Q: What is your contribution to testing new energy vehicles – Battery Electric Vehicles and Hybrids? Please elaborate on the testing equipment you have for these vehicles?

Arora: As a B2B startup that enables its customers to maximize the capacity of the battery pack, and improve battery life and safety, we run elaborate tests on Battery Management Systems on all of our BMS designs. These BMSes have been deployed by ION’s customers on a fleet of batteries that go inside two / three-wheelers, passenger and commercial vehicles, and industrial electric vehicles.  Our cloud analytics platform, Edison, helps our customers visualize the data coming out of these tests and generate insights. In a bid to counter the challenge of costly industrial equipment, we have developed battery emulators, end of line testing equipment and HIL (Hardware-in-the-loop) setup, in house at about a minimal 10 percent cost of the commercial market rate. We have also built a gaming engine based simulation engine called the ‘Ghost Rider’ that runs simultaneously with our battery models. The simulation helps us integrate our BMS algorithms to vehicles models and monitor the performance of those models in life like situations.

Q: Can you tell us briefly about your overall portfolio of BMS testing equipment and a bit about your company?

Arora: Quality Assurance (QA) and Testing are the most important phases in the life cycle of BMS since the success of this phase dictates the level of safety and the management of the battery’s life. As a startup, we have adopted a lean and creative approach with our testing methodologies. We have a number of indigenously developed tools and software for testing of our batteries. Once the hardware design of the BMS is finalized, the prototypes are validated for their basic functionalities. The prototypes are further optimized based on the functionality and additional features that develop the hardware. When all the modifications are completed, the BMS is validated for its functionalities at different environmental conditions. Based on the data collected in the previous step an ‘operating range’ is defined.

Similar to the hardware, the software is also tested on the prototype BMS hardware. Based on the outcomes and new requirements, the iterations are made to tailor the firmware for its optimum performance and management of battery life and safety. Once the desired results are obtained, the firmware is finalized and deployed in the BMS. The prototype is then sent to external independent laboratories for EMI / EMC tests, basis whose clearance, the hardware and the firmware are again validated, and the design is finalized. In the manufacturing stage, ION Energy conducts as Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) testing is more reliable than manual visual inspection. In the final stage of the manufacturing process, the Design for Manufacturing (DFM) files are used for the component assembly process. Testing is necessary to avoid any incorrect component placement issues. Testing during this stage is typically more intensive than during the fabrication phase.

End-of-Line Testing measures and checks the functionality of ION’s battery management systems. The key factors taken into consideration at ION are high test quantity, test completion and low system with upgrade costs. At ION, we have built an automated testing platform called the ION Testmaster, built specifically for performing automated Functional Circuit Test (FCT) on ION’s BMSes. In the latest update, the ION Testmaster is interfaced with Edison Analytics for accurate and real-time inventory management using the MNP/serial number of the DUT, in this case, the BMS.

Q: A lot of players claim that they build technologies to enhance the life and performance of lithium-ion batteries. What is the USP of ION Energy?

Arora: It's worth noting that oftentimes when organizations emphasize on enhancing the life and performance of a battery, reliability takes a backseat. In a market like India that is still in a nascent stage, ION Energy is one of the very few players that offers reliable and tested solutions, making it our USP. ION Energy is an advanced battery management and intelligence platform that was born out of the desire to tackle the threat of climate degradation by enabling a much more environment-friendly mobility solution. Founded in 2016, ION’s mission is to accelerate Earth's transition to an all-electric planet. We are doing this with a focus on building technology that improves the life and performance of lithium-ion batteries, which power electric vehicles and energy storage systems.

ION’s full-stack solution blends advanced electronics and machine learning with deep domain expertise in energy storage. ION’s disruptive battery intelligence platform - Edison Analytics leverages battery data, software analytics, and ML to significantly improve battery performance and extend battery life by up to 40 percent. Battery Makers & OEMs around the world use ION’s platform to optimize their battery management systems (BMS) and build world-class batteries. ION Energy is leaps ahead when it comes to leveraging data. In a bid to enhance life and performance, ION Energy has a fully integrated stack with Battery Design Engineers, BMS Design Engineers and Software Engineers learning from insights captured by our cloud platform - Edison.

