The agenda covered simulation, data management, diagnostics and test automation, with discussions underscoring interoperability, simulation credibility and data‑centric development. These themes emerged across sessions on ASAM standards OpenDrive, OpenScenario, OSI, ODS, SOVD, XIL, OTX, CMP, and digital‑twin integration through the Asset Administration Shell (AAS).

Cross-standard harmonization and the need to align toolchains across domains, suppliers and development stages remain priorities, with speakers citing inconsistent interpretations of ASAM specifications as a cause of fragmentation. Updates included co‑simulation workflows, higher‑fidelity OpenX modeling, interoperable data management, modular measurement architectures, digital‑twin concepts, ODD taxonomies and simulation‑quality assessment.

Regional updates and roadmap

Updates from ASAM’s ambassadors in China, Korea, Japan and the USA were shared by CATARC technical director Bolin Zhou, IVH CEO Daeoh Kang and ASAM Japan representative Yoshiaki Shoi. Priorities included co-simulation and merging standards in China; sensor simulation and ASAM SOVD in Japan; and study groups in South Korea supporting global application of standards, such as ASAM OpenDrive.

BMW IT specialist Michael Schwarzbach outlined the 2026 Technical Steering Committee roadmap, highlighting ODD-based testing, collaboration improvements, harmonized standards and a common ontology.

OpenX updates

ASAM technology managers Ahmed Sadek and Yash Shah (below) presented ASAM OpenX updates. Previous OpenX models defined traffic participants independently, creating toolchain inconsistencies. New concepts for ASAM’s simulation standards include combining ASAM OpenDrive with the Quantifying Simulation Quality (QSQ) initiative, and ASAM OSI adding high-fidelity sensor simulation support, such as spectral irradiance and radar waveforms. “No standard is developed in a silo,” Shah said. “We think feature-based, then collect standards experts for harmonization.”

Simulation integration

Clemens Linnhoff, founder and CTO at Persival, demonstrated co-simulation between Scenario Player and Sensor Model, with all assets linked in ASAM OpenScenario as a single source of truth.

ASAM ODS, MDF, CMP and digital twins

Technica Engineering technical fellow and head of media relations Lars Völker outlined Capture Module Protocol (ASAM CMP) improvements. “Before 2022, in‑vehicle DAQ was vendor‑specific and non‑modular. CMP 1.0 introduced modular DAQ and support for heterogeneous technologies. New use cases support raw Ethernet and define message transport across the vehicle system. Scaling HIL and test setups enables an elastic measurement infrastructure.”

Using slides from the Industrial Digital Twin Association (IDTA), Stefan Romainczyk, senior product manager at Peak Solution, said, “Today’s digital twins are proprietary and one lifecycle element, whereas future twins have a complete lifecycle with efficient scaling. With ASAM ODS, AAS can create a comprehensive data profile for digital twins – standardized interoperability improves predictive maintenance, time and cost.”

SDV diagnostics updates

Following the launch of ASAM SOVD 1.2 in February with 29 global OEMs and suppliers, Vector Informatik manager Tobias Weidmann presented at the seminar the latest activities in the development of the standard. ISO 17978-4 Remote Access covers how to access vehicle information via authorization and defining the access path; possibilities include functional communication, new access methods to log information via a streaming interface, and large file handling via third-party service providers.

ODD taxonomy and AV deployment

Andreas Richter (below), engineering program manager – Operational Design Domains, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, outlined ASAM OpenODD implementation within MOIA America, VW’s autonomous‑mobility affiliate, formerly known as ADMT. VW Commercial Vehicles is the first group brand to introduce SAE Level 4 autonomous driving using the ID Buzz platform with integrated third‑party automated‑driving systems. Testing is underway in Hamburg and Munich in Germany, Oslo in Norway, and in Austin, Texas.

Richter noted that the industry is not always clear on ‘ODD’, ‘taxonomy’, ‘service area’ and ‘scenarios’. “To bring autonomous driving to life, we have to agree on the same terms,” he said, calling for ODD definitions that are unambiguously readable by humans and machines, supported by geodata analysis and enterprise‑ready tools for ODD and scenario management.

