiling to improve asset sweating, protect the lifetime of the asset, and ensure financial viability. This will have powerful effects beyond the auto industry. Insurers, for example, will have new ways to monitor driver behavior, reward good drivers, and distribute costs to bad ones. Companies can better connect idle cars with customers that need them. Continuously improving UX is becoming a norm, not only in mobile phones but also EVs. OTA updates that extend range, improve charging time and boost speed are a reality today. Companies with the technical capability to package world-class technology, UX and affordable pricing will win in the future of mobility. The growing battery swapping ecosystem for two / three-wheelers in Asia is one of the best examples of the shift in the transport sector brought about by EVs and connected electronics. It gives end-users the option to lease batteries and pay per km, instead of paying all the battery costs upfront. This is only possible because of connectivity between the batteries, the vehicles, the users and the swapping station.

Shared utilisation of batteries is possible only because of integrated battery management and telematics functions. It is important to track the location, usage and the state of the battery - all at the same time - to be able to charge users accordingly. ION has a lot of experience in building integrated Battery Management and Telematics Units for batteries and swapping stations. Our BMSes have GPS sensors and LTE modems integrated with battery management functions. We are able to send real time data to our cloud that enables monitoring and optimization of asset utilization.

Our BMSes - FS-CT, FS-LT, and FS-XT - are equipped with on-board memory storage to log every data point of the battery pack collected by the BMS, up to 20 years of historical battery data. Normally this would lead to an enormous amount of data, but we've developed compression algorithms tailored for battery data acquisition. The BMS records all physical parameters, events, errors relating to the performance of the battery pack. Our cloud-connected battery intelligence platform, Edison Analytics, allows engineers to access this data and gain insights into the life and performance of the battery. (MT)

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Tata Motors, a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has added another feather to its cap, bagging two Red Dot Design Awards for the Avinya X Concept and Sierra Concept models. Martin Uhlarik led the in-house design for both models.  

The Red Dot Design Award, which was established in 1955, assesses design quality across three categories: Product Design, Brands & Communication Design and Design Concept. The competition has operated for nearly 70 years under the current brand structure developed in the 1990s by Red Dot CEO Professor Dr Peter Zec.

The Avinya X Concept first showcased at Bharat Mobility 2025 was recognised for its innovation through its design, stance and proportions. The vehicle features technologies such as matrix LED lighting, aero enhancements and wheels, which boost efficiency and emphasise its elegance. Its silhouette and enclosed surfaces balance strength, power and off-road capability while offering cabin space.

The interior is designed to rejuvenate mind and body, blending craftsmanship with wellness. Cabin details include fabric-wrapped soundbars, aroma diffusers and lounge-style rear seating. The dashboard integrates technology, providing information while minimising distractions for a driving experience. The Samudra exterior colour, paired with protective accents and detailing, enhances the concept's presence. The rear interior, crafted from materials, offers a lounge-like experience.

On the other hand, the revived Sierra design captures the charm of the original while embracing sophistication, balancing nostalgia with elegance. The rear glass has been reimagined as a combination of a finisher along the roofline and a panoramic sunroof to recreate the illusion of glass. This design gives the concept a roof appearance while meeting safety standards.

The exterior features surfaces that convey confidence and elegance. Haunches and a shoulder line contribute to a stance, reflecting the vehicle’s character. The rear is designed to express width and stability, with a tailgate that reinforces the stance. This design enables taillights. A D-pillar enhances the roof effect, creating continuity and flow.

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A traffic management initiative, undertaken by the Institute of Road Traffic Education (IRTE) for Gurugram Traffic Police and supported by the Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), aims to improve traffic management across 22 major intersections in Gurugram.

A scientific audit for these 22 intersections was completed by the Traffic Engineering Centre (TEC) and Organisation Development Centre (ODC), established by IRTE for the Gurugram police. Work to improve traffic management at two intersections, Rajiv Chowk and Shankar Chowk, has begun.

Dr Rohit Baluja, President, IRTE, said, “The Traffic Engineering Centre (TEC) has been designed to scientifically audit develop sustainable traffic management system for Gurugram under the aegis of the Gurugram Traffic Police, where IRTE's Road Safety Engineers observe traffic movement, violations, and behavioural issues of vulnerable road users, along with studying the causative factors related to congestion. These will be monitored and analysed through camera inputs of 218 junctions with the valuable support of the ICCC Gurugram.”

