Toyota has accelerated its ‘Green Wave Project’ commemorating this year’s environment month. It is aimed at enhancing its nature conservation activity in the community with the company distributing saplings to its employees, under its sixth challenge that is termed as ‘Establishing a Future Society in Harmony with Nature’ and looks to contribute to the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050. 

While the eco campaign continues to drive active community involvement to promote greenery, through employee engagement, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has successfully distributed over 7000 saplings to its employees, marking significant progress towards its 8,000-sapling target set under its plantation activity. 

With TKM employees encouraged to plant and nurture the distributed saplings within their neighbourhoods and submit periodic reports on plant growth, the it is noteworthy to mention about Toyota’s tree plantation activities that are strongly driven by adopting a unique concept namely the ‘Miyawaki Method of Afforestation’ since 2009, and TKM was the first corporate in India to implement such plantation methodology. TKM’s steadfast commitment to sustainability and ecological restoration is yielding remarkable results, as evidenced by the numerous advantages of the Miyawaki approach. A comprehensive study conducted in collaboration with experts from Bangalore University revealed that the Miyawaki method excels in carbon sequestration, capturing an impressive 30.86 tonnes of carbon per acre.

By doing so, TKM not only restored native habitats but also created self-sustaining ecosystem that contribute to a healthier planet. Under the guidance of Late Dr Akira Miyawaki himself, TKM initiated its maiden Miyawaki plantation drive, way back in 2009, marking a significant milestone in its journey towards conservation of greenery and eco-consciousness. Since that momentous day, TKM's plantation drives have continued to evolve and expanded to 112 acres of green cover within the factory premises, out of which 32 acres of afforestation has been developed using Miyawaki method. Today, Toyota’s manufacturing facility, located in Bidadi (on the outskirts of Bengaluru) proudly boasts more than 328,000 trees of over 790 native species planted within its premises. The results have been truly awe-inspiring with a remarkable increase in biodiversity observed over the years. 

From a mere 181 plant species, the count has surged to an impressive 790, while the number of faunal species has risen from 76 to 284. The vibrant ecosystem now encompasses 88 bird varieties, 38 butterfly species, 107 insects, 17 reptiles, 8 mammals, and 6 amphibians, reflecting the successful development of a thriving native forest ecosystem.

In addition, TKM has created an experiential environmental learning centre ‘Ecozone’ (spread across 25 acres with 17 theme parks and home to 65,000 trees with 650 native species) for children, teachers, community members and other stakeholders, within its manufacturing facility aimed at creating the environment leaders and change champions for the future, to usher in desired behavioural change in the communities. This green zone depicts the creation of dense forest within the plant facility using the ‘Miyawaki Concept’ of plantation. The forests are dominantly planted with species of 4 major forest types such as Dry Deciduous, Moist Deciduous, Semi-evergreen and Evergreen Forest, covering 21 different sub-concepts such as Pollination meadows, herbal garden, plants for spices etc. So far, more than 42,000+ students & other stakeholders have been covered through ecozone initiative.

B Padmanabha, Executive Vice President and Director of Manufacturing - Toyota Kirloskar Motor, averred, “At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, we recognise that environmental and social sustainability are just as crucial as economic progression. Guided by Toyota’s Global Environmental Challenge 2050 (six challenges announced in 2015), our sustainability efforts are far reaching that go beyond product zero emissions. While the first three challenges seek to achieve zero carbon emissions covering the entire life cycle of our products, across manufacturing operations as well as our value chain, the last three challenges focus to achieve water conservation, establishing recycled based society and living in harmony with nature.”

“We believe that a sustainable future is built through collective action and community involvement, as exemplified by one of our eco initiatives - Green Wave Program that covers afforestation (plantation drives, distribution of saplings), sharing best practices (e.g. Miyawaki plantation methodology), creating awareness on nature conservation and imbibing good eco behaviour (Toyota Ecozone – Experiential Eco Learning). Together with our employees and other stakeholders, we aim to catalyse positive change in the community to safeguard the environment to the future,” he added. 

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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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