Q: In Evs the packaging is key and anything lighter is the most sought after by the OEMs. What are the contributions from your end on these expectations?

Arora: The battery usually comprises 25-30 percent of the weight of electric vehicles. There is always a tradeoff between the weight and size of the battery, vis-a-vis the range it offers. A bigger battery offers a higher range, but it also adds to the weight of the vehicle - reducing its energy efficiency. It is crucial to achieve the right balance in this trade off - and that needs a deep knowledge and understanding of the application, usage and the environment of the battery packs. At ION Energy, we have tools that can help OEMs find the right size for its battery packs.

Q: How do you see the increasing electronics and vehicles becoming more connected in EV space too? What sort of solutions do you give? Please elaborate.

Arora: The global automobile industry is on the brink of a major transformation. The Global Connected Car Market size is projected to reach USD 212.7 billion by 2027, from an estimated value of USD 42.6 billion in 2019, at a CAGR of 22.3 percent - as predicted by Markets and Markets. Technology is driving this shift, shaped by demographic, regulatory, and environmental pressures. Other factors include - consumer tech companies entering the automotive world, as software and other technologies, are taking a pivotal position in the future of automobiles. These businesses want to focus on design, ease of use, better service and extended battery life to bring new kinds of innovation to the field

Shared Asset Utilization requires companies to leverage advanced IoT, Battery Management & Driver Profiling to improve asset sweating, protect the lifetime of the asset, and ensure financial viability. This will have powerful effects beyond the auto industry. Insurers, for example, will have new ways to monitor driver behavior, reward good drivers, and distribute costs to bad ones. Companies can better connect idle cars with customers that need them. Continuously improving UX is becoming a norm, not only in mobile phones but also EVs. OTA updates that extend range, improve charging time and boost speed are a reality today. Companies with the technical capability to package world-class technology, UX and affordable pricing will win in the future of mobility. The growing battery swapping ecosystem for two / three-wheelers in Asia is one of the best examples of the shift in the transport sector brought about by EVs and connected electronics. It gives end-users the option to lease batteries and pay per km, instead of paying all the battery costs upfront. This is only possible because of connectivity between the batteries, the vehicles, the users and the swapping station.

Shared utilisation of batteries is possible only because of integrated battery management and telematics functions. It is important to track the location, usage and the state of the battery - all at the same time - to be able to charge users accordingly. ION has a lot of experience in building integrated Battery Management and Telematics Units for batteries and swapping stations. Our BMSes have GPS sensors and LTE modems integrated with battery management functions. We are able to send real time data to our cloud that enables monitoring and optimization of asset utilization.

Our BMSes - FS-CT, FS-LT, and FS-XT - are equipped with on-board memory storage to log every data point of the battery pack collected by the BMS, up to 20 years of historical battery data. Normally this would lead to an enormous amount of data, but we've developed compression algorithms tailored for battery data acquisition. The BMS records all physical parameters, events, errors relating to the performance of the battery pack. Our cloud-connected battery intelligence platform, Edison Analytics, allows engineers to access this data and gain insights into the life and performance of the battery. (MT)

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VSL PowerHive Pvt Ltd has unveiled the P261, a liquid-cooled battery storage system rated at 125 kW/261 kWh, targeting industrial and commercial customers in India and other global markets. The announcement represents the company's first official product launch under its own branding, distinguishing it from the earlier VION offering. This move positions the Vikram Solar subsidiary for accelerated growth in the competitive energy storage arena.

The newly introduced unit tackles operational requirements including emergency power provisioning, load smoothing during expensive tariff periods and maximised solar generation utilisation. Additional functions include curtailment of diesel generator usage, stabilisation of power quality, accommodation of EV charging points and enabling of microgrid networks. By drawing upon Vikram Solar's production capabilities, the company intends to serve clients navigating different phases of decarbonisation.