Under the Easy roads project, the IRTE team provided support to the Gurugram Traffic Police for:

• Conducting safety and traffic engineering audits across 22 major junctions and intersections.
• Reviewing and improving 15 km of key road stretches prone to congestion and risk.
• Rectifying identified blackspots to reduce accident occurrences.
• Developing safety and traffic management measures for school zones.
• Conducting feasibility studies on stakeholder proposals related to road safety and mobility.

Vikas Arora, Commissioner, Gurugram Police, said, “In coming days Gurugram police will increase enforcement by deploying 10-15 officers at each traffic violation spot across the city for a week to challan and stop violations. The Gurugram police has also increased challans for drunk driving as 30,000 challans were issued in a year as compared to 4000 in previous year. 32 black spots have been recognized in Gurugram and are being rectified by improving road engineering and signages”.

Saurabh S. Shrama, of Hyundai Motor India, said, “This initiative marks a significant step toward a data-driven and scientific approach to traffic management. Through collaboration with enforcement agencies and the application of forensic methodologies, we can ensure more sustainable and effective road safety interventions.”

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Iron Mountain, a global leader in information management services, has become an Official Partner of the McLaren Formula 1 Team, kickstarting a new multi-year partnership that will commence at the 2025 United States Grand Prix. The collaboration will leverage Iron Mountain’s expertise to spearhead a digital transformation of McLaren Racing’s legendary heritage archive.

Utilising an advanced AI-powered platform, the project will convert priceless historical materials, including vintage photography, film and technical blueprints, into an intelligent and dynamic digital resource. This initiative is designed to unlock new value from these assets, enabling McLaren to share its iconic history with a global audience. By creating new and immersive stories, the team aims to connect fans and partners more deeply to its legacy and the sport.

Furthermore, McLaren will utilise Iron Mountain’s global leadership in the secure and efficient management of end-of-life IT assets. As part of the agreement, Iron Mountain branding will be featured on the team’s race cars beginning in Austin, with additional visibility planned throughout the 2025 season and beyond.

Nick Martin, Co-Chief Commercial Officer, McLaren Racing, said, “Our fans are at the centre of what we do, and we are passionate about sharing our storied past with them. With the integration of Iron Mountain, we will be able to bring to life more of the team’s rich history for our fans and partners as we look to shine a light on the McLaren Racing brand.”

Greg McIntosh, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, Iron Mountain, said, “We are proud to partner with the McLaren Formula 1 Team, which embodies the spirit of innovation and high performance at Iron Mountain. Our AI-enabled digital platform will help to fuel new opportunities for success and transform McLaren Racing’s iconic heritage media – protecting these timeless assets for future generations, connecting them to fans and partners and activating them to unlock value like never before.”

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The latest wholesales data shared by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers Association (SIAM) for Q2 FY 2025–26 shows mixed domestic performance across segments, but strong growth in exports.

During Q2, passenger vehicle sales stood at 1.04 million units, down 2 percent compared to 1.05 million units last year. However, sales in September 2025 were up by 4 percent, with SUV segment with 204,938 units, down 1 percent YoY, accounting for around two-thirds of sales.

Two-wheelers posted sales of 5.56 million units, a growth of 7 percent YoY, supported by higher economic activity and the positive impact of a GST rate reduction. The scooter segment grew by 12 percent, compared to 5 percent YoY growth in motorcycles.

Three-wheelers recorded their highest-ever Q2 sales of 229,239 units, with a growth of 8 percent YoY, driven by the Passenger Carrier sub-segment’s 12 percent growth YoY.

Commercial vehicles sales stood at 239,781 lakh units, reflecting a growth of 8 percent YoY. Growth was broad-based, with Medium & Heavy Commercial Vehicles (MHCVs) and Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) both showing improvement.

The industry enters the second half of FY 2025–26 with renewed cheer, supported by the festive season momentum, stable macroeconomic conditions and GST 2.0 reforms. The extended festive and wedding season is expected to sustain growth momentum through Q3.

Shailesh Chandra, President, SIAM, said, "The GST 2.0 reform is a landmark decision of the Government of India, which apart from catapulting the Indian auto industry to the next level, would bring in vibrancy in the entire economy, as this industry is closely intertwined with strong forward and backward linkages. Inspite of the new GST rates coming into effect from of September, i.e. only for 9 days of the month, Passenger Vehicles, Two-Wheelers and Three-Wheelers have already posted their highest ever sales of September. In addition, very strong exports growth, in all segments in Q2, indicates the growing brand acceptance on Indian made vehicles. Looking ahead, the outlook for the sector remains encouraging on the back of key tailw

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