BorgWarner has secured a contract to supply its latest-generation integrated drive module to a global OEM, with production scheduled to begin in 2027. According to the company, the award reflects continued demand for its integrated electrified propulsion technology.

“This award reflects BorgWarner’s continued commitment to delivering advanced electrified drive solutions through the strength of our global technology portfolio and localized capabilities,” said Isabelle McKenzie, vice president of BorgWarner and president and general manager, PowerDrive Systems. “We are proud to support our customer with a scalable, high-performance e-drive platform that addresses their evolving mobility needs.”

The solution features BorgWarner’s latest three-in-one integrated coaxial drive system, combining an advanced e-motor, gearbox and fully-integrated GenIV inverter in a compact, high-performance package. The GenIV inverter incorporates BorgWarner’s latest-generation Viper D power switch technology, further strengthening system competitiveness through lower switching losses and higher current capability, improving the efficiency of the overall e-drive system.

The system also features a next-generation, highly integrated coaxial gearbox with a compact layout that improves vehicle packaging flexibility as well as an oil-cooled motor designed to meet demanding performance requirements. In addition, the integrated park system is designed to meet stringent safety targets and regulatory requirements.

Built for a lighter and more compact platform architecture, the new system further improves packaging efficiency and design flexibility. Its building-block hardware and software integration strategy enables a highly scalable platform that can be adapted to diverse customer requirements, helping reduce development complexity, shorten development cycles and optimize cost.

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Nissan has announced a multi-year agreement to supply its Formula E GEN4 powertrain to Andretti Formula E from Season 13 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship onward.

Formula E is a key pillar of Nissan’s global electrification strategy, making success in the championship an important part of the company’s long-term ambitions. As one of Formula E’s longest-standing competitors, Andretti Formula E has consistently competed at the front of the field, securing the 2023 FIA Formula E Drivers’ World Championship with Jake Dennis.

Beyond supplying powertrains, Nissan and Andretti Formula E will work closely throughout the GEN4 era, combining technical expertise, engineering knowledge and sporting experience. With four Nissan-powered cars competing in the series, the organizations say the collaboration will create valuable opportunities for technical exchange and continuous development, helping them both maximize performance in one of world motorsport’s most competitive championships.

Guillaume Cartier, chief performance officer at Nissan Motor, said, “Formula E continues to play an important role within Nissan’s global electrification strategy. Our collaboration with Andretti Formula E and TWG Motorsports supports our goals in the sport and strengthens our commitment to the championship. We look forward to leveraging each other’s expertise to achieve success on and off the track, demonstrating our leadership in our respective industries and generating excitement to audiences around the world.”

The collaboration also benefits from the expertise of two FIA Formula E Drivers’ World Champions. Reigning title holder Oliver Rowland and Andretti Formula E’s Jake Dennis will both contribute their experience and technical feedback as the partnership develops through the GEN4 era.

Roger Griffiths, team principal at Andretti Formula E, added, “With a motorsports legacy lasting over 80 years and multiple wins and championships across a diverse range of categories including the current Formula E World Drivers’ Championship, Nissan has more than proven its pedigree at the highest echelons of the sport. As an early pioneer of electric vehicles, Nissan has developed vast knowledge in this category and, through its time in Formula E, has shown how immensely competitive it can be. It’s these characteristics that align so well with the approach of Andretti Formula E and why we are extremely proud to be aligned with the Japanese manufacturer entering the highly anticipated GEN4 era in Formula E.

Tommaso Volpe, managing director and team principal of the Nissan Formula E Team, concluded, “We’re delighted to welcome Andretti Formula E as our customer team for the GEN4 era. Formula E is an increasingly competitive championship, and having a strong partner is an important part of maximizing both performance and technical development. Andretti is one of the most successful names in motorsport, including Formula E, where it has established itself as one of the leading teams in the sport, consistently competing at the front and securing a Drivers’ World Championship. We look forward to working closely together and building a strong partnership.”

In related news, InfiMotion makes global debut as independent e-drive supplier

Intelligent e-drive systems manufacturer InfiMotion Technology hosted a technology showcase in Wuxi, China, on July 16, marking its first public appearance as an independent supplier to the global automotive industry. The company highlighted its capabilities across research and development, validation testing and precision manufacturing for new-energy vehicle (NEV) drivetrain systems.

Joe Lin, CEO of InfiMotion Technology, said, “We have spent years perfecting our e‑drive technology for leading global auto makers, and we are now ready to stand on our own as a trusted partner for the wider market.”

