Horse Powertrain has been selected by Scania to provide its range-extender system for a pilot vehicle, currently operating as a heavy-duty timber truck in Sweden. The collaboration is a step in testing hybrid powertrain solutions for demanding transport applications such as forestry logistics.

The pilot is part of the Scania Pilot Partner program and is currently operating in Sweden under SCA, one of Europe’s forestry companies.

The vehicle is built to handle Sweden’s timber routes, transporting heavy loads through remote terrain where access to charging infrastructure remains scarce. By combining a battery-electric drivetrain with the generator designed in Sweden by Horse Powertrain’s division Aurobay Technologies, the truck achieves both long-distance capability and reduced CO2 emissions.

The test route covers approximately 16 km, with an operational target of completing 7–8 rounds per day, comparable to a diesel truck.

The configuration supports the truck’s battery packs with a 120 kW range-extender unit based on Horse Powertrain’s 2.0 litre multi-fuel engine. Acting purely as an onboard charger, the unit supplies electric energy when required during long hauls, temperature extremes, or delays.

Matias Giannini, CEO, Horse Powertrain, said, "Forestry logistics represents one of the toughest challenges for electrification. The forest roads of northern Sweden demand strength, range and reliability. Charging stations are few, but the timber never waits. You can think of our range-extender as a powerbank for a heavy-duty truck: silent, efficient, and always there when you need it. By partnering with Scania and drawing on our engineering excellence, we’re proving how a compact, high-efficiency range-extender enables electric trucks to operate reliably in the most demanding environments. It’s a technology that cuts CO2 now.”

Tony Sandberg, Vice-President at Scania Pilot Partner, added, "What we’re doing in Sweden with Horse Powertrain and SCA builds directly on the 100-day trial we ran together with a logistics partner in Germany earlier this year. That vehicle logged almost 22,000 kilometres and drove more than 90 percent of the time on pure electric power, only using the range-extender when no charging was available. The result was a CO2 reduction of over 90 percent compared with a diesel truck. Those learnings give us a strong foundation as we tailor the system for demanding Nordic timber operations."

Ingo Scholten, Chief Technology Officer, Horse Powertrain and Managing Director Sweden, Aurobay Technologies division, said, “Electrifying heavy-duty routes means understanding what drivers and operators face hour by hour. Long stretches without charging, variable loads and rapidly changing weather. This pilot lets us study those realities directly in day-to-day timber operations. The range-extender’s role is simple. Provide a stable, efficient energy supply so drivers can complete their full shift without interruption and with far lower greenhouse-gas emissions than a traditional diesel truck. The data we gather here will guide how we refine the technology and scale it for wider use across demanding transport applications.”

Horse Powertrain’s modular range-extender architecture builds on the core technology used in its passenger-car and light-commercial hybrid systems, adapted for the higher power output and durability demands of heavy-duty applications. Unlike conventional fixed-speed generator sets, the engine can operate across its full power band, allowing the system to deliver the required output efficiently while keeping fuel consumption, noise and vibration low.

The pilot truck is now undergoing testing in regular operations, carrying full timber loads to gather performance and efficiency data in real-world conditions. The results will guide future deployments of electrified powertrains in the forestry sector and other heavy-duty applications.

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SiMa.ai and Kaynes Semicon have announced a strategic partnership to develop hardware and software for physical AI. The collaboration focuses on localising semiconductor packaging in India to improve supply-chain resilience and market delivery times.

The partners will deliver electronic systems for industries including industrial automation, robotics, automotive, aerospace and defence. Kaynes Semicon will utilise its assembly and testing capabilities to produce reference boards for SiMa.ai’s machine learning system-on-chip (MLSoC) platforms. This hardware is intended to allow system integrators to deploy AI inference technology at the edge and move from proof-of-concept to commercialisation.

The partnership includes the joint delivery of AI solutions for mission-critical requirements in smart vision, surveillance, and autonomous systems. This initiative supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by fostering research, development and custom product innovation for strategic sectors in India.

Krishna Rangasayee, CEO and Founder, SiMa.ai, said, “India’s engineering talent and manufacturing scale are fundamental to our mission of democratising edge machine learning. This partnership with Kaynes Semicon aligns perfectly with SiMa.ai’s commitment to deliver effortless ML for every industry, from defence to industrial automation and beyond. Together, we are setting new benchmarks in making India a global force in physical AI".

Raghu Panicker, CEO, Kaynes Semicon, added, “Collaborating with SiMa.ai marks a significant leap forward for India’s semiconductor ecosystem. By fusing Kaynes’ advanced OSAT and manufacturing capabilities with SiMa.ai’s world-leading AI at the edge, we’re empowering critical industries to innovate at scale. This partnership is not just about technology – it’s about building a trusted supply chain, delivering value for our customers, and shaping the future of electronics manufacturing in India and worldwide”.

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drivebuddyAI, the Ahmedabad-based developer of AI-powered Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), debuted its mobility platform at CES 2026. The system provides data-driven solutions for commercial fleets, vehicle manufacturers, insurance providers and urban planners.