Compact cabinet construction combines with active liquid thermal management to preserve electrochemical stability and prolong service life relative to air-cooled designs. A built-in controller provides live system oversight and off-site troubleshooting, complemented by automated extinguishing mechanisms and redundant protection circuits. The modular layout permits future augmentation and merges photovoltaic inputs, mains connectivity, storage hardware and EV supply under one operating platform.

Embedded within the chassis is a 261 kWh lithium iron phosphate core with 832V nominal voltage and 314 Ah cells, facilitating rapid energy exchange in both grid-tied and standalone modes. Functional operation spans from -30°C to 50°C, with an IP52S enclosure safeguarding against particulate and moisture ingress. Practical benefits include diminished demand charges, intelligent solar shifting and resilient backup during grid failures. The system also supports fuel savings, fast-charging rollouts and power conditioning across distributed and bulk applications. Through the P261, VSL PowerHive addresses surging C&I storage demands while signalling future expansion across diverse market tiers.

Arun Mittal, CEO, VSL PowerHive Pvt. Ltd., said, "India's industrial and commercial sectors are ready for storage solutions that actually work for their needs, and the P261 answers that call. Bringing this to market as our first official product under PowerHive is a significant step, and there's much more in the pipeline."

Gyanesh Chaudhary, Chairman and Managing Director, Vikram Solar, said, "India’s energy transition is entering its most decisive phase, and storage will determine how fast and how far we go. With the P261, PowerHive moves from concept to commercial reality, built on the same manufacturing discipline and quality rigour that have defined Vikram Solar’s journey in solar. This is more than a product launch; it is the foundation of a business we intend to scale with real ambition as we work towards building PowerHive into a full-fledged storage solutions provider serving India and global markets in the years ahead."

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European auto major Stellantis has announced leadership changes within its Enlarged Europe organisation, effective 1 September, as part of the execution of its Fastlane 2030 strategic plan. The newly appointed executives report directly to Emanuele Cappellano, Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Enlarged Europe.

The company has announced that Arnaud Belloni will take on the role of Chief Executive Officer of the FIAT, Abarth and Lancia brands, alongside taking on the role of Chief Marketing Officer for Europe. He returns to Stellantis, where he previously spent 16 years managing marketing strategy for its Italian and French brands, after serving as global Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Branding Officer at Renault Group. He succeeds Olivier Francois, who will assist with the leadership transition through mid-October before taking up a role as a company strategic advisor.

Among other executive changes, Xavier Chardon has been appointed CEO of DS Automobiles while retaining his responsibilities for Citroen. Xavier Peugeot has been named Head of the Jeep brand in Europe, a newly created position focused on product, marketing and sales development within the European market. Meanwhile, Roberta Zerbi will focus on customer journey excellence and network development.

Under the reorganised Commercial Operations Enlarged Europe division led by Maurizio Zuares, Gaetano Thorel assumes responsibility for Enlarged Europe Lancia alongside his current duties for FIAT and Abarth, reporting functionally to Belloni. Laurent Diot takes responsibility for Enlarged Europe DS Automobiles alongside Citroen, reporting functionally to Chardon. Fabio Catone remains responsible for Enlarged Europe Jeep, Ram, and Dodge brands, with a functional reporting line to Peugeot.

Emanuele Cappellano, COO, Enlarged Europe, said, “These appointments mark another important step in accelerating the execution of our Fastlane 2030 strategic plan. They establish the foundations for a European marketing vision centered on creativity and innovation, reinforce Jeep’s growth through dedicated leadership, and clarify the positioning of Lancia and DS Automobiles as specialty brands, preserving their distinctive identities while strengthening integration with FIAT and Citroen, respectively. I would like to congratulate Arnaud as he joins Stellantis, together with all the colleagues taking on new and more challenging responsibilities. I am confident that each of them will play a vital role in delivering these strategic priorities. I would also like to thank Olivier for his outstanding contribution to the Company over more than 30 years managing iconic brands and shaping communication as Global Chief Marketing Officer. Olivier has embodied the perfect balance between dedication and empathy, combining a proactive mindset with unconventional spirit that truly sets exceptional creative leaders apart. I am sure we will take advantage from his expertise as a strategic advisor to our Company”.

