European auto major Stellantis and American technology company Factorial Inc. have integrated solid-state battery technology into a Dodge Charger Daytona development vehicle and launched a road-testing programme. The initiative represents the first integration of solid-state cells into a Stellantis vehicle and the first automotive application of the technology in North America.

The development vehicle utilises Factorial's Factorial Electrolyte System Technology (FEST), which combines a lithium-metal anode with a solid polymer separator. In validation testing, the cells demonstrated a specific energy density of 375 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg) and achieved a charging transition from 15 percent to 90 percent state-of-charge in 18 minutes. The cells also verified thermal stability across an operational temperature envelope spanning minus 30 degrees to 45 degrees Celsius.

Integrating the solid-state cells into a production-based car required a modification of the vehicle's battery enclosure. Stellantis designed and implemented a patented mechanical architecture to house the cells within the existing pack layout. Engineers also modified the electronic control systems and pack management software to optimise current distribution while satisfying automotive durability and crash safety regulations.

The newly initiated tracking and calibration programme on public roads will evaluate the performance, structural durability and overall safety of the modified pack under real-world driving and charging cycles. The project is a phase within a multi-stage development agreement between the two entities. Factorial, which recently listed on the Nasdaq exchange following a business combination, develops scalable battery technologies and counts Stellantis, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai and Kia among its strategic investors.

Ned Curic, Chief Engineering and Technology Officer, Stellantis, said, "Battery development is a balancing act. It’s not enough to optimise a single metric. We need a system that delivers real benefits in a real vehicle. This milestone shows we are bringing solid-state batteries closer to our customers with the potential for longer range, faster charging and lower costs. Just as important, FEST’s strong compatibility with lithium-ion manufacturing processes gives us a critical path to scale this technology.”

Siyu Huang, CEO, Factorial, said, "We are deeply honoured to work alongside Stellantis, one of the world's great mass-market automakers, on this STLA Large-based development car. What we have built together, from cell chemistry to pack architecture to enable real-world road testing, is exactly the kind of deep, full-stack collaboration that solid-state has always required. This milestone doesn't just validate FEST; it sets a new bar for what automotive-grade solid-state batteries can deliver and supports the development of future vehicles designed to meet the evolving needs of drivers."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Bosch Software and Digital Solutions (Bosch SDS) has entered into a collaboration with Dassault Systèmes in India, aimed at helping manufacturing enterprises accelerate digital transformation across product engineering, manufacturing operations and industrial value chains.

The partnership combines Dassault Systèmes’ capabilities in Virtual Twin Experiences, Product Lifecycle Management, Digital Manufacturing and Manufacturing Operations Management with Bosch SDS’ expertise in contextualised data products, manufacturing transformation, energy optimisation, IT/OT integration and machine-level intelligence. It also draws on both companies’ global industrial AI expertise. Early momentum has been demonstrated through an engagement with a leading Indian electric vehicle manufacturer, where Dassault Systèmes’ DELMIA Apriso MES platform and Bosch SDS’ manufacturing transformation capabilities are being deployed to enable intelligent, real-time connected operations, yielding improvements in production efficiency, quality and digital traceability.

Under the collaboration, the two organisations will jointly work across several identified areas. These include AI-enabled manufacturing transformation and Agentic AI orchestration through the Bosch Cognitive Factory platform; Digital Thread and traceability across engineering, manufacturing and lifecycle operations; contextualised data products and enterprise intelligence; energy management, sustainability transformation and an Energy Management Platform; smart factory, connected operations and IT/OT convergence with machine-level intelligence and Digital Product Passport and regulatory compliance readiness. Joint market engagement will extend into heavy engineering and process sectors, leveraging the complementary domain strength and technology depth of both organisations.

Bosch SDS will serve as a Consulting and System Integration partner to Dassault Systèmes across the identified transformation areas, spanning engineering, manufacturing and enterprise operations. Both organisations will jointly innovate and develop solutions to support customers in deploying end-to-end AI, Digital Thread and AI-enabled Digital Product Passports across product and manufacturing value chains.

Dattatreya Gaur, MD & CEO, Bosch Software and Digital Solutions, said, “Manufacturing enterprises today are looking beyond isolated digitisation initiatives towards connected, intelligent and autonomous operations. Our collaboration with Dassault Systèmes brings together two highly complementary strengths in Industrial AI: Bosch SDS’s deep expertise as a technology partner and practitioner across manufacturing, operational technology integration along with the Bosch Cognitive Factory platform, and Dassault Systèmes’ leadership in Virtual Twin Experience and Digital Thread capabilities. Together, we are uniquely positioned to help manufacturers accelerate AI-led transformation across the entire product and manufacturing value chain with greater speed, intelligence and scale.”

