Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle maker, is gearing up to mark its entry into the electric vehicle segment with the soon-to-be-introduced e Vitara has announced an EV ecosystem with a comprehensive end-to-end digital platform for charging needs, including home and public charging, with an integrated payment journey.

The company has signed collaboration agreements with 13 Charge Point Operators (CPOs) and aggregators to provide seamless charging experiences on a single platform.

Maruti Suzuki has established a network of over 2,000 exclusive charging points across its nationwide dealer network, spanning more than 1,100 cities. Customers’ charging needs are further supported by the extensive partner-operated all-India charging network.

Aligned with its global vision, Maruti Suzuki will work with its partners to enable more than 100,000 Public Charging Points by 2030.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “At Maruti Suzuki, we strive to extend a delightful ownership experience to our customers to build lasting trust. Today, we are taking a historic step, as we enter the domain of electric mobility with full readiness to address the EV charging concerns and boost customer confidence. We have established a robust network of over 2,000 Maruti Suzuki exclusive charging points across our sales and service network, spanning more than 1,100 cities. Further, we have collaborated with 13 Charge Point Operators to offer access to a vast charging infrastructure across the country. Aligned with Suzuki’s global vision, we plan to introduce multiple EVs and to support this, our aim is to enable a network of over 1 lakh charging points across India by 2030, along with our Dealer and CPO partners.”

'E for Me' Digital Platform

The Maruti Suzuki ‘e for me’ EV charging mobile app enables end-to-end usage of EV charging points from partner-operated charging points and Maruti Suzuki’s own network on a single platform.

The app offers a uniform customer journey for EV charging and payment through UPI or exclusive ‘Maruti Suzuki Money’, powered by Razorpay.

The platform's functions include:

• Locate, Pay & Use EV charging points available on the app.
• Use Public and Smart Home Charger from the same app.
• One card for ‘Tap N Charge’ functionality at Maruti Suzuki dealer outlets and home charger.
• Mirror e for me app on the infotainment system for seamless in-car EV charging experience.
• Remotely start/stop and manage the power output of the smart home charger.

Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “Today is the dawn of a new era for electric mobility in India. It gives me immense pleasure to say that Maruti Suzuki is EV ready and will be ‘By Your Side’ with our comprehensive new platform that addresses key concerns around EV charging infrastructure. Leveraging India’s largest dealer network and our charging partners’ network, we are ensuring there are EV charging points at an average distance of 5-10 kilometres at key locations in the top 100 cities of India. DC fast chargers are also located at regular intervals along key highways to enable nationwide driving freedom for our prospective EV customers. To further enhance peace of mind, we have deployed a 1.5 lakh-strong specially-trained EV workforce to cater to every need of our customers. We have also activated 1500+ EV-ready service workshops across 1100 cities for meeting after-sales requirements to support EV ownership in every part of the country.”

To showcase the network readiness, four e VITARAs were flagged off from Gurugram in all four directions – Srinagar (North), Kanyakumari (South), Bhuj (West) and Dibrugarh (East) – as a part of the ‘e drive’.

The e Vitara Born EV, which is ‘Made-in-India and exported around the world,’ has been rigorously tested over 10 million test kilometres. Tested from ‘Sand to Snow’ over a temperature spectrum of 60deg Celsius to -30deg Celsius, the e Vitara has delivered a driving range of 543 km.

Banerjee added: “Words aside, we are showcasing the prowess of this platform by flagging off a radical ‘e drive’ that will demonstrate the real-world efficacy of Maruti Suzuki’s comprehensive EV charging network. With the ‘e drive’, we aim to boost user confidence and execute faster EV adoption, working alongside the nation’s sustainability goals for net zero.”

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The BMW Group is accelerating the digital transformation of its manufacturing operations by embedding artificial intelligence deeply into physical processes. A central focus of this strategy is Physical AI, a concept that unites digital intelligence with machinery and robotics. This integration allows systems like humanoid robots to function effectively within live production environments. For the first time, this approach is being introduced in Europe through a pilot project at the company’s Leipzig plant, where humanoid robots will be tested in the assembly of high-voltage batteries and component manufacturing. This initiative builds on a previous deployment at the Spartanburg plant in United States, where valuable experience was gained and is now being used to refine and scale the technology.

Artificial intelligence is already embedded throughout the BMW production system, underpinning functions such as digital twins, AI-supported quality assurance and autonomous transport in intralogistics. A unified data architecture serves as the foundation for this intelligence, enabling real-time access to consistent and standardised information across all manufacturing locations. This infrastructure supports the deployment of digital AI agents capable of autonomous decision-making in complex environments. When these agents are paired with robotic systems, they give rise to Physical AI, which represents a significant evolution in production technology.