Engineering without borders 

InfiMotion’s R&D network spans Wuxi, Shanghai, Ningbo, Hangzhou and Gothenburg, comprising more than 1,000 engineers, including a team of over 100 in Sweden. According to the company, its development and validation activities cover a range of operating conditions, including high-speed testing on European highways, cold-weather testing in the Nordic region and high-temperature testing in Southeast Asia to support global vehicle applications.

Extreme testing 

InfiMotion adheres to ASPICE Level 3 processes and ASIL-D (ISO 26262) certification. Its validation system includes temperature cycling from -60°C to 140°C, 1,500-hour salt-spray tests and 2,500-hour comprehensive endurance runs – with over 9,000 individual test items required for one European premium brand. The company’s CNAS-accredited testing center houses the world’s first 30,000rpm motor test bench.

Manufacturing 

The company operates five smart manufacturing bases across China (Wuxi, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Quzhou, and Jiaxing), with motor line automation reaching 95%. SMT accuracy is held to ±25μm, measurement instruments resolve down to 0.1μm, and an AI-driven visual inspection system detects defects as small as 20μm.

From Wuxi to the world 

InfiMotion produces e-drive systems from 400V to 900V, across a range of vehicle segments, from compact passenger cars to high-performance vehicles. The company operates across China, Europe and Malaysia with vertically integrated capabilities spanning key components through to complete systems. According to InfiMotion, it ranked among China’s top three suppliers by motor and inverter shipments in the first half of 2026, with its production systems supplying manufacturers including Geely, Volvo and JLR.

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Mahle says it is accelerating the electrification of road transportation with the upcoming launch of its new range-extender system for heavy electric (BEV) trucks and its Mahle Contactless Transmitter (MCT) electric motor developed for use on the electric drive axles of heavy commercial vehicles.

The company will present its technologies at IAA Transportation, which is to be held in Hannover from September 15 to 20.

Range-extender system

Range extender electric trucks combine the sustainability of electric drive systems with the flexibility and range of the internal combustion engine (ICE). “Time and energy are limited, valuable resources, especially in road transport business; only operators who work economically can survive,” said Arnd Franz, chairman of the group management board and CEO of Mahle. “With electrification products, Mahle can help make heavy trucks more efficient and flexible at the same time as reducing operating expenses.”

The key component of the new system is an efficient high-voltage generator with a continuous output of 110kW and a peak output of up to 130kW, driven by a compact ICE. The high-voltage generator supplies reliable power to the electric drive system even on difficult trips with a full load. Its architecture can be adapted easily to the performance requirements of a variety of applications and regional markets.

Featuring a newly developed advanced oil cooling system, the generator has a power density of more than 7kW per kilogram, allowing a high power output with reduced weight and simplified interfaces.

The system is a self-contained unit integrating a generator, ICE, thermal and fluid management systems, fuel tank, AdBlue tank and exhaust aftertreatment. Designed to fit within the battery installation space of a battery-electric truck, it can be integrated into existing BEV platforms while replacing around one-third of the battery capacity. According to Mahle, this reduces rear axle load by approximately 400kg and overall vehicle weight by around 600kg. The company says the configuration enables a driving range of more than 800km, with roughly half provided by the battery and the remainder by the range extender.

Under real-life operating conditions, the truck emits about 80% less CO₂ in range-extender operation than a truck with a conventional drive system. If the ICE, which is biofuel-ready, is operated with renewable fuels such as the advanced HVO100 bio-diesel, the truck has virtually zero CO₂ emissions.

A comprehensive thermal management system with 48kW of high-temperature and 15kW of low-temperature cooling capacity ensures stable operation of the range extender system under heavy-duty operating conditions. For the ICE engine, Mahle has continued the development of components to reduce fuel consumption and operating costs.

“Our range extender is the key to disconnecting the market ramp-up of battery-electric trucks from the inadequate pace of infrastructure development,” said Dr Marco Warth, the vice president of Mahle Corporate Research and Advanced Engineering. “If the charging station is busy, or alternative routes are called for as a result of weather conditions or congestion, and infrastructure reaches its limits, other fleets can be stranded; an e-truck with range extender just carries on. Operational availability is maintained, even under peak conditions.”

MCT electric motor for heavy commercial vehicles

The MCT electric motor was developed for use on the electric drive axles of heavy commercial vehicles. It is not equipped with permanent magnets and therefore does not require any rare earth elements. Compared with a benchmark permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), the MCT electric motor saves up to 3kg of rare earth magnets per vehicle. The elimination of rare earth magnets reduces the environmental footprint of the electric drive system.

