Kinetic Green Energy and Power Solutions and Exponent Energy have formed a strategic alliance to launch 15-minute rapid charging solution for electric three-wheelers (e-3W), covering both the L5 and L3 categories.

This solution targets e-rickshaws and e-cargo carts, aiming to improve operational efficiency for last-mile mobility operators.

The partnership will see integration of Exponent Energy’s proprietary full-stack platform — which includes battery technology, a charging network and intelligent software—enabled Kinetic Green vehicles to achieve a 15-minute full charge.

This rapid charging is expected to extend daily operating hours by up to 30 percent. As per the understanding, Kinetic Green’s popular L3 models, including the Safar Smart, Safar Shakti, and Super DX will now feature this rapid charging technology.

The L5N Safar Jumbo loader and the upcoming L5M passenger variant will also utilise the 15-minute charging to allow for faster turnaround times, translating to more trips and higher earnings for operators.

The joint solution is backed by an industry-leading 3,000-cycle warranty. The digital platform will also provide features such as real-time state of charge tracking and predictive maintenance alerts.

To support Kinetic Green customers, Exponent Energy’s existing network of over 160 charging stations across four cities will be made available to the e-3W fleet. The infrastructure is planned to expand rapidly into major metros and tier II, III cities over the next 12 months.

Dr. Sulajja Firodia Motwani, Founder and CEO, Kinetic Green, said, “This partnership marks a defining moment for India’s electric three-wheeler sector. By bringing the country’s first 15-minute full charge solution to e rickshaws and cargo carts – the backbone of India’s urban last mile mobility - we are empowering owner operators, small & large fleet operators to achieve unprecedented uptime and efficiency. Our customer-centric approach drove this exclusive strategic partnership for our L3 e3W category offer our customers the best cost of ownership. This partnership accelerates our mission to democratise green mobility, making sustainable transportation accessible and affordable for all while propelling the development of India's EV infrastructure.”

Arun Vinayak, CEO and Co-Founder of Exponent Energy, said, “At Exponent Energy, our mission is to make EVs the easiest choice – and that means solving real problems for real operators. This collaboration allows us to embed our rapid charging platform into the entire portfolio of e3Ws in India – spanning both L5 and L3 segment – delivering unparalleled speed, reliability and scalability to operators and creating a blueprint for the future of electric transport.”

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Star Engineers India and ConnectM Technology Solutions have formed a joint venture, StarConnectM, to design, develop, manufacture and scale intelligent connected vehicle products for Automotive OEMs. The new entity aims to bridge the gap between software innovation and large-scale automotive production.

The partnership will combine Star Engineers’ manufacturing excellence, process reliability and quality assurance with ConnectM’s Smart Vehicle Electronics and Intelligent Mobility Solutions.  

StarConnectM’s focus includes connected vehicle architecture, software-defined vehicle platforms and next-generation mobility electronics.

The joint venture offers an end-to-end capability for OEMs from concept to production, integrating IoT intelligence, embedded electronics & software and scalable manufacturing.

Divya Ramraika, Managing Director, Star Engineers, said, “StarConnectM marks a milestone in our journey toward intelligent mobility. With ConnectM’s technology and Star’s manufacturing strength, we are creating scalable, reliable and connected solutions that redefine the end-user experience.”

Girish Subramanya, Managing Director, ConnectM, said, “This joint venture eliminates the traditional gap between innovation and manufacturing. Automotive OEMs today need partners who can deliver technology architectures for connected, software-defined vehicles and also scale them seamlessly into production.  StarConnectM stands exactly at that intersection, creating an ecosystem where technology and manufacturing co-exist as one integrated value chain.”

The JV will initially focus on the Indian market, with a roadmap for select global market expansion.

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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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