“ASAM OpenODD offers a taxonomy-agnostic, modular model to represent ODDs in different technical formats, [and] support development, storage and processing in a machine and human-readable way,” he explained. “Originally intended for scenario-based testing, ODD definition is now required in more process steps for developing, testing, approving and operating ADS. The ODD as a single point of knowledge ensures OEMs and authorities share definitions.”

VW’s internal elaborated ODD taxonomy demonstrates how modular definitions support understanding across organizations and regulators. The ODD management toolchain validates taxonomies and module definitions, supports multilingual concepts and connects to scenario‑creation and requirements‑management workflows. Using STIEF (scenario-accompanied, text-base, iterative evaluation of automated driving functions), engineers can preload scenario definitions via natural‑language inputs, while geodata analysis identifies new operational areas and generates challenging test routes.

Simulation credibility

In an ASAM QSQ update, Automotive Artificial Intelligence’s general manager Basit Khan highlighted the challenge of trusting simulation for virtual homologation.

“No standardized quality metrics exist for simulation frameworks, especially ADAS/AD sensors,” he said. “Many contributors – OEMs, suppliers, research and tool vendors – have different priorities and vocabulary. Through working groups spanning use cases, camera, lidar, radar and vehicle dynamics, our goal is to drive cross-sector innovation by building a unified standard upon proven, existing components. By harmonizing established concepts, we can create a practical framework that ensures simulation reliability without reinventing the wheel.”

Research and collaborations

Fraunhofer IOSB’s research group leader Jens Ziehn reported on how ASAM helps scale R&D results, for example where ASAM’s OpenDrive, OpenLabel and OpenScenario are used to deliver interoperability and reusable data across diverse acquisition sources in the AVEAS Brave10K project to scale automated driving in public transportation.

SAE’s Ed Straub outlined ASAM’s collaboration with SAE J3259 (ODD taxonomy), while ASCS’s Alexander Walsh emphasized the complementary role of ASCS and ASAM in simulation, AI and HPC.

Industry collaboration continues at Vehicle Tech Week Europe

Vehicle Tech Week Europe, represented by ADAS & Autonomous Vehicle International, Automotive Testing Technology International and Automotive Interiors World, served as ASAM’s media partner.

Launching this June in Stuttgart, Germany, the three-day ‘festival of engineering’ will unite the full vehicle‑technology ecosystem – from EV and battery testing to autonomous‑vehicle development, UX/HMI, materials engineering and in‑cabin innovation – creating cross‑disciplinary value at a time when the industry faces intense technological and regulatory pressure.

ASAM is an association partner of Vehicle Tech Week Europe, and Yash Shah and Andreas Richter will continue their discussions about ASAM OpenX evolution and ODDs at the event.

Learn about Vehicle Tech Week’s partnerships here.

Find out more about ASAM’s International Conference, which will take place on November 4 and 5, 2026.

Related news, Vehicle Tech Week North America – a landmark automotive technology event in Novi, Michigan

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As the automotive industry advances toward a future defined by electrification, hybrid systems and alternative fuels, one technology continues to demonstrate its essential value: gasoline injection. In a mobility landscape where electric, hybrid, hydrogen and advanced combustion engines will coexist, cutting-edge gasoline injection systems remain a cornerstone of efficiency and emission reduction.

Over the past decades, fuel injection technology has revolutionized engine performance and environmental impact. The transition from carburetors to electronically controlled injection systems marked a dramatic step forward, reducing CO and HC emissions by orders of magnitude and significantly lowering NOx. Today’s advanced injectors, capable of delivering precisely metered and finely atomized fuel either into the intake manifold or directly into the combustion chamber, ensure optimal air-fuel mixing and cleaner, more efficient combustion. The result is lower fuel consumption, reduced emissions and enhanced engine responsiveness.

In hybrid vehicles in particular, gasoline injection technology plays a decisive role. By operating the internal combustion engine within highly efficient load ranges, hybrid architectures maximize the benefits of high-precision injection systems. This synergy translates into measurable gains in fuel economy and substantial reductions in harmful emissions, supporting increasingly stringent global regulations without compromising performance or driving pleasure.

