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

Renault Group and Protean Electric have confirmed that the Renault brand will use Protean as the supplier of in-wheel motors (IWMs) on its electric mini-supercar, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, making it the first European passenger car to enter production fitted with in-wheel motors.

The rebirth of the Renault 5 Turbo has been enabled by a state-of-the-art IWM drive system, with the Protean Drive technology being used to meet the vehicle’s demanding power and torque requirements. The IWM system delivers 555hp directly to the rear wheels, enabling 0-100km/h acceleration in under 3.5 seconds.

Philippe Krief, chief executive officer of Renault’s Alpine brand, explained, “The team has been working hard to offer enthusiasts a retro road supercar with the Renault 5 Turbo 3E. One of the key unique selling points is the in-wheel motors that we have developed together with Protean, who offered us the world-leading IWM technology for this exciting project. We are delighted to be working with them to deliver the legacy of the iconic Renault 5 Turbo in all-electric form.”

Andrew Whitehead, chief executive officer at Protean Electric, added, “We are thrilled to see Protean’s in-wheel motor technology being integrated into such an iconic vehicle as the Renault 5 Turbo 3E. This collaboration represents a significant milestone for the future of vehicle electrification as it shows clearly in-wheel motors have no limits. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Renault Group as they seek to use in-wheel motors to deliver better electric vehicles for their customers.”

More details of the project will be presented at the 2026 International Vienna Motor Symposium, where both companies will deliver papers on vehicle and powertrain development.

In recent news, FIA and Formula E debut Gen4 car with major gains in performance, speed and sustainability

The Gen4 Formula E car has run its debut in front of a select audience at Circuit Paul Ricard, signaling the beginning of a new era for electric motorsport.

Brought by Formula E and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the all-new next-generation machine will act as the foundation that will be further developed and then raced by the teams and manufacturers in the 2026/27 season of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

Capable of reaching speeds in excess of 335kph, 0-100kph in approximately 1.8 seconds and 0-200kph in just 4.4 seconds – 1.5 seconds faster than its predecessor – GEN4 will deliver 50% more power in race mode than the current Gen3 Evo race car.

Formula E predicts the Gen4 car will be an average of 10 seconds faster per lap than the Gen3 in qualifying mode. In Attack Mode, Gen4 produces up to 600kW of power, a 71% increase in base output over the Gen3 Evo, delivering performance that pushes the limits of electric racing. Gen4 is the only single-seater race car with permanent all-wheel drive.

The on-track demonstration highlighted Gen4’s performance in real conditions, with overtaking laps against Gen1, Gen2 and Gen3 models showing a clear step forward in capability. Set to debut in the 2026/27 season, Gen4 is expected to deliver lap times at least five seconds faster on street circuits than the Gen3 Evo.

In addition to outright performance, sustainability remains a central pillar of innovation for Gen4, which will be the world’s first racing car that is 100% recyclable, with at least 20% recycled materials across key components. Its tires are made from 65% natural and recycled materials, including 30% certified natural rubber, and the battery contains no rare earth minerals. At a broader level, Formula E remains the first global sport certified to the BSI Net Zero Pathway Standard and the first motorsport series in the world to achieve B Corp Certification.

Jeff Dodds, CEO, Formula E, said, “Gen4 isn’t just a car, it’s a statement of intent. Seeing what it can do on track for the first time is a real milestone for Formula E – we are now delivering performance levels that were thought impossible for electric vehicles just five years ago. The step up in performance is immediately clear, from the speed and power to the way it delivers on track, and there was a genuine buzz among everyone who witnessed it. This is a hugely exciting moment for the championship as we head into the upcoming 2026/27 season, and a clear signal of where we are headed.”

Dodds continued, “This is just the beginning, as its refinement is now in the hands of our manufacturers – Porsche, Jaguar, Stellantis, Nissan, Lola Cars and Mahindra – to push development to even higher limits of performance ahead of its racing debut later this year. Gen4 isn’t just an evolution, it’s a step change in innovation and performance that will redefine motorsport for years to come.”

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president, FIA added, “The new Gen4 Formula E car marks a significant step forward for electric racing, setting a new global benchmark for performance, innovation and sustainability.”

