The Autonomous BAJA SAEINDIA 2024 (aBAJA) kicked off with great fanfare, marking the first day of the one-of-a-kind student competition centred on autonomous all-terrain vehicles (AATV).

This 3-day competition (from 4 to 6 October 2024) is hosted by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Pune, and marks a milestone for BAJA SAEINDIA as autonomous vehicle technology was introduced to the engineering competition. Five teams from throughout the country compete in the event, each of which must complete a unique set of tasks meant to evaluate the performance of their vehicles and teamwork.

Pre-event preparation tests were carried out at ARAI, Kothrud, Pune, from 30 September to 3 October, in the run-up to the tournament. Among these were comprehensive technical examinations, in which vehicles' electrical, mechanical and autonomous systems were carefully assessed to make sure they complied with competition regulations. Assessments of team preparedness and safety briefings were also conducted. To help teams test and improve their autonomous vehicles and make sure they matched the competition's rigorous requirements, trial run tracks were built up for the dynamic events such as Object Detection, Classification and Tracking (ODCT) and Remote Driving System (RDS).

On the first day, static events like the design evaluation and business presentation took main stage. These occasions gave the teams a chance to showcase their creative approaches and intricate designs, emphasising the intricacy and foresight required to create autonomous systems. Teams will test their vehicles' capabilities in real-world scenarios on the second day, which is expected to feature exciting activities that highlight engineering ingenuity and expertise.

Highlighting the significance of hosting the event at ARAI during the welcome address on behalf of ARAI, Ujjwala Karle, Joint Convener, Phase 3 of aBAJA SAEINDIA 2024 & Deputy Director, Technology Group, ARAI, said, “It is an honour for ARAI to host Phase 3 of aBAJA SAEINDIA 2024. This event highlights our commitment to bridging academia and industry. It is inspiring to witness students exhibit the passion and boldness necessary to tackle the complexities of the automotive landscape. BAJA SAEINDIA serves as a vital ‘Introduction to Industry’ (i2i), providing hands-on experience with real-world challenges. Furthermore, initiatives like the iNTELLIMOBILITY Ideathon empower participants to address pressing mobility issues with innovative solutions. We at ARAI are proud to support BAJA SAEINDIA and wish all participants great success in this year’s event.”

Emphasising the importance of technological innovation in shaping the future of mobility, the Chief Guest for the event, Umesh Shah, Managing Director, Autoliv, said, “aBAJA represents a confluence of creativity, engineering, and technology. It is through such initiatives that we inspire the next generation to think beyond conventional solutions and tackle real-world problems with courage and a spirit of innovation. I congratulate the participants for taking up this challenge and encourage them to bring forward their passion and ideas that will shape the mobility landscape in India and beyond. The efforts of the organising committee and all those involved in this competition are commendable. Their dedication ensures that aBAJA continues to be a platform where emerging engineers are not only tested but also encouraged to innovate and grow. I wish all the participants the very best in their endeavours and extend my best wishes to BAJA SAEINDIA as they continue to break new ground with aBAJA SAEINDIA 2025."

Shahkar Abidi, Assistant Editor at Autocar, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. Stressing the importance of continuous learning and practical exposure for engineering students, he said, “Autonomous driving and intelligent mobility are no longer just concepts; they are the future. BAJA SAEINDIA has always been ahead of the curve in providing hands-on experiences to students, and aBAJA is a testament to this vision. The passion and drive I see among these students will surely propel them to become future leaders in the automotive industry.”

The grand inaugural ceremony also saw the presence of esteemed dignitaries from both industry and academia, including Ganesh Rao, Director of R&D at Continental; Shantanu Sonar, DGM at Daimler Truck Innovation Centre India (DTICI); Dr P Rajalakshmi from TiHAN, IIT Hyderabad; Balraj Subramaniam, Chairman of the Organising Committee of BAJA SAEINDIA and Saurabh Chitnavis, Joint Convener of aBAJA SAEINDIA 2024.

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  - Dr Kamal Vora October 06, 2024 06:55 AM

  Autonomous BAJA SAEINDIA 2024 is a great initiative of SAEINDIA and I would like to congratulate BAJA Committee members, ARAI, Ajeenkya DY Patil University and all the sponsors & supporters for this initiative. The registration of BAJA SAEINDIA 2024 with early bird incentive starts on 6th Oct 2024 from 8 to 10 pm. For sponsorship or registration, please contact vorakc04@gmail.com

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BorgWarner is significantly expanding its partnership with Great Wall Motor by securing two new electrified propulsion projects, building upon two previously announced dual inverter programmes. These new initiatives are scheduled to enter mass production in 2026. A cornerstone of this collaboration is BorgWarner's advanced dual inverter technology, which utilises a highly integrated design. This single unit can simultaneously control and drive two motors, offering superior packaging flexibility and easier installation for vehicle manufacturers.