At Dumarey Flowmotion Technologies, innovation is at the heart of this evolution. With more than 500 million gasoline injectors produced in Italy and installed in vehicles worldwide, the company stands as a global leader in fuel system engineering. From the pioneering low-pressure Deka models to the latest-generation high-pressure GDI XL5 injectors, every product embodies advanced design, manufacturing excellence and a relentless focus on quality. Complemented by integrated fuel rails and diesel aftertreatment solutions such as RDU and DDU, these technologies form a comprehensive approach to emission control and system optimization.

Dumarey’s manufacturing expertise extends beyond fuel injection to include aftertreatment dosing systems. Our Reductant Dosing Unit is available in three configurations customized for light-duty, medium-duty and heavy-duty applications. The product line includes both air-cooled and liquid-cooled variants, with options for integrated wiring harness assemblies to simplify OEM installation. Our Diesel Dosing Unit (HC injector) provides equivalent functionality for hydrocarbon-based aftertreatment strategies, enabling multiple NOx reduction approaches within a single component platform.

As the industry transitions toward zero-emission powertrains, our engineering capabilities extend to hydrogen industry applications where precise fuel metering and material compatibility with hydrogen gas present unique technical challenges for next-generation propulsion systems.

As the industry embraces a multi-technology future, gasoline injection continues to evolve – smarter, more precise and more sustainable than ever before. It is not simply supporting the transition to cleaner mobility; it is actively enabling it, by combining technological expertise with a clear commitment to sustainability.

Dumarey Flowmotion Technologies is helping drive the automotive industry toward a future where performance, efficiency and environmental responsibility move forward together.

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AI hype is everywhere, but how do you trust a ‘black box’ that ignores physical laws and requires costly, data-hungry validation cycles?

With complexity skyrocketing, wait and see is not an option. But the answer isn’t just more AI – you need to invest in the right kind of AI.

Secondmind and BeyondMath are holding a webinar, titled ‘Cutting through the AI noise: A leader’s guide to engineering-grade intelligence’, at 2:00pm GMT / 3:00pm CET on March 24 that will explore engineering AI – a new class of technology built to partner with engineers – and offer actionable insights to take your expert intuition to new heights. Register for the webinar here.

Five key learning points for delegates

The session will be structured to provide delegates with actionable frameworks for mastering automotive complexity:

Navigating the AI landscape: Learn to distinguish between the different branches of AI – perceptual, generative, predictive and engineering – to ensure investments match specific problem sets.

Solving the ‘big data problem’: Discover how to achieve higher precision results using sparse, physics-informed datasets, bypassing the traditional need for thousands of costly physical test cycles.

Establishing trust and transparency: Understand why explainable models and uncertainty quantification are non-negotiable for meeting safety-critical regulatory standards.

Operationalizing engineering AI: Practical strategies for integrating these tools into existing workflows – such as e-motor design and NVH – without the need for expensive “rip and replace” infrastructure shifts.

Mastering complexity: Learn how to leverage AI to surface critical requirements early, avoiding expensive rework in high-dimensional development environments.

Delegates will receive a clear framework for selecting the right AI tools to master the uncompromising constraints of modern automotive engineering.

Register for the ‘Cutting through the AI noise: A leader’s guide to engineering-grade intelligence’ webinar here.

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The forum will be held on Wednesday, 22 April, 2026, at 3:30pm, ahead of the official opening of the International Vienna Motor Symposium, which has been organized by ÖVK since 1985. The forum bring together leading representatives of Chinese organizations and companies with European representatives of renowned automotive companies and development service providers. The aim of the forum is to openly discuss different technological approaches, market strategies and regulatory frameworks, to learn from each other, and to integrate these insights into company strategies. 

The forum will combine the technological strengths of the Chinese and European automotive industries to develop new paradigms for global powertrain efficiency. It will include an in-depth look at China’s Technology Roadmap 3.0, strategic benchmarking against EU CO2  regulations, and the exchange of best practices from industry leaders such as Great Wall Motors, AVL and SERES Power.

The event will be chaired by Prof. Xiangyang Xu of Beihang University, who is a fellow of China SAE, chair of the Roadmap 3.0 powertrain group and one of the key figures in the strategic orientation of Chinese powertrain research. Forum co-chair will be Prof. Uwe Grebe, professor of powertrain and automotive technology at TU Wien.