Ramesh Ramaswamy, Global Sales Head, Bosch Software and Digital Solutions, said, “The future of manufacturing will be defined by how seamlessly enterprises connect engineering, operations, data and AI across the value chain. Through this collaboration, Bosch SDS and Dassault Systèmes are bringing together complementary strengths to help manufacturers move from fragmented transformation efforts to truly connected, software-defined and intelligent operations. This creates a far stronger foundation for manufacturers to scale innovation, resilience and operational agility in the AI era.”

Deepak NG, Managing Director, India, Dassault Systèmes, said, "Our collaboration with Bosch SDS marks a major milestone for the manufacturing industry. By connecting our virtual twin technology with their industrial expertise, we are helping factories adopt AI much faster. This will create highly connected and sustainable operations. Together, we look forward to helping companies innovate and grow in the digital era.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Tata Motors and PETRONAS Lubricants India have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a collection and recycling program for used automotive lubricants.

The two companies will launch the pilot project simultaneously across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu to evaluate a scalable model for lubricant waste management.

The initiative creates a traceable system for collecting, storing and processing used lubricants through registered recycling channels, with the goal of converting collected waste into re-refined base oil.

Tata Motors will utilise its authorised service centre network to facilitate collection, while PETRONAS Lubricants India will oversee the logistics and transfer of used oil to certified re-refiners. The collaboration aligns with India's Extended Producer Responsibility regulations governing hazardous waste disposal.

Binu Chandy, India Managing Director at PETRONAS Lubricants India, said, "Achieving true circularity in used oil begins when re-refined base oil is reintegrated into finished lubricants. Our collaboration with Tata Motors marks an important step toward building a scalable model for used oil circularity and reflects the strength of our channel network as we work to significantly reduce our carbon footprint across operations."

Vikram Agrawal, Head of Spares and Non-Vehicle Business, Tata Motors, said, "At Tata Motors, practices and partnerships promoting sustainability are integral to advancing circular economy principles and creating meaningful environmental impact across the automotive value chain. Through our collaboration with PETRONAS Lubricants India, we are taking a significant step towards establishing a structured framework for the collection, recovery, and recycling of used automotive lubricants. This pilot initiative aligns closely with our commitment to responsible resource stewardship and supports India's broader sustainability ambitions. By bringing together the complementary strengths and expertise of our two organisations, we aim to assess the viability of a scalable used-oil recycling model that can drive long-term value and contribute to industry-wide progress."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Sensata Technologies has introduced OmniNode, a power distribution system designed to consolidate high-voltage components for commercial electric vehicles. The platform integrates switching, circuit protection, current sensing, diagnostics, communications and DC charging capabilities into a single unit.

The modular platform targets Class 5 and above battery electric trucks and buses, as well as off-road commercial machinery. By combining contactors, fuses and sensors into a single system, OmniNode claims it replaces setups reliant on multiple discrete components.

The standardised architecture is engineered to reduce integration complexity, shorten OEM development cycles and streamline validation across multiple vehicle platforms.

Brian Wilkie, Executive Vice-President and President of Aerospace, Defense and Commercial Equipment, Sensata Technologies, said, "Commercial vehicle manufacturers are under pressure to scale electrification programs while managing increasing system complexity. With the OmniNode, we are delivering an integrated, off-the-shelf approach that helps engineers simplify power distribution architecture, accelerate development timelines and bring greater consistency and efficiency to vehicle platform design."

The system allows automakers to standardise power distribution hardware across diverse commercial vehicle fleets while maintaining application-specific configurations. The approach aims to reduce engineering overhead and simplify component sourcing for high-voltage commercial vehicle architectures.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Japanese automakers Nissan Motor Co and Honda Motor Co have entered into a joint development agreement to standardise electronic control units (ECUs) alongside the in-vehicle operating system, middleware and vehicle control software for next-generation software-defined vehicles (SDVs).

The electrical and electronic architecture incorporating the standardised components is scheduled for deployment in next-generation SDVs produced by both companies from fiscal year 2029 onward. The initiative forms part of a strategic partnership between the two automakers targeting carbon neutrality and traffic safety goals.

As per the agreement, Nissan and Honda will establish common technical specifications for multiple core ECUs within the vehicle architecture. The joint development program encompasses the in-vehicle operating system layer along with key elements of the middleware and vehicle control software.

The collaboration is designed to combine engineering resources to increase development speed and achieve investment efficiencies. The partners to reduce individual research and development costs while generating economies of scale across their vehicle lineups by standardising foundational software and hardware layers.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!