The Renault Clio range is expanding with a new Eco-G, 120hp – a liquefied petroleum gas powertrain offering an alternative to the petrol and hybrid options already available in the range. With its petrol and LPG bi-fuel set-up and two separate fuel tanks, the Clio Eco‑G 120 offers a total range of up to 1,450km.

Based on the turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine, the Eco‑G 120 powertrain offers a solution for lower CO₂ emissions. Compared with the LPG powertrain of the Clio 5 (Eco-G 100), the Eco-G 120 has been upgraded to deliver a total output of 120hp (an increase of 20hp) with maximum torque of 200Nm (an increase of 30Nm). It also features an LPG tank capacity increase of 25%, from 40 liters to 50 liters which, combined with the 39‑liters petrol tank, delivers the near 1,500km range.

EDC dual-clutch automatic gearbox

Available with a dual-clutch automatic gearbox, the Eco‑G 120 powertrain consumes 6.5l/100km in LPG mode, with CO₂ emissions from 105g/km. In petrol mode, Clio Eco‑G 120 consumes 5.4l/100km with CO2 emissions of 122g/km.

The dual-clutch automatic gearbox (EDC) uses a two-clutch design for rapid gear changes without loss of torque. This technology delivers a smooth, comfortable drive. At the same time, the steering wheel paddles offer direct manual control, depending on the driver’s requirements.

Related news, Renault announces first European production car with in-wheel motors

A UK consortium has secured funding through the Battery Innovation Programme to develop ReCAM, a lithium-ion battery recycling project aimed at converting battery waste into cathode active materials for reuse in new batteries.

The project brings together the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre, Watercycle Technologies, Recyclus Group and Polaron to tackle the pressing challenge of a growing volume of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries and leveraging the black mass produced in the disposal and recycling process.

As electric vehicle adoption accelerates, the UK is projected to generate up to 94,000 metric tons of black mass annually by 2040, which contains highly valuable lithium, nickel, cobalt and manganese. However, the UK has no viable processing route to deal with black mass, leaving this material to often be exported overseas for processing, which results in lost economic value, increased emissions and reliance on international supply chains.

The ReCAM project introduces a patented, short-loop refining process that converts black mass directly into high-value cathode active material (CAM) for reuse in new batteries. Unlike current technologies, which break materials down into individual metals through a multi-stage chemical process, ReCAM uses a new next-generation approach that converts mass in a single streamlined step.

The process also recovers lithium efficiently and operates as a zero-waste system. Designed as a modular, on-site solution for recyclers, capable of processing 250 kg of material per hour, ReCAM enables more flexible and economically viable battery recycling in the UK.

Dr Ahmed Abdelkarim, co-founder at Watercycle Technologies, said, “By establishing a viable UK-based route for refining battery waste into reusable materials we can unlock significant economic value, reduce emissions associated with exports and enhance the resilience of the UK battery ecosystem.”

Robin Brundle, executive chairman at Recyclus Group, added, “We are delighted with this award and to be working with such gifted partners. This is a British-centric program built around UK resilience and that is something we at Recyclus are extremely proud of.”

Polaron will use its AI-based materials platform to help characterize and optimize the recycled cathode materials, linking process conditions to microstructure and performance. Polaron’s AI-driven cell design technology will dramatically accelerate the transition from materials to electrodes, and electrodes to cells.

Dr Isaac Squires, CEO and co-founder of Polaron, commented, “For recycled battery materials to be used again at scale, they need to prove they can be performant. Our role in ReCAM is to help the consortium understand how process conditions shape cathode microstructure and performance, so promising recycled materials can move closer to battery-grade use as quickly as possible.”

The initiative is funded under the UK’s wider £452m (US$616m) Battery Innovation Programme, which is being delivered by Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade.

Related news, Toyota fuel cells receive ANSI/CSA certification for stationary power applications

BorgWarner has secured several turbocharger supply agreements with a major European OEM covering passenger car and van applications. The contracts include extensions of existing programs as well as new business awards, with production scheduled to begin in phases between Q2 2026 and Q2 2029.

