UK-based specialist engineering and technology company, D2H Advanced Technologies has unveiled a durable, lightweight body concept for the chassis. The vehicle is being designed as an emissions-reducing option for markets in India, Asia and South America, replacing the traditional Tuk-Tuk. Two low cost options, flat-bed and box-van, have been shown for the modular platform, providing a solution for a range of uses.

The project was initially part-funded by Innovate UK’s IDP15 scheme, which provides funding for industry-led research into on-vehicle technologies that accelerate the transition to zero emission vehicles globally. D2H is now in talks with a number of potential partners in order to progress to prototype stage.

“The bodywork options demonstrate the versatility of the lightweight new EV chassis – there is a configuration suitable for any use and all at a similar, projected low-cost price point that directly competes with existing Tuk-Tuk alternatives,” says Matthew Hicks, D2H Engineering Director. “We identified a need for a lightweight EV chassis for use in India and Asia in particular, but which could make a significant contribution to the global fight to reduce emissions. A detailed design study has ensured that the chassis is able to provide a range of configurations that offer a solution to every need in extremely demanding markets. At D2H, we have the perfect blend of expertise to develop a truly revolutionary lightweight vehicle.”

The chassis utilises a fibre-reinforced thermoplastic polymer, which is durable and lightweight. The final design, although meeting L7E Heavy Quadricycle EU classification which exempts it from crash test assessment, provides significantly enhanced safety standards when compared to traditional alternatives. Motive power, while still in the design stages, is intended to provide the 480kg vehicle with up to 12 hours of continuous use on a single charge. The front-wheel drive chassis will be driven by a front-mounted motor with battery packs either between the rear wheels or mounted mid-chassis, depending upon range and configuration.

“Getting to the prototype stage will be a significant milestone,” concludes Hicks. “Our modelling tells us the chassis design will do everything we ask of it, but we are looking forward to seeing everything come together into a physical vehicle.” (MT)

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) will host its 19th biennial Symposium of International Automotive Technology (SIAT) from January 28-30, 2026, at the PIECC in Pune. This year's event is themed ‘Innovative Pathways for Safe and Sustainable Mobility,’ continuing a legacy of bringing together key players in the automotive sector.

ARAI, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, has organised this flagship event since 1985. Over the years, it has become a platform for policy formation, with previous editions attracting notable figures like Former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and automotive industry veteran & Padma Shri Dr. Pawan Goenka. The event receives consistent support from the Ministry of Heavy Industries and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

SIAT 2026 is expected to be a major hub for innovation and discussion, with over 2,000 research abstracts already being received, highlighting strong interest from the global research community.

The three-day event will feature 64 technical sessions, three keynote speeches and two expert panel discussions. Topics will cover a wide range of automotive technologies, including e-mobility, hydrogen fuel cells, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and alternative fuels.

In addition to the symposium, the SIAT Expo 2026 will run concurrently, providing a platform for global companies to showcase their latest products and innovations. The previous SIAT in 2024 drew over 2,000 delegates and 7,000 visitors, with dedicated areas for hydrogen technology, ADAS demonstrations and a special pavilion for Indian startups and small and medium-sized companies.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Pune-headquartered global product engineering and digital services company Tata Technologies has launched ‘WATTSync’, its secure and scalable digital battery passport solution, which it claims advances sustainable engineering from mining to recycling.

The solution is targeted to improve transparency, efficiency and environmental impact, by providing OEMs, battery makers and recyclers with end-to-end traceability.

WATTSync captures and validates battery data from mine to mobility to recycling. It provides a live, shared view of materials, performance, carbon footprint and recovery status. It enables automated compliance reporting against evolving regional rules, which is secure and provides role-based access for suppliers, auditors and regulators on the same digital platform.

The solution connects PLM, MES, ERP and cloud data lakes to build a digital thread for each battery. AI monitors health and anomalies, flags issues before they impact customers, and simplifies audits with guided checks and multilingual assistance. Blockchain safeguards data integrity. Deployment is cloud-agnostic for speed and scale across regions.

Tata Technologies stated that with starting February 2027, EV and industrial batteries sold into the EU will require a digital battery passport. Some automakers have already started, showing how transparency can build market confidence and resale value.

On the other hand, India has announced its intent to roll out a battery passport regime to improve safety, traceability and exports. Many other countries are in the process of announcing their regulatory scope and timelines. WATTSync helps global customers move early and move confidently.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, is reporting strong adoption of its new Digital Key feature, with a 33 percent enrolment rate. The company sees this as a sign of a growing appetite for tech-driven convenience in cars.

Launched in September 2024 with the Hyundai Alcazar and later in the Hyundai Creta Electric in January 2025, the feature allows drivers to use a compatible smartphone, smartwatch, or a special NFC card to replace their physical car key. Users simply tap their device on the car door handle to lock or unlock the vehicle and place it on the wireless charging pad to start the engine.

The company notes that 35 percent of users are actively sharing access to their Digital Key with family and friends, which is helping to increase the feature’s popularity.

Unsoo Kim, Managing Director, Hyundai Motor India, said, "At Hyundai Motor India, innovation is driven by purpose, offering meaningful solutions that elevate customer experience. As the first OEM to launch connected car technology in India back in 2019, we remain committed to democratising premium features for Indian customers. The enthusiastic response to Digital Key reaffirms our belief in creating technology that adds real value to everyday life."

Using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, the Digital Key can be set up through the Hyundai Bluelink app. Owners can securely share the virtual key with up to three other users or seven linked devices at a time, and they can revoke access at any point. This eliminates the need to carry a physical key and reduces the stress of losing it.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Irish American automotive supplier Aptiv has opened its new technical centre in Chennai to accelerate the development of advanced vehicle technology in India. The new facility is set to host up to 500 engineers by 2026, focusing on software-defined vehicles, advanced safety and user experience technologies.

Spanning over 34,000 square feet, the new Software, Advanced Safety & User Experience (AS&UX) Technical Centre will be Aptiv's fourth technical facility in India. It will feature advanced labs and test infrastructure, with a specific focus on AI/ML-powered systems for next-generation Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) and in-cabin perception. The move highlights Aptiv's commitment to supporting local automakers and tapping into India's growing automotive market.

The inauguration was attended by senior leaders from both Aptiv and Mahindra & Mahindra, including Javed Khan, Aptiv's Executive Vice-President and President of AS&UX, and R Velusamy, President of Automotive Business (Designate) at Mahindra.

Javed Khan, said, “We are proud to expand our presence in India with the launch of our new technical centre in Chennai. This centre will strengthen our ability to localise AI/ML-powered ADAS and advanced interior sensing technologies for the Indian market, reflecting our confidence in India’s engineering talent and bringing us closer to our customers – so together, we can build a safer, smarter future here in India.”

The new centre will spearhead the development of key technologies, including advanced ADAS perception tools, in-cabin sensing, and software-defined infotainment platforms. It will also contribute to Aptiv’s cloud-native architecture, leveraging integrated hardware, software and edge technologies from Wind River.

This expansion reinforces Aptiv’s existing presence in India, where the company already employs over 13,000 people across eight manufacturing plants, four technical centres, and a tooling centre. The new Chennai facility is expected to play a crucial role in advancing the company’s mission to enable intelligent, software-defined systems for the global automotive industry.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!