The forum will open with a keynote speech by Prof. Xu, one of the co-authors of Roadmap 3.0. In his presentation, ‘Energy-saving and new energy vehicle technology Roadmap 3.0 – High-efficient powertrain special topic interpretation’, he will provide insights into the technological guidelines and efficiency strategies for future powertrain systems in China.

Other high-profile presentations from Europe and China at the forum will shed light on different perspectives of sustainable mobility, and will include: ‘Technology neutrality – a prerequisite for sustainability and resilience’, by Stephan Neugebauer, BMW, chair of European Road Transport Research Advisory Council (ERTRAC); ‘WM Hi4: ONE Power Scalability Design – Bridging off-road capability and urban mobility’, by Yongqing Zhu, chief engineer, power and chassis R&D Center, Great Wall Motor (GWM); ‘Powertrains for sustainable mobility: One fits all or market-specific solutions?’, by Lukas Walter, COO of engineering at AVL List; and ‘Applications and Trends of REV in China’, by Zhigang Wang, general manager, SERES Energy and Power Research Institute, Chongqing Seres Phoenix Intelligent Innovation Technology Co.

The forum will conclude with a panel discussing the comparison of China-Europe automotive technology routes under the goal of sustainable development, European market layout strategies of Chinese enterprises, and battery supply chain and technological development. This closing round will include all speakers as well as Ruiping Wang, CEO, Aurobay Holding, and will provide in-depth insight into the strategic and economic considerations of the individual shareholders.

The Forum on Powertrain for Sustainable Mobility is open to all registered participants of the International Vienna Motor Symposium.

Automotive Powertrain Technology International is an official media partner of the International Vienna Motor Symposium, which will take place at the Hofburg Conference Centre Vienna in Austria on April 22-24, 2026. 

Related news, Yasa appoints Andy Morley as chief commercial officer

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Founded in 2024, EVUK’s mission is to make electric mobility more trustworthy, accessible and easy for car buyers to understand. It does this by challenging misinformation and campaigning to lower the barriers that prevent drivers from making the switch.

BYD’s partnership with EVUK will support consumer, policymaker and media engagement on the benefits of battery electric vehicles. The collaboration gives BYD access to consumer events and will enable both organizations to coordinate public, industry and press activities more effectively.

Bono Ge, country manager of BYD UK, said, “We’re delighted to be joining EVUK to fully support its mission to increase consumer awareness of electric vehicles. Together we aim to explain the various benefits of owning an electric car – from a smoother, quieter drive to responsive performance and reduced running costs – by providing accurate information to the public. In doing this, we’ll move closer to our ultimate goals of achieving global climate targets and improving air quality.”

Tanya Sinclair, CEO of EVUK, added, “I am delighted to welcome BYD as a partner of EVUK. They are innovators in EV technology and are among the global manufacturers moving away from fossil-fueled vehicles and accelerating the UK’s transition to an all-electric future. BYD’s partnership with EVUK strengthens our ability to provide clear information and insight that helps build confidence and demand for all electric vehicles in the UK.”

Related news, Honda releases details of its fourth-generation two-motor hybrid system

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The initiative has been received with widespread enthusiasm across the automotive sector, with leading OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers and technology innovators citing a clear need for a focused platform that showcases emerging technologies and addresses the evolving challenges facing the industry.

Vehicle Tech Week North America will unite three of UKi Media & Events’ leading automotive technology exhibitions – Automotive Testing Expo, Autonomous Vehicle Tech Expo and Automotive Interiors Expo – under one roof at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.

While each show will maintain its unique identity, their co-location within Vehicle Tech Week North America will create a positive, collaborative environment that maximizes synergies and delivers greater value for exhibitors and attendees alike. This integrated format will facilitate stronger connections between world-class brands, OEMs, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, engineers, designers, investors and R&D teams.

“The automotive industry is undergoing unprecedented transformation, with technologies and disciplines converging at an accelerating pace,” said Peter Massey, commercial director at UKi Media & Events.

“Vehicle Tech Week North America reflects this reality, offering a unified platform where innovation thrives and partnerships flourish.”

The decision to bring these events together stems from the growing interdependence of testing, autonomy and interior design in modern vehicle development. By aligning these sectors, Vehicle Tech Week North America will provide a richer experience for participants and a more efficient return on investment for exhibitors.