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ICRA, a leading rating agency, has released a report stating that toll collection growth on national highways across India is projected to increase between 10 percent and 12 percent in 2027-28, up from an estimated 7 percent to 9 percent in 2026-27.

The projected recovery follows an expansion of 10 percent in 2025-26 and is expected to be supported by toll rate revisions alongside stable traffic growth of 4 percent to 5 percent.

The anticipated rise in toll rates in 2027-28 reflects movements in Wholesale Price Index inflation. Toll rate growth is projected at 6.2 percent to 6.4 percent for newer projects linked to December index figures, and 4.5 percent to 5.5 percent for older projects linked to March figures.

Suprio Banerjee, Co-Group Head, Corporate Ratings at ICRA, said: “Traffic growth on national highways largely moves in line with the gross value added (GVA) of construction, mining and manufacturing (CMM). GVA growth of CMM has increased by a notable 8.1% in 2025-26. Consequently, traffic on national highways witnessed a healthy growth of 6%. Coupled with a toll rate hike, toll collections increased by 10% in 2025-26. ICRA estimates the GVA growth of CMM to remain at 7-8%, which is likely to entail traffic increase of 4.5-5.5% in 2026-27, albeit partly impacted by export-related traffic challenges. This, coupled with a relatively lower toll rate revision of 3.4-4.0%, is likely to moderate toll collections growth in 2026-27. Thereafter, supported by a higher toll rate revision in 2027-28, toll collection growth is expected to increase to 10-12%.”

It further finds that road execution by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is expected to remain between 9,000 km and 9,500 km in 2026-27, compared to 9,380 km recorded in 2025-26.

Project execution during the first quarter of 2026-27 was affected by increases in bitumen prices and supply disruptions linked to events in West Asia. While, project awarding activity by the Ministry declined to approximately 7,000 km in 2025-26 from 7,538 km in 2024-25, following focus on land acquisition and environmental clearances prior to project allotment.

Budgetary allocations are expected to increase project awarding to between 8,000 km and 8,500 km in 2026-27.

Engineering, procurement and construction contracts accounted for 65 percent to 70 percent of total project awards in recent years, while hybrid annuity mode contracts represented 25 percent to 30 percent.

ICRA projects the share of hybrid annuity contracts to be between 24 percent and 26 percent in 2026-27, as projects exceeding INR 5 billion are directed toward hybrid annuity or toll models. The Ministry has introduced a revised model concession agreement for build-operate-transfer toll projects, featuring revenue support mechanisms during traffic shortfalls and termination provisions.

Bidding discounts for engineering, procurement and construction projects averaged median levels of -30 percent in 2024-25 and -35 percent in 2025-26, while hybrid annuity projects recorded median discounts of -16 percent and -19 percent over the same period. To address bidding margins, performance security norms were updated in June 2026, alongside plans for bundled highway project allocations.

Banerjee added, “The moderation in road execution is primarily attributable to the sustained slowdown in project awarding activity over the past three years. Consequently, road construction activity slowed down in 2024-25 and 2025-26, and ICRA expects road execution to remain in the range of 9,000-9,500 km in 2026-27. The Ministry’s move to revive the BOT (Toll) road projects through the revised model concession agreement is a welcome step and is expected to support increased private sector participation in the roads sector. However, the extent to which it translates into a meaningful revival in construction activity remains to be seen. Despite stricter bidding norms and the expected bundling of project awards, competition in the sector is unlikely to come down unless project awarding activity picks up materially.”

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JSW MG Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced the appointment of Parth Jindal as its new Chairman, effective immediately.

Jindal has been instrumental in the company’s strategy since the formation of the joint venture between JSW Group and MG Motor India. He has been closely involved in the product strategy, localisation and manufacturing expansion for the automaker in India.

At present, Jindal also serves as the Managing Director of JSW Cement and JSW Paints. He is also the Chairman of JSW Dulux, Chairman of JSW MG Motor India and a Director on the Board of JSW Energy.

In addition, he is the Founder of JSW Sports and Chairman and Co-Owner of the Delhi Capitals.

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