UK’s Ionetic Unveils AI-Supported Development System Arc To Cut Down On Battery Pack Development Cost & Time

Ionetic

UK-based EV battery pack technology start-up Ionetic has unveiled what it claims is a world-first software-accelerated, AI-supported development system, Arc, that delivers multi-million dollar savings in battery pack development costs, and halves time-to-market for custom battery packs.

Launched alongside Ionetic’s refreshed logo, brand, and website, Arc slashes the typical around $30 million investment and four-year development cycle required for bespoke EV battery systems from tier 1 suppliers by automating design and integrating pre-validated components into a fully end-to-end battery pack development system. The Arc system allows Ionetic to rapidly deliver cost-effective, performance-optimised battery solutions that meet OEMs’ customer and commercial needs faster and with less risk.

James Eaton, CEO and Co-Founder, Ionetic said: "As the push for electric vehicle adoption accelerates, OEMs need the right partners to bring competitive electrified vehicles to market as fast as possible. Ionetic’s fully end-to-end, in-house offering firmly establishes our position as a battery technology tier 1 at the forefront of innovation; our Arc system allows us to provide OEMs with pre-validated, tailored solutions – enabling them to remove inefficient development processes, focus on vehicle innovation, and eliminate the usual bottlenecks of cost and time. It’s our mission to help OEMs supercharge the electric transition in a way that is profitable and futureproofed for the next era of mobility – a mission that our proprietary technology is primed to achieve.”

The start-up states that battery pack development is one of the most time- and cost-intensive challenges in bringing an EV to market, on-schedule and at an affordable price-point. OEMs needing between 100 and 10,000 battery packs a year are typically faced with a difficult choice: between expensive and time-consuming, highly bespoke battery packs; or low-performance off-the-shelf solutions – with neither option providing a compelling way for OEMs to launch electrified vehicles.

With 95 percent of the world’s OEMs producing low-volume bespoke platforms such as trucks, buses, and sportscars, Ionetic claims its AI-supported, end-to-end approach effectively unleashes the ability of EV OEMs to access high-performance custom battery packs without the usual costs and complexity.

Arc enables Ionetic to deliver batteries to OEMs that combine the best speed and affordability of off-the-shelf solutions with the flexibility and performance of bespoke designs – which reduces time, cost, and development challenges. The system achieves this by seamlessly integrating three elements:

Software: A network of AI-accelerated design tools which remove manual, iterative human design engineering. Instead, Arc rapidly optimises, conceptualises and brings-to-life the battery pack’s design, facilitating significant time- and cost-reductions.

Hardware: Arc is built around a pre-defined design system, including a number of pre-validated systems and components, all whilst supporting multiple different cell formats. This reduces both programme risk and validation time, whilst remaining highly flexible.

Fabrication: Rather than requiring large up-front investment and bespoke manufacturing lines, Arc utilises an innovative, flexible manufacturing system. More akin to the approach taken by semiconductor fabricators, this allows Ionetic’s production facility to serve multiple different customers, without the time and costs typically required for new-line set-up.  

Founded in 2022, Ionetic is a leading innovator in EV battery pack technology, combining advanced software tools and smart manufacturing systems to deliver high-performance, cost-effective battery solutions for low-volume OEMs.

Tata Motors - Think Gas

Tata Motors, one of India’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Think Gas, a City Gas Distribution player, to strengthen the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) refuelling ecosystem for long-haul and heavy-duty trucking in the country.

The collaboration aims to enhance infrastructure readiness, build awareness around fuel quality and enable wider adoption of LNG-powered commercial vehicles.

As part of the agreement, Tata Motors will work with Think Gas to identify freight corridors and logistics clusters with potential for LNG infrastructure expansion. Think Gas will focus on maintaining standards of fuel quality and supply reliability. Tata Motors customers will also receive exclusive benefits, including preferential pricing.

Think Gas currently operates 18 Liquefied and Compressed Natural Gas (LCNG) stations and plans to develop a corridor connecting industrial hubs, agricultural regions and logistics centres across the country.