The platform is claimed to have been underpinned by 3.5 billion kilometres of driving data from India and Europe. According to the company, existing fleet deployments have resulted in an 83 percent reduction in drowsiness and a 72 percent reduction in fleet risk. Insurance companies are currently utilising the platform’s Fleet Safety Index to develop usage-based insurance (UBI) products and video-enabled First Notice of Loss (FNOL) systems to manage loss and claim ratios.

The platform operates by collecting data from High Dynamic Range (HDR) cameras and the vehicle's Controller Area Network (CAN). This information is processed on the vehicle using a real-time QNX or Linux edge system. The software includes patented models for driver monitoring, collision warnings, and blind-spot detection.

The system utilises a federated learning architecture, which enables real-time AI learning and data protection. Updates are delivered back to vehicles via over-the-air (OTA) technology, while insights are shared with partners through cloud APIs. The technology meets the AIS-184 standard in India and is certified under the European Union’s General Safety Regulation (GSR) 2144 and the EURO NCAP 2026 protocol.

Beyond safety, drivebuddyAI intends to apply its technology to Smart Cities and mapping. Features include road condition monitoring, traffic behaviour analytics, and the identification of accident black-spots to assist in infrastructure planning. For vehicle manufacturers, the pre-certified AI is intended to reduce the time and cost required for validation.

Nisarg Pandya, CEO and Founder, drivebuddyAI, said, “The response we received at CES has been tremendous. Attendees visiting our booth were fascinated by our innovation. Our platform has already demonstrated a reduction of over 70 percent in accidents across large commercial fleet deployments. Underlying technology is validated by leading global regulators, including the Automotive Research Association of India under India’s AIS-184 standard and certified in the European Union’s General Safety Regulation (GSR) 2144 and European New Car Assessment Programme (EURO NCAP) 2026 protocol. The platform is also ready to meet the requirements of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (USA), and other global markets. We look forward to taking this technology to more markets.”

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Krafton India and Royal Enfield have announced a strategic partnership to integrate the iconic Bullet 350 and Continental GT 650 motorcycles as rideable vehicles within Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) game, beginning in January 2026.

As part of the integration, Royal Enfield showcased a physical motorcycle based on the Continental GT 650, featuring a design inspired by the aesthetics of BGMI. The motorcycle was developed with a Delhi-based custom builder using metal forming and prototyping. The design includes picatinny rails, plating and tyres that reference combat and survival mechanics found in the game.

The partnership is included in the BGMI 4.2 update scheduled for 15 January 2026. Players will have access to Royal Enfield-themed content and rewards through a special format from 19 January to 22 February 2026. Available rewards include the Revel 01 Set, a P90 gun skin and the virtual versions of the Continental GT 650 and Bullet 350.

To drive participation, the collaboration introduces a login mechanic where players who remain in the application for 60 minutes daily qualify for a Royal Enfield Event Crate. Users can collect up to 34 crates during the event period, containing various items designed to reflect the brand's legacy within the game ecosystem.

Seddharth Merrotra, Head of Business Development & Partnerships, Krafton India, said, “This strategic partnership with Royal Enfield embodies BGMI’s vision of creating culturally meaningful and locally rooted experiences. 2026 will be a year of many firsts and we’re kicking it off with one of our most ambitious brand integrations yet, while fundamentally elevating how partnerships enhance player engagement and drive shared value. Royal Enfield is an iconic name in the global automotive universe and its deep community roots with evolving digital ethos make it a natural ally for BGMI’s player-centric universe. Together, we are weaving storytelling, lifestyle, and digital culture into gameplay in a way that truly reflects the aspirations of modern Indian youth. Looking ahead, this collaboration sets a strategic foundation for future partnerships that are experiential, immersive, and deeply connected with our community’s passions across movies, sports, FMCG and lifestyle landscapes.”

Adrian John Sellers, Head - Custom & Motorsports, Royal Enfield, said, "Partnering with BGMI is about more than just presence; it’s about meeting our community in their element and amplifying the shared values of thrill, freedom, and self-expression. The custom-built Continental GT 650 is the physical heartbeat of this collaboration—an intersection where the raw, tactical aesthetic of gaming meets the soul of custom motorcycling. By blending BGMI’s battle-ready elements with Royal Enfield DNA, we have created a machine where imagination isn't limited by reality. It is a celebration of creative exploration for a community that thrives on both the digital and the open road."

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German chemical major BASF has announced the results of long-term material testing that predicts a service life exceeding 100,000 hours for its latest generation of polyamides used in electric vehicles (EVs).

The shift toward e-mobility has increased durability requirements for plastic components under the bonnet, with components now requiring a lifespan of 45,000 to 55,000 hours, compared to 5,000 hours for internal combustion engines (ICE).

The increase in required service life is driven by battery charging processes that require constant temperature regulation. To verify performance, BASF transitioned from standard air-heat testing to hydrolysis storage, which involves ageing materials in water-glycol mixtures. The company employs the Arrhenius equation to determine the relationship between temperature and reaction rate, allowing for the extrapolation of service life under standard operating conditions.

The material tested, Ultramid, features glass fibre reinforcement and a low halogen content. Testing initiated in August 2020 indicates that the hydrolysis resistance of this polyamide allows it to maintain its properties for over 100,000 hours. These components are typically utilised in vehicle pumps and valves.

The data provides the automotive and haulage sectors with verification that plastic components can withstand the chemical and thermal demands of long-term EV operation.

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