“These business wins reflect BorgWarner’s strong turbocharging technology portfolio, our competitive solutions and the trust we have built with this long-standing customer,” said Dr Volker Weng, vice president of BorgWarner and president and general manager of Turbos and Thermal Technologies. “As the industry continues to demand highly efficient combustion solutions, BorgWarner remains committed to delivering advanced turbocharger technologies, reliable supply and strong launch execution for our customers around the world.”

The awarded business includes turbocharger solutions for multiple vehicle programs spanning both gasoline and diesel applications. The portfolio includes variable turbine geometry, twin-scroll wastegate and regulated two-stage turbocharging technologies tailored to a range of engine and vehicle requirements, helping the customer meet increasingly demanding performance, fuel economy and emissions targets across a broad range of applications. The products for these awards will be manufactured at BorgWarner’s facilities in Rzeszów, Poland, and Kirchheimbolanden, Germany.

The company has also secured new business with a major European commercial vehicle OEM to supply a variable turbine geometry (VTG) turbocharger and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler for a Euro 7-compliant six-cylinder heavy-duty diesel engine platform. Production is expected to begin at the end of 2028.

“We are pleased to further expand our relationship with this customer on our jointly developed turbocharger and EGR cooler business for a premium heavy-duty engine platform,” added Dr Weng. “This award reflects BorgWarner’s ability to combine advanced technology, strong application engineering and competitive solutions to support demanding commercial vehicle applications. We look forward to bringing this jointly developed solution to market.”

Related news, Partnership to advance hydrogen mobility and research at Georgia Institute of Technology

Toyota Motor North America has entered a definitive agreement with Hyroad Energy to deploy 40 hydrogen fuel cell Class 8 commercial trucks in Southern California.

Under the agreement, Hyroad will provide trucks, maintenance, data and software services to support Toyota’s logistics operations. Toyota will supply hydrogen fuel through its own refueling infrastructure, currently under development in Ontario, California.

The two companies are bringing together the interconnected pieces that a functioning hydrogen trucking ecosystem requires, including vehicles, software and fuel supply, under a single commercial framework.

“Accelerating the hydrogen economy requires collaboration, and Toyota is proud to work with Hyroad to move the heavy-duty sector forward,” said Jason Zahorik, general manager, Toyota Hydrogen Solutions. “By bringing the critical elements together, we’re demonstrating how fuel cells create tangible value across supply chains while advancing a foundational pillar of the hydrogen economy. With hydrogen, we share a vision for cleaner, more powerful and more energy independent mobility.”

Toyota is investing in the hydrogen value chain, including fuel cell development and refueling infrastructure and says it sees commercial trucking as a “critical proving ground for that ecosystem at scale”. For instance, in keeping supply and demand moving at a rapid pace, a fuel cell Class 8 truck is able to take up to 70kg of hydrogen on board.

Like a diesel semi-truck, a fuel cell Class 8 takes about 15-20 minutes to fill and has an approximate driving range of up to 500 miles between fill-ups. Unlike a diesel truck, however, the only local emission from a hydrogen-powered truck is water vapor.

Hyroad’s full-service model covers the truck, maintenance and fleet management software under a bundled commercial structure, removing the operational complexity that has historically slowed adoption of alternative-fuel commercial vehicles. As an OEM-agnostic operator rather than a manufacturer, Hyroad’s role is to assemble the pieces, such as vehicles from multiple sources, hydrogen supply, truck maintenance and software, and form a solution fleets can actually use.

“Toyota has done exactly what great allies do — they’ve brought genuine hydrogen expertise to the table and made thoughtful, strategic decisions,” said Dmitry Serov, founder and CEO of Hyroad Energy. “They’re not waiting for someone else to build this ecosystem. They’re investing in it directly, and that’s what makes this meaningful. When fueling, vehicles, software and operational commitment all come together, hydrogen trucking works.”

The announcement of the Hyroad agreement took place at the 2026 Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo. During its Hydrogen Workshop keynote at the event, Toyota outlined several hydrogen initiatives, including a fuel supply agreement with Air Liquide for its North American Parts Center California campus, where hydrogen fueling will begin later this year.

