With factors like exhaust emissions, non-exhaust emissions, battery durability and lifetime requirements (in terms of mileage and lifetime) as the key requirements, vehicles complying with BS 7 emission regulations will see a considerable rise in onboard controllers. 
The commercial vehicles will be particularly subject to a doubling of controllers onboard as the new emission regulations kick in the next two to three years, mentioned a technology chief of an automobile company in India recently. 
The number of controllers will double in a commercial vehicle from 10 to 20, he explained. He drew attention to the move up to Euro 7 emission norms in Europe and stated, “The BS 7 emission norms in India are loosely based on the Euro 7 emission regulations that come into effect in Europe in 2025.”  
The Euro 7 emission regulations in Europe will come into force for passenger vehicles from 1 July 2025. The Euro 7 emission regulations for commercial vehicles will come into force from 1 July 2027. 
The BS 7 emission regulations draft is out, mentioned an auto components industry leader. “The emission regulations, like in Europe, are expected to be enforced in a staggered manner,” he added. 
The government is expected to announce the BS 7 regulations for passenger vehicles and two-wheelers in the middle of next calendar year. These would closely follow the RDE norms that came into force from middle of last calendar year. 
The effect of BS & emission norms is expected to be considerable in terms of price escalation in vehicles. 
 

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Krafton India and Royal Enfield have announced a strategic partnership to integrate the iconic Bullet 350 and Continental GT 650 motorcycles as rideable vehicles within Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) game, beginning in January 2026.

As part of the integration, Royal Enfield showcased a physical motorcycle based on the Continental GT 650, featuring a design inspired by the aesthetics of BGMI. The motorcycle was developed with a Delhi-based custom builder using metal forming and prototyping. The design includes picatinny rails, plating and tyres that reference combat and survival mechanics found in the game.

The partnership is included in the BGMI 4.2 update scheduled for 15 January 2026. Players will have access to Royal Enfield-themed content and rewards through a special format from 19 January to 22 February 2026. Available rewards include the Revel 01 Set, a P90 gun skin and the virtual versions of the Continental GT 650 and Bullet 350.

To drive participation, the collaboration introduces a login mechanic where players who remain in the application for 60 minutes daily qualify for a Royal Enfield Event Crate. Users can collect up to 34 crates during the event period, containing various items designed to reflect the brand's legacy within the game ecosystem.

Seddharth Merrotra, Head of Business Development & Partnerships, Krafton India, said, “This strategic partnership with Royal Enfield embodies BGMI’s vision of creating culturally meaningful and locally rooted experiences. 2026 will be a year of many firsts and we’re kicking it off with one of our most ambitious brand integrations yet, while fundamentally elevating how partnerships enhance player engagement and drive shared value. Royal Enfield is an iconic name in the global automotive universe and its deep community roots with evolving digital ethos make it a natural ally for BGMI’s player-centric universe. Together, we are weaving storytelling, lifestyle, and digital culture into gameplay in a way that truly reflects the aspirations of modern Indian youth. Looking ahead, this collaboration sets a strategic foundation for future partnerships that are experiential, immersive, and deeply connected with our community’s passions across movies, sports, FMCG and lifestyle landscapes.”

Adrian John Sellers, Head - Custom & Motorsports, Royal Enfield, said, "Partnering with BGMI is about more than just presence; it’s about meeting our community in their element and amplifying the shared values of thrill, freedom, and self-expression. The custom-built Continental GT 650 is the physical heartbeat of this collaboration—an intersection where the raw, tactical aesthetic of gaming meets the soul of custom motorcycling. By blending BGMI’s battle-ready elements with Royal Enfield DNA, we have created a machine where imagination isn't limited by reality. It is a celebration of creative exploration for a community that thrives on both the digital and the open road."

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German chemical major BASF has announced the results of long-term material testing that predicts a service life exceeding 100,000 hours for its latest generation of polyamides used in electric vehicles (EVs).

The shift toward e-mobility has increased durability requirements for plastic components under the bonnet, with components now requiring a lifespan of 45,000 to 55,000 hours, compared to 5,000 hours for internal combustion engines (ICE).