The company views humanoid robotics as a strategic addition to its automation portfolio. These robots are particularly suited to tasks that are repetitive, physically strenuous or present safety risks. By deploying them in such roles, the company aims to reduce physical strain on employees and enhance workplace conditions. To drive this forward, a Center of Competence for Physical AI in Production has been established to consolidate expertise and facilitate knowledge sharing across the organisation.

A structured process governs the evaluation of potential technology partners. Candidates are assessed against criteria related to maturity and industrial applicability, followed by laboratory testing using real production scenarios. Successful tests lead to limited deployments under actual factory conditions before advancing to full pilot phases. This methodology ensures that only thoroughly vetted solutions are integrated into series production.

The Leipzig pilot is being conducted in collaboration with Hexagon, a longstanding partner specialising in sensor technology and software. Following theoretical and laboratory evaluations, an initial deployment of Hexagon’s humanoid robot, AEON, took place at the plant in December 2025. A second test phase is scheduled for April 2026, with the full pilot set to begin in the summer of that year. The robot’s human-like design allows for the attachment of various tools and grippers, making it adaptable for multiple tasks in battery assembly and parts manufacturing.

Earlier work at the Spartanburg plant provided critical insights into the practical application of humanoid robotics. In partnership with Figure AI, the robot Figure 02 was deployed in body shop operations, where it handled the precise placement of sheet metal parts for welding. Over 10 months, the robot supported the production of more than 30,000 vehicles, operating in 10-hour shifts and handling over 90,000 components. The pilot demonstrated that humanoid robots could perform high-precision tasks reliably and safely in a live production setting. It also highlighted the importance of early collaboration with teams responsible for IT infrastructure, safety and logistics. Seamless integration into the existing automation ecosystem was achieved through standardised interfaces, and employee reception was notably positive, aided by transparent communication from the outset.

The success of these initial deployments has paved the way for further collaboration. BMW and Figure are currently exploring additional applications for the next-generation Figure 03 robot, continuing to build on the foundation established in both United States and Europe.

Milan Nedeljković, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Production, said, “Digitalisation improves the competitiveness of our production – here in Europe and worldwide. The symbiosis of engineering expertise and artificial intelligence opens up entirely new possibilities in production,”.

Michael Nikolaides, Senior Vice President Production Network, Supply Chain Management at BMW Group, said, “Our aim is to be a technology leader and to integrate new technologies into production at an early stage. Pilot projects help us to test and further develop the use of Physical AI – that is, AI‑enabled robots capable of learning – under real-world industrial conditions. The successful first deployment of humanoid robots at our BMW Group plant in Spartanburg in the USA proves that a humanoid robot can function not only under controlled laboratory conditions but also in an existing automotive manufacturing environment.”

Michael Ströbel, Head of Process Management and Digitalisation, Order to Delivery at BMW Group, said, “We are delighted to deploy a humanoid robot for the first time in a pilot project at a plant in Germany. Following evaluation by our Center of Competence for Physical AI in Production, tests were carried out in the laboratory and at Plant Leipzig at the end of last year. This year, our focus is on step‑by‑step integration into our production system to explore a wide range of applications. The emphasis is on researching multifunctional use of the robot in various production areas such as battery manufacturing for energy modules and component production for exterior parts. With Hexagon, we have found a proven long‑standing partner with a highly innovative approach to humanoid robotics for this project.”

Felix Haeckel, Team Lead CoC Physical AI for Production, said, “At our new Center of Competence for Physical AI in Production, we are pooling our expertise to make knowledge on AI and robotics widely usable within the company. In recent years, we have built up an international team of experts that, in addition to in‑house research and programming, is dedicated to the gradual integration of AI into the existing production system. At the same time, our team in Munich is driving its own robotics research to set up, support and further develop pilot projects in the field of Physical AI at our plants.”

Arnaud Robert, President of Hexagon Robotics, said, “We are very pleased to be working with the BMW Group to advance the use of humanoid robots in real‑world environments.”

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The ePlane Company has inaugurated a 60,000 sqft integrated prototyping and testing facility at the IIT Madras Discovery Campus. The site is the first dedicated plant in India for the serial production of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, marking a transition from laboratory research to industrial manufacturing.

The facility was opened by Professor V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras. It will serve as the engineering centre for the e200X, a compact electric air taxi designed for urban environments.

The site includes units for composite fabrication, electric powertrain assembly, and avionics testing. It also features a Ground Test Vehicle (GTV) facility to support subsystem validation. The ePlane Company is currently working with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to establish the certification and flight-testing framework for the e200X.

Key technical specifications of the e200X include:

• Footprint: A 8m x 10m design, intended for rooftop-to-rooftop operations.
• Efficiency: Synergistic Lift technology providing 35 percent higher energy efficiency.
• Deployment: Initial commercial application as an air ambulance to reduce medical transport times.