The company also highlighted its recent announcement that the company had achieved ANSI/CSA certification for its stationary fuel cell generators, and reiterated its dedication to the continued development of its Gen 3 fuel cell stacks for applications ranging from passenger vehicles and construction equipment to stationary power systems and heavy-duty trucks.

Related news, Partnership to advance hydrogen mobility and research at Georgia Institute of Technology

As vehicle development becomes increasingly integrated across propulsion, software, testing and design, a new industry event focused on chassis and powertrain engineering will launch this October as part of Vehicle Tech Week North America 2026.

The Advanced Chassis & Powertrain Showcase will debut alongside three established exhibitions within a newly unified event framework designed to reflect how modern vehicles are engineered today.

Taking place October 27-29, 2026, at the Vibe Credit Union Showplace in Novi, Michigan, Vehicle Tech Week North America will bring together four co-located exhibitions covering the full vehicle development lifecycle:

• Intelligent Vehicle Expo (previously known as Autonomous Vehicle Tech Expo)
• Advanced Chassis & Powertrain Showcase (new launch)
• Automotive Design & In-Cabin Expo (previously known as Automotive Interiors Expo)
• Automotive Testing Expo (the world’s largest and most established event for automotive testing, validation and quality engineering)

The event is expected to attract thousands of OEM engineers, Tier 1 suppliers and technology leaders, creating a single destination for cross-functional collaboration and technical insight.

About Vehicle Tech Week North America 2026

Vehicle Tech Week North America is a new multi-event platform designed to reflect the full complexity of modern vehicle development. By bringing together four co-located exhibitions in one unified framework, the event connects the technologies, teams and disciplines shaping the future of mobility.

From propulsion systems and software-defined vehicles to testing, validation and in-cabin experience, the event provides a comprehensive view of the vehicle ecosystem. Hosted in Novi, Michigan, a region with deep roots in automotive engineering, the event is positioned as a central meeting point for innovation across North America.

A new platform for chassis and powertrain innovation

The Advanced Chassis & Powertrain Showcase has been developed in response to the growing complexity of propulsion and platform engineering. OEMs are now managing internal combustion, hybrid and battery-electric programs in parallel, often across shared vehicle architectures, introducing new challenges around efficiency, cost, thermal management and vehicle dynamics.

Rather than focusing on individual components, the showcase will highlight system-level approaches to vehicle performance and integration. Key technology areas include:

• Battery systems and energy storage
• Electric drivetrains and e‑axles
• Power electronics
• Thermal management
• Braking and suspension systems
• Vehicle dynamics and control
• Simulation and validation technologies

“Chassis and powertrain technologies are at the center of some of the industry’s most complex engineering decisions,” said Peter Massey, commercial director at Vehicle Tech Week organizer UKi Media & Events. “This new showcase creates a dedicated platform for engineers and suppliers to explore how those challenges are being solved at a system level, and how those solutions translate into real-world performance.”

Repositioned, market‑leading events in a single framework

Alongside the launch of the new chassis and powertrain showcase, two established events have evolved to reflect their expanding roles within the vehicle ecosystem.

Intelligent Vehicle Expo highlights the growing impact of software, AI and connected systems across all areas of the vehicle, while Automotive Design & In-Cabin Expo reflects the increasing importance of interior architecture, HMI and user experience.

Together with Automotive Testing Expo, the industry’s leading event for validation, testing and quality engineering, Vehicle Tech Week North America creates a unified environment where traditionally separate disciplines converge.

“Vehicle Tech Week North America reflects how vehicles are engineered today,” added Massey. “It brings together advanced technologies, specialist expertise and real-world application into one connected experience, accelerating collaboration across the entire vehicle development process.”

For more information, and to exhibit or register, visit: https://www.vehicletechweek-northamerica.com/.

For speaker enquiries, please contact Marc LeDuc, senior conference content producer NA, UKi Media & Events (marc.leduc@ukimediaevents.com).