The technology's sophistication is underscored by its use of a power module with double-sided cooling and the latest Viper power switches. This configuration can reduce thermal resistance by as much as 50 percent compared to conventional single-sided cooling, leading to a substantial increase in power density. Furthermore, the design allows different semiconductor dies to be packaged within identically sized modules, ensuring compliance with China's stringent CLTC efficiency standards. The system also incorporates adaptive battery voltage regulation, which broadens the motor's high-efficiency operating range to improve overall performance.

Emphasising flexibility, BorgWarner employs a platform-based design that adapts to various hybrid vehicle architectures. For the newly awarded projects, the HEV version of the dual inverter integrates a DC/DC converter and offers an optional voltage boost module. In contrast, the PHEV variant is designed without these components. This modular strategy provides manufacturers with critical adaptability, enabling faster product development cycles while simultaneously reducing both design and production costs.

Dr Stefan Demmerle, Vice President of BorgWarner Inc. and President and General Manager, PowerDrive Systems, said, “BorgWarner’s technical expertise in electrification and dual inverter products has earned Great Wall Motor’s continued confidence. The extension of this collaboration not only reflects recognition of our products and technologies but also underscores our strong commitment to supporting our customers’ new energy strategies. We will remain dedicated to accelerating their electrified vehicle portfolio.”

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Anaphite, a UK battery technology startup, has released the results of an independent sustainability assessment of its dry coating technology platform for battery electrode manufacturing. The analysis, conducted by life cycle assessment experts Minviro, found that Anaphite's patented technology reduces carbon emissions by 3.57 kg CO2 eq. per kWh of cell capacity compared to the wet coating process.

At present, it is estimated that wet coating is used for over 99 percent of electrode production globally. It is energy-intensive due to the ovens needed to dry electrodes. Dry coating processes eliminate this drying oven.

Anaphite’s patented platform combines all ingredients of a battery electrode into a single engineered material, which is optimised for high-speed dry coating lines. The company states this approach solves the challenges of achieving dry coating at scale, unlocking carbon emissions savings for battery and EV makers.

• If Anaphite’s technology were to completely replace wet coating for every cell made in 2025, it would save 7 million tonnes of CO2.
• For a 75 kWh battery pack, the technology can deliver a 268 kg CO2 eq. saving.

With global annual demand expected to double by 2030, the adoption of dry coating is imperative to maximise environmental benefits.

Joe Stevenson, CEO, Anaphite, said, “Wet coating of electrodes is well proven, but manufacturers want it replaced by dry coating because of the carbon footprint improvements and cost reductions it delivers. Our unique dry coating process technology is the solution manufacturers need to make EVs more sustainable. We’re delighted to see its environmental benefits confirmed by Minviro’s independent assessment. We’re scaling-up the Anaphite technology platform at our facility in the UK and deepening our in-house dry coating capabilities and expertise. We are working in close collaboration with the global automotive industry to bring dry coating to market.”

Lydia Bridges, Senior Consultant, Minviro, said, “Collaborating with Anaphite on this study has been a great example of how rigorous, transparent assessment can translate innovative process design into quantifiable results. Our independent analysis identified a clear reduction in carbon footprint for Anaphite’s dry coating process compared with conventional wet coating, using ISO-aligned methods and critical review. Studies like this that follow the Environmental Footprint (EF) method provide essential environmental data for cell manufacturers, as this method forms the basis of the EU Battery Regulation carbon footprint quantification.”

The assessment is compliant with the ISO-14067 standard and the climate change model aligns with that proposed for the incoming EU Battery Passport regulations. These regulations will be mandatory from 2027 for EV and industrial batteries over 2 kWh, requiring the reporting of each battery's total carbon footprint. The work was part of a Feasibility Study project funded by a grant from the UK Government under the Automotive Transformation Fund (ATF).

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Italian automotive majors Alfa Romeo and Maserati have joined forces to establish BOTTEGAFUORISERIE, a new automotive excellence hub in Italy's Motor Valley. This initiative aims to shape bespoke automotive experiences by merging tradition, craftsmanship and technology.