He continued, “collaboration has been central to the development of this car, and it will continue to be at the heart of a new era for the championship defined by greater performance, road relevance and excitement. We are redefining what is possible alongside some of the world’s biggest automotive manufacturers using the laboratory of motorsport.”

Gen4 will also introduce enhanced safety features, including a wider cockpit for increased hand clearance and power steering to help mitigate steering loads during impacts, while intensifying the driver challenge at the highest level of motorsport. It has also been designed with improved adjustability in the driving position, helping to level the playing field and re-engineering the sport for inclusivity at the top level.

Related news, Project Cavendish: Mahle hydrogen-fueled 13-liter engine matches diesel performance

BorgWarner has secured a seven-year contract extension to supply eight families of engine, machine, power module and battery management system controllers to a world-leading off-highway manufacturer, running through December 2032. The extension builds on decades of partnership with the OEM and spans a broad range of applications, from construction vehicles and marine platforms to stationary power systems.

“BorgWarner has an outstanding relationship with this leading off-highway manufacturer, a customer we have been supplying critical parts to for several decades, and we are thrilled to continue to grow with them as their volumes increase for various market segments and applications,” said Dr Stefan Demmerle, vice president of BorgWarner and president and general manager of PowerDrive Systems. “This contract expansion validates our position as a trusted, long-term propulsion partner that is agile enough to support them and provide tailored solutions as they expand into new, emerging markets.”

BorgWarner’s engine controllers are engineered to enable efficient combustion and minimized emissions across large diesel applications, supporting a wide range of sensors, actuators and heavy-duty injection systems. The company’s machine controllers process operator inputs to precisely direct actuators that control machine movement, ensuring smooth, safe operation in demanding environments such as excavation and construction. BorgWarner will also supply power module controllers for the manufacturer’s electric machines and battery management system controllers.

In related news, Project Cavendish: Mahle hydrogen-fueled 13-liter engine matches diesel performance

Mahle Powertrain has achieved a major milestone in Project Cavendish, successfully converting a 13-liter heavy-duty engine to run purely on hydrogen. The converted engine has matched the maximum torque of the diesel baseline engine, and measured engine-out NOX suggests that emissions can be readily maintained below 0.2g/kWh across the entire engine operating map using existing aftertreatment technology.

Launched in early 2023, Project Cavendish is a £9.8m (US$13.2m) program supported by the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) to develop end-to-end hydrogen powertrain capability for heavy-duty applications and enable the UK’s transition to net zero transportation. As part of the project, Mahle Powertrain has upgraded its testing infrastructure in Northampton for hydrogen operation.

“This milestone demonstrates that hydrogen combustion has a place as a clean fuel in the heavy-duty market,” said Jonathan Hall, head of research and advanced engineering at Mahle Powertrain. “Achieving the target torque and low raw engine-out emissions from a hydrogen-fueled 13-liter heavy-duty engine represents a significant step forward, both for Mahle Powertrain and for the wider industry, as we move toward practical hydrogen combustion solutions for heavy-duty applications.”

Achieving target torque is just the first step, says Mahle; the bigger challenge in hydrogen combustion is controlling NOX emissions. The measured raw engine-out emissions of its converted engine are very low and the addition of a simple selective catalytic reduction (SCR) aftertreatment system will enable the tailpipe emissions to be significantly less than EU VII limits. The measured particulate emissions were negligible and readily manageable using existing particulate filter technology. The results demonstrate that hydrogen combustion engines offer a practical, fast-to-market pathway toward zero-carbon heavy-duty transportation.

Project Cavendish also aims to facilitate wider hydrogen adoption by creating opportunities for external partners to undertake hydrogen engine testing at Mahle Powertrain’s facility in Northampton. The site serves as a center of excellence for the design, development, calibration and testing of all aspects of hydrogen and renewable-fuel powertrain engineering. Mahle Powertrain has reported growing interest from new customers and expects commercialization of its hydrogen and renewable fuels infrastructure to expand significantly over the coming year.

The project brings together expertise from Mahle Powertrain, Phinia, BorgWarner, Cambustion, Hartridge and Oxford Brookes University to deliver the next generation of hydrogen combustion technology.