In real-life driving conditions, the new motor is 10% lighter and more efficient than permanently excited electric motors with magnets. Compared with the permanently excited variant, it reportedly offers higher efficiency within a significantly larger operating envelope covering a variety of driving situations. The MCT electric motor has a peak output of 370kW and torque of over 900Nm at 3,900rpm. The motor efficiency in the VECTO cycle, an EU simulation tool for determining the fuel efficiency of new vehicles, is about 95%.

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Molicel has launched the INR-21700-P70X cell, part of its PX series, to “bridge the gap” between lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors, the company said. The cell has a stated capacity of 7,000mAh, energy density of 340Wh/kg and continuous discharge rate of up to 30C.

Molicel’s cells have previously been used in performance-focused projects such as the McMurtry Spéirling electric hypercar.

The cell was launched at the Advanced Automotive Battery Conference (AABC) Europe 2026 and comes as BEV growth slows and auto makers increasingly shift investment toward hybrid models. In its 2026 outlook, the International Energy Agency (IEA) highlights this shift, noting that manufacturers are actively prioritizing hybrids. In response, a surge in hybrid demand is redefining key regions: in the USA, hybrids neared 20% of new vehicle sales volume by late 2025 according to CNBC, while in Europe, they captured a 24% market share based on International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) data.

Concurrently, the Asia-Pacific region asserted its market dominance, capturing 51.67% of the global hybrid vehicle market value across all segments, including mild, full and plug-in hybrids. The multi-regional momentum is propelling the global hybrid vehicle market from US$335.21bn in 2026 to a projected US$570.78bn by 2034.

This market shift is changing battery requirements for next-generation hybrid vehicles, which demand both high energy density and high power output. According to Molicel, the INR-21700-P70X has been designed to address these requirements, delivering a peak power output of 900W for up to five seconds to support rapid acceleration, such as during overtaking, while also enabling high-power energy recovery under heavy regenerative braking.

The company also states that the cell can transition to high-power output in under 200µs, providing a response comparable to a supercapacitor and supporting repeated high-frequency power pulses with minimal performance degradation.

“The global automotive landscape is undergoing a profound diversification, where the demand for immediate, high-frequency burst power has become paramount,” said Casey Shiue, president of Molicel. “Our next-generation PX series isn’t just an evolutionary upgrade; by blending supercapacitor-like responsiveness with the high energy density of lithium-ion, we are redefining what hybrid powertrains can achieve in terms of raw power, safety and lifespan.”

The INR-21700-P70X has passed the UL9540A thermal runaway evaluation, a widely used safety test for energy storage systems. The company attributes the cell’s performance to its single-crystal cathode technology, which it says reduces exothermic heat generation by nearly 50% compared with conventional polycrystalline materials.

Molicel also stated  that, during abuse testing, the cells emitted smoke rather than undergoing an immediate catastrophic rupture, helping to delay thermal propagation. The company said these characteristics are intended to enhance safety in applications ranging from data center battery backup units (BBUs) to next-generation hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).

Furthermore, unlike BEVs that undergo deep daily cycles, hybrids subject batteries to hundreds of thousands of rapid, shallow fluctuations. In testing mimicking this environment under a supercapacitor profile, Molicel’s PX series retained 96% capacity after 1,000,000 cycles (+10C for 10s/-2C for 110s, cut-off temperature 83°C).

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Volkswagen has unveiled the ID Cross, an all-electric compact SUV built on the MEB+ platform, the latest iteration of the auto maker’s modular electric drive. The vehicle will be offered with three motor outputs (85kW/114hp, 99kW/133hp and 155kW/208hp) and two battery sizes (37kWh LFP and 52kWh NMC), with a WLTP range of up to 427km. DC fast charging from 10-80% takes roughly 23 minutes for the smaller batter and 24 minutes for the larger one. The car uses VW’s new Innovision infotainment system.

Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, head of the Brand Group Core and member of the group board of management, said, “The ID Cross brings together technological expertise, clean design, impressive, intricate solutions and genuine all-rounder qualities – all for excellent value for money. These are ideal conditions for a new success story from Volkswagen.”

The ID Cross measures 4,153mm long, 1,581mm tall and 1,794mm wide, with a 2,601mm wheelbase. The MEB+ platform gives it more interior and cargo space than the combustion-engine T-Cross, offering 475 liters of trunk space, 20 liters more than the T-Cross, including additional storage under the variable boot floor. The car also has a 25-liter front storage compartment.

The ID Cross places the Digital Cockpit Pro, a 26cm/10.25in driver display, and the 32.8cm infotainment touchscreen along a single horizontal line. Pressing the view button on the steering wheel activates a retro display mode styled after the Golf Mk1, showing a classic-style speedometer and a right-hand gauge that displays energy output/consumption rather than engine RPM, styled as a powermeter. Modern functions like dynamic road sign display are integrated into this retro layout as well.