Incubated at IIT Madras, the company utilises the institute’s infrastructure and engineering talent. The ePlane Company has also established partnerships with technology firms including NVIDIA, AWS, Dassault and CADFEM-Ansys for simulation, cloud infrastructure and avionics.

Prof. Satya Chakravarthy, Founder and Technical Lead of The ePlane Company, said, "This facility is the engine of our commercial future. With the support of IIT Madras, we have built a space where we can fulfill our vision of making flying as common and affordable as taking a taxi. This isn't just about moving people; it’s about adding another layer of transport to the future of human mobility.”

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UK-headquartered Wayve, a developer of embodied AI for autonomous driving, has raised USD 1.2 billion in a Series D investment round. The funding brings the company’s valuation to USD 8.6 billion and marks a transition from research to the commercial deployment of its AI platform.

The round was led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2, Eclipse and Balderton. New participants include the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, Baillie Gifford and the British Business Bank. Strategic investors Microsoft, NVIDIA and Uber also participated alongside automotive manufacturers Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Stellantis.

Wayve’s platform uses end-to-end AI, which runs on onboard vehicle compute and embedded sensors. Unlike traditional autonomous systems, it does not require high-definition maps or location-specific engineering. This architecture allowed the company to test its technology in more than 500 cities across Europe, North America and Japan without city-specific fine-tuning.

Key milestones include:

• 2026: Launch of robotaxi trials on the Uber network, starting in London.
• 2027: Availability of passenger vehicles equipped with Wayve’s ‘AI Driver,’ featuring L2+ capability for steering and navigation under supervision.
• Licensing: Wayve will license its software to automakers, allowing for brand-specific customisation of driving models.

Uber has committed capital to support the deployment of Wayve-powered robotaxis in more than 10 markets globally. Under this agreement, Wayve provides the AI Driver for L4-capable vehicles, while Uber manages the fleet operations.

Alex Kendall, Co-Founder and CEO, Wayve, said: “With USD 1.5 billion secured, we are building for a total addressable market that spans every vehicle that moves. Autonomy will not scale through city-by-city robotaxi deployments alone. It will scale through a trusted platform that automakers and fleets can deploy globally and improve continuously. This investment accelerates our path to widespread commercial deployment and positions us to build the autonomy layer that will power any vehicle, anywhere.”

Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO, Uber, said, “We are very proud to continue to deepen our partnership with Wayve, with plans to deploy together in more than 10 markets around the world. Wayve’s powerful end-to-end approach is purpose-built for scale, safety, and effectiveness, and we’re excited to work with them across multiple OEMs and geographies, which we’ll share more about soon.”

Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO, Microsoft, added,  “Wayve is pushing the frontier of embodied AI for autonomous driving, and Azure supports the scale, reliability, and safety needed to bring that innovation into the real world. Through our partnership and investment, we’re helping accelerate the path from breakthrough research to scaled commercial deployment with automakers worldwide.”

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Elektrobit and Mobileye have announced the integration of EB corbos Linux for Safety Applications into Mobileye Drive, a system designed for Level 4 autonomous driving. The platform will serve as the technical foundation for vehicle manufacturers and robotaxi vendors.

The collaboration utilises Elektrobit’s safety-compliant operating system (OS) to provide features and field updates for Mobileye’s self-driving architecture.

EB corbos Linux for Safety Applications is an open-source OS solution assessed for compliance with automotive functional safety standards. It has received a technical assessment for ASIL B and SIL2 by TUV Nord, based on ISO 26262 and IEC 61508 standards.

The solution allows manufacturers to use Linux in high-performance computing (HPC) domains, specifically for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicles (AV). By utilising open-source software, the companies aim to leverage transparency and innovation speed compared to proprietary systems.

Mobileye Drive is designed to automate vehicle types for applications including ride-pooling, public transport, and goods delivery. The system is powered by the EyeQ System-on-Chip (SoC) and utilises AI-driven computation.

The technology is intended for operation without human intervention within defined areas. Mobileye Drive is currently undergoing testing in locations across Europe and North America, drawing on the company's deployment history in approximately 230 million vehicles globally.

Maria Anhalt, CEO, Elektrobit, said, “Our industry is at a pivotal moment, with carmakers, Tier1 suppliers, and technology companies increasingly joining forces to advance autonomous driving. Working with Mobileye and opening up our cooperation on EB corbos Linux for Safety Applications reflects our commitment to practical, safe, and scalable innovation. Together, we are helping pave the way for the next generation of reliable autonomous driving systems”

Johann ‘JJ’ Jungwirth, Executive Vice-President Autonomous Vehicles, Mobileye, added, “Working together with software innovators in the automotive field like Elektrobit is a key factor in expediting the mass-production of vehicles equipped with the self-driving system Mobileye Drive. Our customers expect to deploy AVs in large numbers in the upcoming years, increasing the importance of system stability and reliability.”

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