The April 2026 issue is now available online! Packed full of news, interviews and features, including:

Beyond the possible :The Concept AMG GT xx achieved the impossible when it realized the equivalent of circumnavigating the globe in under eight days. APTI finds out how this feat was accomplished

Pre-chamber ignition makes it mainstream :Stellantis has brought race-proven turbulent jet ignition to high-volume production in its new Hurricane 4 Turbo

Off-highway powertrain development : Diversity of options is the name of the game when it comes to decarbonizing off-highway powertrains. Trinity Francis looks at the options for heavy duty applications, from batteries to hydrogen and clean diesel

ICE for REEVs : Range extended EVs are back in vogue. How do their ICE requirements differ from those of regular hybrids? Powertrain engineer Wayne Ward investigates.

ICE Thermal management : Controlling heat regjection is a key challenge in ICE and hybrid powertrains – especially with the arrival of new emissions requirements such as Euro 7

IVT Expo 2026 : The off-highway industry is ripe with powertrain innovations, APTI previews the technologies on display at Europe’s premier industrial vehicle expo

Hyundai Motor and the Georgia Institute of Technology have expanded their collaboration to advance hydrogen-powered transportation, deepen applied research and education and accelerate the use of zero-emissions vehicles in Georgia, bringing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and fueling infrastructure to campus.

“Hyundai Motor Group is proud to strengthen our collaboration with Georgia Tech as we work together to accelerate the future of clean mobility. Georgia Tech’s leadership in innovation and its commitment to developing the next generation of problem-solvers make it a natural partner in advancing technologies. By combining the university’s excellent research with Hyundai’s global experience, we are creating the foundation for real-world solutions that will help drive the energy transition and inspire future mobility leaders,” said Ken Ramírez, executive vice president and head of global energy and hydrogen business at Hyundai Motor Group.

“It’s very fulfilling to donate a handful of our Nexo fuel cell SUVs as part of our expanding relationship with Georgia Tech. Hydrogen-powered Nexo fuel cell vehicles will immediately serve to expand the clean mobility footprint on campus while providing real-world experiences with the cutting edge of zero-emissions transportation technology,” added Randy Parker, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America.

The partnership includes the donation of four Hyundai Nexo fuel cell electric SUVs by Hyundai Motor North America and a hydrogen electrolyzer project, which will be installed at Georgia Tech’s North Avenue Research Area (NARA), positioning Georgia Tech as one of the most visible real-world testbeds for hydrogen mobility in the US.

“Georgia Tech has a long history of working with industry to move breakthrough technologies from the lab into the real world. By expanding our work with Hyundai, we’re advancing hydrogen research, reducing emissions on our campus, and strengthening Georgia’s role in the future of clean mobility,” commented Ángel Cabrera, president of the Georgia Institute of Technology.

The vehicles and infrastructure will support campus operations and interdisciplinary research. Key areas of focus include exploring hydrogen-based systems and mobility solutions, assessing the environmental benefits of hydrogen technologies, understanding the integration of hydrogen fuel cells into current infrastructure and evaluating the regulatory and social implications of hydrogen adoption.

Insights gathered from this initiative will inform and accelerate the widespread use of hydrogen technology in campuses, fleets, cities and freight corridors.

In related news, Evonik opens lab to develop EV motor materials for Asia-Pacific market

A new water-cooled adapter is available for use with Kistler’s 4017A miniature absolute pressure sensor in engine development and other high-temperature applications. It can be purchased separately or as a pre-assembled set with the sensor. The adapter helps keep the sensor within its operating temperature range, enabling accurate measurements in high-heat environments while maintaining a compact installation size.

Piezoresistive absolute pressure sensors are suitable for recording static and dynamic pressures. They have long been used in the automotive industry for engine and powertrain development, where high accuracy is required. To enable this degree of precision at elevated temperatures, the sensor needs additional cooling.

The 4017A…W set from Kistler includes the water-cooled 7547A adapter and the 4017A pressure sensor with an M8x0.75 threaded connection. The 4017A is around 25% smaller than the 4049B water-cooled sensor, making it easier to use in space-constrained engine applications. The adapter’s low mass and optimized cooling channels improve cooling efficiency, helping to extend sensor life and reliability. A welded heat shield keeps the sensor within its operating temperature range in hot environments, and the lower weight reduces sensitivity to engine vibration.