The increase in required service life is driven by battery charging processes that require constant temperature regulation. To verify performance, BASF transitioned from standard air-heat testing to hydrolysis storage, which involves ageing materials in water-glycol mixtures. The company employs the Arrhenius equation to determine the relationship between temperature and reaction rate, allowing for the extrapolation of service life under standard operating conditions.

The material tested, Ultramid, features glass fibre reinforcement and a low halogen content. Testing initiated in August 2020 indicates that the hydrolysis resistance of this polyamide allows it to maintain its properties for over 100,000 hours. These components are typically utilised in vehicle pumps and valves.

The data provides the automotive and haulage sectors with verification that plastic components can withstand the chemical and thermal demands of long-term EV operation.

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Bengaluru-based electric vehicle and technology company Ultraviolette Automotive has unveiled its voice assistant, christened ‘Violette’, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026. Developed in partnership with Soundhound AI, the system allows riders to interact with the F77 electric motorcycle using voice commands to manage vehicle functions and access data.

The technology was demonstrated through the wake phrase ‘Violette’, enabling users to switch riding modes, start navigation and retrieve information from the user manual, such as tyre pressure specifications and service instructions. The system also provides proactive alerts, ride statistics and pre-ride checks via voice interface.

To facilitate interaction without visual distraction, the voice assistant operates through an audio-integrated helmet. This setup serves as the primary interface between the rider and the motorcycle, allowing for the retrieval of information while maintaining focus on the road.

Narayan Subramaniam, CEO & Co-Founder, Ultraviolette Automotive, said, “At Ultraviolette, we believe AI is going to play a pivotal role in enhancing rider safety. As a technology-first company in the mobility space, our mission has always been to redefine the riding experience by fusing cutting-edge engineering with intelligent systems. The integration of Violette A.I. with Soundhound AI marks a significant step in advancing human–machine interaction. By enabling seamless voice-led control we are creating a riding experience that is intuitive, immersive, and future-ready, allowing riders to stay fully focused on what matters most- the road ahead”.

Niraj Rajmohan, CTO & Co-Founder, Ultraviolette, said, “At Ultraviolette, we have spent years developing technologies that make a meaningful impact in the mobility space, with a singular focus on bringing riders closer to their motorcycles in the most effortless way possible. Artificial Intelligence plays a crucial role in this transformation and in elevating the riding experience by anticipating rider needs, simplifying complex interactions, and delivering information instantly and safely. Violette A.I. represents a huge step in that direction, where every command, every query, and every interaction enhances rider confidence, safety, and comfort. By embedding intelligence directly into the riding experience, we are not only simplifying how riders engage with their motorcycles but also creating a new paradigm of connected mobility that is smarter, safer, and deeply human-centric”.

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GAC International and Grab have established a strategic partnership to deploy 20,000 electric vehicles (EVs) across six Southeast Asian countries within the next two years. The agreement, signed on 7 January 2025, marks a shift for GAC from product exports to the expansion of an integrated ecosystem comprising products, services and data.

The collaboration focuses on the introduction of three models under the AION brand: the AION Y, AION ES and AION V. These vehicles will be integrated into Grab's fleet to serve the taxi and ride-hailing segments. The AION V, which holds a Euro NCAP five-star safety rating, is positioned as the flagship SUV for the region, while the AION Y and ES models target the high-volume electric taxi market.

Beyond vehicle supply, the companies intend to integrate the Grab driver app directly into GAC’s intelligent cockpit systems. This technical link is designed to improve order acceptance efficiency and driver safety. The partnership also covers the development of aftersales support, data value mining and charging infrastructure to support the large-scale deployment of EVs in the region.

Xia Xianqing, President of GAC Group, attended the exchange, while the agreement was signed by Wang Shunsheng, Vice President of GAC International, and Dylan Choon, Regional Manager of Strategic Partnerships at Grab.

The move comes as the Southeast Asian EV market reported a 50 percent YoY sales increase in 2024. By leveraging Grab’s user base, GAC aims to build brand awareness and gather market insights for future model development. The initiative is intended to reduce regional transport emissions in line with carbon neutrality targets.

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