In related news, Marelli showcases latest propulsion and thermal management innovations

Supplying technologies that support vehicle makers across the powertrain evolution, Marelli will showcase its latest e-Transmission Cooling Pump, a system engineered to deliver precise, on-demand oil cooling for modern transmissions. The solution maximizes efficiency, enabling a 30-watt saving compared with the main market benchmark.

With solutions for different propulsion configurations and regional requirements, Marelli will highlight a selection of innovations among the solutions at its booth at Auto China 2026.

The company’s latest e-Transmission Cooling Pump technology is based on a modular solution for transmission control, designed and optimized specifically for e-axles and dedicated hybrid transmissions (DHT), which offers high efficiency (40%), seamless integration and a competitive cost. Leveraging a flexible design which uses brushless technology and integrated electronics, the same base module can also support other multiple applications at the transmission level.

Among its main features, the technology delivers operational efficiency, minimizes energy consumption and improves both electric and fuel economy. Designed for compatibility with mechanical and electronic environments, the solution reduces integration and validation costs. Available in both 12-volt and 48-volt variants, it is the first application of Marelli’s modular smart actuator concept that will address a wide range of automotive applications, ensuring compatibility with current vehicle architectures and emerging multivoltage platforms.

Marelli will also showcase its flex fuel system, which addresses the demand for sustainable, high-performance 3- and 4-cylinder engines by enabling the use of biofuels and ethanol. Automatic fuel detection optimizes fuel efficiency and emission performance, while integrated fuel rail heaters ensure reliable cold starts. The system delivers enhanced flexibility, reduced environmental impact and design and manufacturing tailored to regional market requirements.

Thermal management

In addition to propulsion solutions, Marelli will also present innovations from its Green Technologies division, which focuses on optimizing vehicle thermal energy and exhaust gas management.

Merelli will highlight a selection of technologies designed to maximize thermal efficiency for hybrid and electric powertrains, including the High-Performance Chiller, which enhances battery thermal management in electrified vehicles. Compared with previous designs, the solution delivers higher heat exchange performance, improving battery temperature control and energy efficiency. These gains are achieved through an ultra-fine inner fin structure and a lightweight design, which allow compact dimensions and more uniform refrigerant flow. The system supports high charging rates, while offering strong cost advantages.

The eAxle Oil Cooler is a lightweight and efficient solution for effective heat exchange. It features a new inner fin design that enables compact size and improved thermal performance, combined with an optimized dimple structure that increases water flow speed and reduces dead water areas, boosting cooling efficiency. The miniaturized design delivers space and weight savings, offers flexibility to accommodate different layouts and provides cost advantages while meeting stringent performance standards.

Finally, the company will feature the Full Aluminum Radiator, a solution for electric powertrains. The low-temperature radiator is designed to support efficient and reliable battery cooling for new energy vehicles. The solution enables high heat transfer performance and flexible layout, offering reduced costs and faster cooling.

Auto China 2026 will take place in Beijing from April 24 to May 3.

Related news, HBK integrates torque and NVH testing to enhance end-of-line automotive quality control

To help automotive manufacturers improve their acoustic, vibration and mechanical performance processes, Hottinger Brüel & Kjær (HBK) has combined its Discom NVH end‑of‑line (EOL) testing tool with its torque measurement technology.

EOL NVH testing plays a critical role in modern automotive manufacturing, verifying the acoustic and dynamic behavior of every unit in production. To support this function, HBK’s NVH EOL solutions have been designed to detect noise, vibration and functional defects before shipment, ensure quality products and enable fast, automated pass/fail decisions.

The integration of torque and speed measurement into the NVH test process provides manufacturers with additional insight into mechanical behavior at EOL. The T40Lite torque transducer has been optimized for EOL test benches, so it integrates directly into the Discom NVH system, enabling combined torque, speed, vibration and acoustic measurements. This combined approach supports early detection of imbalance, misalignment and wear, which helps prevent downstream quality issues in series production.

Discom by HBK provides a complete end‑of‑line testing solution from a single source, integrating sensors, front‑end hardware, PC racks, analysis software and a big data/AI interface. The system supports 100% testing of e-drive systems, transmissions, gearboxes, actuators, combustion engines, turbochargers, bearings and durability applications, delivering reliable and reproducible measurements under real production conditions.

In related news, Volvo begins on-road testing of hydrogen ICE heavy trucks