The vehicle includes driver-assist systems as standard, with next-generation Travel Assist available as an option. Because the optional system uses online data, VW has renamed it Connected Travel Assist. It’s able to detect red traffic lights and can automatically bring the car to a stop, within the system’s limits. The car also offers One Pedal Driving, which decelerates the vehicle using only the accelerator pedal. Smart parking aids that make maneuvering even easier are also available.

Particular attention was paid to ride comfort and driving stability when developing the ID Cross. The suspension specially tuned for the electric front-wheel drive combines precise and safe handling with high long-distance comfort, said VW, and the high-quality dampers, comfort-optimized suspension components and numerous measures to reduce noise and vibrations ensure a “pleasantly quiet driving experience”. In addition, there is direct steering response and a finely tuned brake system that impresses with a natural pedal feel.

The ID Cross is offered in Germany in three trim levels. The base Trend trim includes standard 90kW DC fast charging. The Life trim adds 18in alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control, a rear-view camera and a junction assistant. The top Style trim adds IQ.Light LED matrix headlamps with an illuminated light strip, 3D LED rear lights, illuminated VW logos, heated seats and steering wheel, personalized interior trim and keyless start/locking.

The ID Cross offers optional features not available on the T-Cross or, Volkswagen said, on several competitors in the segment. These include a 425W Harman Kardon sound system with 10 speakers and a subwoofer, and a pneumatic massage function for the electrically adjustable 12-way front seats, with three selectable massage programs. A 74 x 90cm panoramic roof can also be integrated, which extends into the rear of the cabin, with an electric sunshade for dimming.

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Cupra has appeared at the 2026 Festival of Speed with a range of motorsport and road car announcements, including an extended partnership with Kiro for its Formula E program, the debut of the new Cupra Leon VZ e-Hybrid Racer, the Gen4 Formula E car and the fully electric Raval in right-hand drive. The company positions motorsport as a development platform for its road-car technology.

Formula E

After two successful seasons together, Cupra has extended its Spanish-American partnership with Silverstone-based Kiro Race. The agreement will see Cupra Kiro continue competing together in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. The team is set to enter the new Gen4 era of Formula E with the latest Porsche 975 RSE.

At the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2026, Cupra Kiro will unveil its Gen4 Formula E car in a striking Energy Flow livery created exclusively for the event.

Season 13 of Formula E introduces the Gen4 regulations, delivering the fastest and most advanced Formula E cars to date. Power increases to 600kW (816ps), while permanent active all-wheel drive (AWD) enhances performance and efficiency. The Gen4 car will exceed 335km/h and accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 1.8 seconds.

British driver Dan Ticktum will take the championship’s new-generation display car up the famous 1.87km Goodwood Hillclimb on Sunday.

 From street to racetrack

The second pillar of Cupra’s Festival of Speed debut is the Cupra Leon VZ e-Hybrid Racer. Finished in a matching livery, it draws inspiration from Formula E, offering, the company says, a compelling vision of the future of touring-car racing.

The Leon VZ e-Hybrid Racer is a Cupra concept car combining an electric motor (from the Raval), combustion engine (from the Leon VZ) and battery tech (from the Leon PHEV). It’s positioned as a test vehicle exploring a hybrid racing format that blends ETCR-style electric boost strategy with the lower cost and established tech of traditional touring car racing.

The Leon VZ e-Hybrid Racer is designed for sprint-format wheel-to-wheel racing. Drivers must manage tire wear, power delivery and energy use during races.

The e-Hybrid racing prototype produces up to 370kW (500ps) combined output: a 2.0-liter combustion engine (250kW) plus a rear electric motor (120kW) paired with a 6-speed sequential paddle-shift gearbox. Cupra states 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 265km/h.

Cupra Raval

The right-hand-drive Cupra Raval will launch in the UK in summer 2026, with a maximum range of up to 450km, depending on trim and battery.

The Cupra Raval is a 4m-long hatchback, designed, developed and produced in Barcelona and named after the city’s Raval neighborhood. It’s built on the Volkswagen Group’s new MEB+ platform, shared across the group’s Electric Urban Car family.

All Raval models feature a sport chassis lowered by 15mm, tuned suspension, progressive steering and ESC sport (electronic stability control). The Raval VZ produces 166kW (226hp) and adds 19in alloy wheels, electric memory bucket seats in vegan leather, matrix LED headlights, DCC sport suspension and an electronic limited-slip differential. The Raval is available in multiple trims and colors, with ambient lighting and door projections running on Android OS.