Rajesh Kaul, Vice-President & Business Head – Trucks, Tata Motors, said, “As India advances towards sustainable and efficient freight movement, LNG presents a compelling solution for long-haul and heavy-duty trucking. Recognising its potential early on, we have developed robust solutions that deliver higher fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and superior performance. Through this partnership with Think Gas, our goal is to strengthen ecosystem readiness – ensuring reliable access to refuelling infrastructure and enabling fleet operators to adopt LNG with confidence. This collaboration marks another step forward in our commitment to advancing cleaner, future-ready mobility solutions for India’s commercial vehicle industry.”

Somil Garg, Senior Vice-President and Business Head (LNG Fuel), Think Gas, said, “At Think Gas, our aim is to make cleaner fuels accessible and affordable across India. Partnering with Tata Motors, a leader in advancing alternate-fuel mobility will help us strategically scale our expansion. Supported by our global investors – I-Squared Capital, Osaka Gas, Sumitomo Corporation, Konoike Transport, JOIN, we remain committed to building a robust, safe and sustainable LNG network nationwide.”

Tata Motors is developing mobility solutions powered by alternative fuel technologies, including battery electric, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), LNG, hydrogen internal combustion and hydrogen fuel cell.

BYD Debuts At Japan Mobility Show 2025, Announces Dual EV+PHEV Strategy

BYD - Japan Mobility Show 2025

Chinese new energy vehicles manufacturer BYD marked its debut at the Japan Mobility Show 2025 by unveiling the BYD Racco, a lightweight all-electric K-EV designed specifically for the Japanese market.

The company also announced its dual ‘EV + PHEV’ strategy for Japan with the introduction of its first plug-in hybrid model for the market, the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i. This debut, themed ‘ONE BYD,’ featured both passenger and commercial vehicles, aiming to build a comprehensive lineup that integrates hybrid and pure-electric technologies.

The passenger vehicle booth featured the all-new BYD Racco and BYD Sealion 6 DM-i, alongside existing models like the BYD Atto 3, BYD Dolphin and BYD Seal. The display also included the Yangwang U9 supercar, representing BYD's premium brand.

BYD, which entered the Japanese passenger vehicle market in July 2022, plans to launch a total of seven to eight electric and hybrid models by 2027. The company currently operates 66 retail outlets across Japan.

On the commercial front, BYD unveiled the BYD T35 all-electric truck and the J6 Living Car Concept. The BYD T35, developed to align with Japanese regulations and dimensions, features BYD’s Blade Battery and is expected to enter the market in 2026.

BYD is already a market leader in Japan's electric bus segment, having achieved cumulative sales of approximately 500 electric buses since 2015.

Liu Xueliang, General Manager of BYD Asia-Pacific Auto Sales Division, said, “This year marks the 20th anniversary of BYD in Japan and the first time our passenger and commercial vehicles are showcased together. From electric buses to electric cars and now our Super Hybrid DM-i models – BYD Sealion 6 DM-i and the world premiere of the K-EV – BYD has always aimed to offer safe, efficient and high-quality new energy vehicles suited to Japan's needs. We will keep strengthening our services, expanding our lineup and working with Japanese customers toward a more sustainable future.”

Kinetic Green Tonino Lamborghini

Kinetic Green Tonino Lamborghini has appointed Electrify Maldives as its exclusive dealer for its electric golf and lifestyle carts in the Maldives. The appointment follows a distribution agreement with Trade Promoters Sri Lanka.

Electrify Maldives unveiled the electric carts on 28 October at TechEng 2025, the Maldives' exhibition for engineering and technology. Ferruccio Lamborghini, Vice-President of Tonino Lamborghini, attended the opening ceremony as the Guest.

The collaboration is positioned to bring mobility solutions to sectors including golf courses, resorts, estates and corporate campuses.

At present, the cart line-up is offered in two product lines: the Genesis Range and the Prestige Range. Available in 2-, 4-, 6- and 8-seater configurations, the models feature a MacPherson suspension, four-wheel hydraulic brakes, 45 Nm torque and 30 percent gradeability. The lithium-ion battery with wireless charging offers a 10-year life and a range of up to 150km, backed by a 5-year warranty. Smart features such as a TFT dashboard, LED headlights and wireless mobile charging are included.