The modular design of the 4017A…W set allows the sensor and adapter to be easily replaced. For cleaning, the 4017A can be disconnected from the adapter and reattached as needed. Its oil-filled, media-separated measuring cell provides high compatibility with gaseous media, along with strong measurement accuracy and stability (≤1% FSO), supported by digital temperature compensation.

Kistler’s PiezoSmart technology enables automatic recognition of the miniature absolute pressure sensor by DS-compatible amplifiers, reducing the risk of incorrect setup and configuration. The system also uses model-based digital temperature compensation to adjust the output signal in real time according to sensor temperature, improving accuracy and response. In addition, it allows for continuous monitoring of sensor temperature.

In related news, Evonik opens lab to develop EV motor materials for Asia-Pacific market

Toyota Hydrogen Solutions has announced that its fuel cells have earned ANSI/CSA FC 1 and ANSI/CSA FC 6 certification.

The certifications validate the specific safety and compliance standards set forth by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and CSA Group, a worldwide standards organization based in Canada.

“With our stationary Toyota fuel cell earning ANSI/CSA FC 1 and FC 6 certifications, there’s now a significantly lower barrier to adoption [of stationary power generator applications],” said Thibaut de Barros Conti, vice president of Toyota Hydrogen Solutions. “These rigorous certifications should put customers at ease when it comes time for their businesses to make investments into more environmentally conscious power generation.”

Hydrogen fuel cells provide an alternative to traditional combustion power generation, with potentially lower environmental impact, depending on how the hydrogen is produced. They work by combining gaseous hydrogen and oxygen in an electrochemical process to produce electricity, resulting in only water vapor as exhaust.

Stationary fuel cell power generators are often allowed to operate with fewer restrictions than traditional internal combustion generators, given they create no carbon emissions at the point of use and produce fewer sound emissions. As fuel cells are often allowed to operate without interruption as long as there’s a fuel source, they can help with peak shaving – augmenting the electrical grid – or even serve as a remote power source in areas not connected to a grid, such as disaster response sites or remote facilities.

In related news, BorgWarner secures long-term supply agreement with off-highway OEM

Evonik has announced the opening of its PEEK Rectangular Magnet Wire Lab. Built to serve the needs of major Chinese and Asian markets, the lab will focus on research and innovation for polyether ether ketone (PEEK) powder-based applications for electric motors – especially for new-energy vehicles (NEVs) such as hybrid electric or fully electric-drive vehicles.

“The NEV industry chain in China and across Asia-Pacific is rapidly moving upmarket and globalizing, raising the bar for performance limits and delivery speed of critical materials,” said Jinhong Zhang, vice president and general manager of the high-performance polymers business line in Evonik’s Asia-Pacific region. “This lab will support our work with partners to advance the large-scale adoption of Vestakeep PEEK solutions in electric-drive systems, magnet wires and equipment. The aim is to further develop our range of Vestakeep PEEK solutions to withstand even higher temperatures, higher voltages and more demanding operating conditions, and, as such, provide strong support for improved efficiency and enhanced reliability of NEV electric-drive systems.”

The Evonik PEEK Rectangular Magnet Wire Lab will focus on key technical challenges in magnet wire applications, including processing-parameter optimization, coating-structure design, improved adhesion performance and control of dimensions and concentricity.

In collaboration with third-party organizations, the lab will carry out reliability tests on key electrical properties such as breakdown voltage (BDV), partial discharge inception voltage (PDIV), corona resistance and oil-aging resistance, providing material assurance for safe, long-term operation of NEV electric-drive systems. The lab will also be used for sample preparation, validation of new PEEK formulations, and benchmarking against standard products, helping customers accelerate new product development and qualification.

As NEV drive systems evolve toward higher power density, higher efficiency and greater reliability, magnet wires used in motors face increasingly stringent demands regarding heat resistance, electrical performance and the long-term stability of insulation materials.

“By establishing this magnet wire application laboratory, Evonik hopes to work more closely with customers and value-chain partners,” added Felix Teng, director of innovation management for the high-performance polymers business line in Evonik’s Asia-Pacific region. “Our aim is to translate the material performance advantages that Vestakeep PEEK has in motor magnet wire applications into full-system solutions that can be verified through testing and scaled up for mass production.”

In related news, Renault announces first European production car with in-wheel motors