The project encompasses a broad area extending from Modena to Turin and Arese (Milan province), bringing together the legacies of both manufacturers. Cristiano Fiorio has been entrusted with the leadership of BOTTEGAFUORISERIE, reporting directly to Santo Ficili, Alfa Romeo CEO and Maserati COO. The initiative was established under the patronage of the Altagamma Foundation.

BOTTEGAFUORISERIE will focus on several main thematic areas: BOTTEGA, FUORISERIE, Corse and La Storia (History).

• BOTTEGA: This serves as the 'sartorial heart,' dedicated to developing and building 'few-off' limited edition projects, such as the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale and the Maserati MCXtrema. This work involves collaboration with the customer to create a unique piece.
• FUORISERIE: This offers advanced personalisation, allowing customers to turn their car into a unique model. A design team will explore new creative vernaculars while remaining faithful to the brands’ aesthetic codes.
• Corse: Focused on motorsport, this theme transforms racing know-how into engineering innovation for super sports cars. Maserati Corse serves as a driving force, leveraging racing solutions to evolve the cars.
• La Storia: This initiative preserves the historical heritage of both brands through restoration and certification of vintage cars, and the creation of archives and museums, including the Alfa Romeo Museum in Arese and the Umberto Panini Maserati Collection in Modena.

Santo Ficili, CEO, Alfa Romeo and COO, Maserati, said, “This launch is more than the creation of a new initiative – it is the symbol of a new era for Alfa Romeo and Maserati. It represents our unwavering belief in the power of Italian creativity, engineering and craftsmanship. I am proud to entrust this mission to Cristiano Fiorio; his exceptional work on projects like the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale and our motorsport programmes has demonstrated not only technical mastery but also a deep emotional connection to the soul of our brands. This is the first milestone in a broader transformation that will define the future of both Alfa Romeo and Maserati.”

Jean-Philippe Imparato, Maserati CEO, added: “We are extremely proud to announce this extraordinary joining of forces between two iconic brands. BOTTEGAFUORISERIE represents the meeting point between vision and reality. This is where dreams will be shaped into reality, where the extraordinary becomes tangible. Guided by creativity and discipline, each project is the result of rigorous research and unwavering dedication. By combining the finest in Italian design, engineering, and culture, BOTTEGAFUORISERIE embodies a unique approach to shaping the future – one we deeply believe in.”

Cristiano Fiorio, BOTTEGAFUORISERIE General Manager, said, “Being entrusted with the leadership of BOTTEGAFUORISERIE is both a profound honour and a thrilling challenge. This is somewhere where past, present and future converge – where we celebrate our heritage while daring to imagine what’s next. I will draw on the incredible experiences gained through special projects and motorsport to guide this new journey. With a team of passionate, talented individuals, we will craft vehicles that are not only technically exceptional but emotionally unforgettable. Our mission is clear: to honour the legacy of Alfa Romeo and Maserati, and to write the next chapter in their history with boldness, beauty and authenticity. Performance is an act of culture. Creating beauty is a form of art.”

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German component supplier Eberspaecher is expanding its product portfolio with two new heating solutions for 800-volt electrical systems in battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

The company states that optimised thermal management is important for addressing challenges in electromobility, such as battery range, charging times and comfort.

Eberspaecher is introducing a coolant heater with thick film technology and an air heater with PTC technology. Both systems provide demand-based heat output for the passenger cabin and battery conditioning and can be integrated into OEM systems on a modular basis.

The new coolant heater uses thick film technology (TFE), offering a compact and powerful alternative to classic PTC technology.

• Heat Output: The component conditions the vehicle battery and achieves up to 12 kW of output at 800-volt, contributing to extending battery life and reducing charging times.
• Voltage Flexibility: The heater delivers sufficient output even at 400-volt, ensuring compatibility with the current charging infrastructure.
• Safety: The safety concept includes multiple sensors and an independently operating second shutdown path.

The thick film heater is suitable for passenger cars and trucks and has been selected by several automobile manufacturers for use in their series lines. Production is scheduled to begin in 2027.

On the other hand, the air heater, which is installed directly in the air-conditioning system, uses PTC technology.

• Multi-Zone Function: The heater features a multi-zone function allowing the driver to control the temperature separately in up to four zones in the interior, such as different temperatures for the driver and front passenger sides.
• Power Range: The heater is designed to accommodate both 400- and 800-volt architectures, with a power range of 3-8 kW.
• Emissions: Eberspaecher avoids using adhesives in the setup of heating elements wherever possible, minimising the risk of unwanted emissions in the passenger compartment.

The product will be available in Asia, Europe and North America starting in 2028.

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