Dr. Sulajja Firodia Motwani, Founder and CEO, Kinetic Green, said: “For a long, the golf cart segment has awaited a true disruptor – an extraordinary offering that transcends the mundane. Over the years, the use of golf carts has extended well beyond golf- to luxury resorts, world-class airports, sprawling townships and corporate campuses and to personal use. But the design and specifications of popular golf carts has remained much the same, and this is where we see a large global market ready for disruption! Our JV will leverage the long legacy of the Kinetic Group in automotive engineering, Kinetic Green’s pioneering expertise in design and manufacture of electric vehicles and the experience of our partner, Tonino Lamborghini’s global experience in redefining design and lifestyle experiences and to top it all, marketing our products globally using the famous red shield with the iconic Bull. This fusion of our robust Indian engineering and EV capabilities with Tonino Lamborghini’s unparalleled design prowess and global luxury vision is not just a partnership; it is a confident declaration.”

“We are poised to create a disruption in this segment and work towards seizing leadership, globally, bringing a confident, and ambitious new benchmark to markets that are ripe for revolution. For Kinetic Green, this marks the beginning of our global journey, bringing Made in India EVs to the World. Kinetic Green’s aim is to build a USD 1 billion EV business by 2030 and this JV will play a key part in our global ambitions. I am confident that Electrify Maldives will drive this transformation in the Maldivian market by introducing innovation, ecological consciousness, premium design, trailblazing technology and top-tier quality through the sale of our carts. Electrify Maldives is officially designated to manage all local operations in the Maldives and will lead sales, marketing, and after-sales support for the entire lineup of Kinetic Green Tonino Lamborghini electric carts,” she added.

Ferruccio Lamborghini, Vice-President, Tonino Lamborghini, said: "This collaboration with Kinetic Green marks an exciting new chapter in the history of the brand founded by my father over 45 years ago. Together, we have created a project that combines the best of two worlds: the elegance and identity of Italian design with the strength, efficiency, and innovation of Indian manufacturing. This is more than an industrial joint venture – it is a bridge between two entrepreneurial cultures, united by a shared vision of the future. At Tonino Lamborghini, we believe in redefining everyday experiences into expressions of style, performance, and unmistakable identity. Our brand philosophy is deeply rooted in my family’s heritage yet constantly driven by innovation and a passion for excellence. With these golf and lifestyle carts, we are bringing that philosophy to life in a new segment – delivering not just vehicles, but a bold statement of lifestyle in motion. We chose India not only as a strategic production base, but also as a symbol of openness, growth, and global ambition. With Kinetic Green, we share fundamental values: a deep focus on the customer, continuous innovation, and meticulous attention to detail. The result is a product range that reflects the very soul of our brand – powered by cutting-edge technology and destined for discerning customers around the world. The Tonino Lamborghini Golf Carts embody our vision of electric lifestyle mobility: elegant, high-performing, and purpose-driven. We are proud to launch this journey in such a dynamic market as The Maldives. We are confident it will carry our style and passion for excellence and deliver exceptional brand experience to customers in the region.”

Kasun Abeyrathne, General Manager, Electrify Maldives, said: “At Electrify Maldives, our strength lies in engineering excellence and responsive technical support. Representing Tonino Lamborghini and Kinetic Green electric golf carts is a natural extension of our commitment to performance, reliability and service, delivering not just luxury mobility, but a robust, sustainable solution.’’

Honda Unveils EV Outlier E-Motorcycle Concept At Japan Mobility Show 2025

Honda EV Outlier

Japanese auto major Honda Motor Co has presented the world premiere of the EV Outlier Concept, an electric motorcycle model that proposes a new vision for motorbikes beyond 2030 at the Japan Mobility Show 2025.

The concept, the company said, is not merely an electric version of existing motorcycles but represents a new direction for the segment.

The EV Outlier Concept capitalises on the design freedom unique to electric motorcycles by featuring in-wheel motors on both the front and rear wheels. This arrangement achieves a dynamic and low-proportion styling. Honda's move with the EV Outlier aims to create unprecedented value in its motorcycle offerings through electrification.