In related news, MG announces roadmap focusing on Plug-in Hybrid+ and SolidCore Battery

The new Polestar 4 SUV builds on the success of the Polestar 4 Coupe, offering an added layer of flexibility and practicality, with versatile storage capabilities for every journey, while retaining the design, performance and sustainability credentials that define the coupe.

Michael Lohscheller, Polestar CEO, said, “Polestar 4 has quickly established itself as a favourite among our customers, and we’ve seen strong demand from drivers who want distinctive design and performance combined with great practicality.

“With Polestar 4 SUV, we’re building on that success by offering even more versatility, while staying true to the Polestar 4 character. Wrapped in a stunning design, this is a car I’ve been looking forward to sharing with the world.”

The Polestar 4 SUV and Coupe feature retuned chassis components aimed at improving driving dynamics. The 400V architecture delivers a range of up to 630km (WLTP) in rear motor variants and up to 544hp in dual motor models.

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Building on more than a century of innovation, MG has unveiled its latest technology roadmap, outlining how the brand will continue to bring advanced electrification and intelligent driving technologies to a wider audience.

Focusing on powertrain and ADAS development, the roadmap focuses on the next-generation MG Plug-in Hybrid+ technology and the introduction of MG SolidCore Battery technology for Plug-in Hybrid+ models.

New Plug-in Hybrid+ technology 

The Plug-in Hybrid+ system is built around a new generation of dedicated hybrid petrol engines, available in 1.1-liter and 1.5-liter turbocharged variants, achieving maximum thermal efficiencies of more than 42% and 43% respectively.

The engines work in conjunction with a new hybrid transmission incorporating two core technologies: power split and motor decoupling, designed to optimize fuel and electrical energy efficiency.

Power Split technology distributes power between the engine and electric motors, continuously adjusting energy flow according to driving conditions to enable the powertrain to operate efficiently without the constraints of a fixed-ratio transmission. Motor decoupling introduces a disconnect mechanism that isolates the generator during pure electric driving, reducing drag and improving electric drive efficiency.

The Plug-in Hybrid+ system automatically selects the the optimum operating mode across the full speed range, using electric drive at low speeds, power split operation at medium speeds and direct engine drive at higher speeds. This operating strategy is designed to maintain engine thermal efficiency above 40% across approximately 90% of driving conditions, while achieving up to 90% electric drive efficiency regardless of battery charge level.

The powertrain accelerates from 0-62mph in under six seconds, with 50-75mph acceleration taking as little as 3.5 seconds. Torque delivery has also been revised, with hill-start capability improved by up to 72% compared with the previous system.

By eliminating generator idling during pure electric driving, Motor Decoupling technology reduces noise, vibration and harshness by up to 5dB in EV mode compared with conventional plug-in hybrid systems.

Plug-in Hybrid+ models will also benefit from this new technology, beginning in 2027 with the launch of the MG ZS Plug-in Hybrid+.

SolidCore battery for Plug-in Hybrid+ models

MG has confirmed that its SolidCore Battery technology will be introduced across future Plug-in Hybrid+ models.

Built around a semi-solid-state architecture incorporating a 3D spinel structure, the SolidCore Battery delivers higher energy conversion efficiency and faster power response than conventional liquid-electrolyte batteries, MG said, adding that it is optimized for Plug-in Hybrid+ applications, offering more consistent power delivery, improved range stability and more stable performance across varying speeds, driving scenarios and climate conditions.

By maintaining stable battery output across a range of operating conditions, the SolidCore Battery technology supports more consistent vehicle performance regardless of speed, driving scenario or ambient temperature, contributing to the overall efficiency of the Plug-in Hybrid+ system, MG said.

The SolidCore Battery technology reduces the impact of low temperatures and depleted battery charge on vehicle performance, addressing some of the limitations commonly associated with plug-in hybrid vehicles.

The first MG Plug-in Hybrid+ models to feature SolidCore Battery technology will be three new SUVs in the B, C and D segment categories.

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Following the introduction of a 75kWh version earlier this year, Nissan has announced a new 52kWh battery option for its UK-built, all-electric Leaf.

The new battery option, available on Engage and Advance grades, offers a range of up to 280 miles on a single charge (WLTP) and one of the highest miles-per-kWh ratios of any EV currently on sale in the UK.

Aditya Moorthy, product marketing manager at Nissan Motor GB, said, “We are excited to introduce the new 52kWh battery option on the All-New Nissan Leaf, offering up to 280 miles of range (WLTP). Designed for everyday driving, it combines confident electric performance with the comfort, technology and practicality customers expect from Leaf.”

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