Strategically located in Novi – just minutes from Detroit, the heart of North America’s automotive industry – Vehicle Tech Week North America offers unparalleled access to the region’s OEM headquarters, R&D centers and supplier networks.

Exhibitors and visitors will benefit from proximity to key decision-makers and technical teams, making it easier to forge partnerships, accelerate business opportunities and drive progress in a rapidly evolving market.

As well as serving the core automotive community, the event will actively engage adjacent markets such as off-highway, commercial transportation and defense, all of which are increasingly adopting advanced vehicle technologies. A targeted outreach campaign and new content streams will ensure these sectors are seamlessly integrated, creating fresh growth opportunities for exhibitors.

With 400+ exhibitors expected, Vehicle Tech Week North America will be the key destination for professionals seeking to explore innovative solutions, network with industry leaders and gain insights into the future of automotive technologies.

Industry leaders have commended the strategic vision behind the event, noting its potential to drive meaningful dialog and accelerate innovation across the automotive landscape.

Thorsten Oppermann, director of sales and marketing at dSPACE, commented, “dSPACE is excited to support the launch of Vehicle Tech Week in North America. Uniting Automotive Testing Expo, Autonomous Vehicle Tech Expo and Automotive Interiors Expo under one dynamic umbrella creates a powerful platform for innovation, collaboration and progress across the mobility sector. We look forward to engaging with industry leaders and showcasing how dSPACE continues to drive development in simulation and validation technologies for the vehicles of tomorrow.

“Detroit has always been a cornerstone of automotive innovation, and Vehicle Tech Week brings fresh energy to this legacy,” continued Oppermann. “The integrated format will foster deeper conversations and accelerate the pace of development across the industry. We’re proud to support this initiative and look forward to contributing to its success in North America.”

Francesca Favarò, head of safety best practices at Waymo, added, “Waymo is excited to see UKi Media & Events launch Vehicle Tech Week, bringing together the essential topics of autonomous technology, testing and interiors under one roof. The move recognizes the integrated nature of modern automotive development, and we believe will create powerful new synergies and strengthen the pace and value of innovation across the entire automotive sector.”

“We are delighted to see UKi Media & Events bringing together multiple automotive shows in North America under the umbrella of Vehicle Tech Week North America,” said Marius Dupuis, CEO at ASAM eV. “Combining Automotive Testing Expo, Autonomous Vehicle Tech Expo and Automotive Interiors Expo reflects the industry’s holistic approach to various aspects of vehicle development. We expect Vehicle Tech Week North America to create a comprehensive platform, reflecting the full spectrum of innovation across the broader mobility landscape and enabling industry professionals to engage across disciplines.”

“Collaboration is key to developing next-gen mobility – a philosophy the Autotech Council lives by as we connect automotive leaders with startups,” commented Liz Kerton, Autotech Council’s executive director. “We’re delighted to collaborate with Vehicle Tech Week, because together we can build a stronger ecosystem for the automotive industry.”

For Automotive Testing Expo exhibitor inquiries:
David Hunt
david.hunt@ukimediaevents.com

For Autonomous Vehicle Tech Expo exhibitor inquiries:
Darren Whitehead
darren.whitehead@ukimediaevents.com

For Automotive Interiors Expo exhibitor inquiries:
Aaron Dombey
aaron.dombey@ukimediaevents.com

For Vehicle Tech Week marketing inquiries:
Paul Connelly
paul.connelly@ukimediaevents.com

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The report focuses on four significant innovation opportunities: fuel cell stack developments, including membranes and catalysts; fuel cell balance of plant developments, such as thermal management and fluid handling; hydrogen compressed gas storage and structural integration; and thermal and pressure regulation for the onboard hydrogen storage.

The Hydrogen Fuel Cell System and Storage Innovation Opportunities Report highlights significant investment potential in the UK, particularly in advanced technologies such as fuel cell balance of plant, innovative storage tank materials (including carbon fibers and polymers) and fuel cell stack components.

Dr Hadi Moztarzadeh, head of technology trends at APC, said, “The UK has an opportunity to grow its fuel cell system and hydrogen storage capability. By focusing on the innovation areas identified in this report, we can fill the supply chain gaps and scale up manufacturing to support the increased European demand of up to 100,000 fuel cell trucks annually.”

Moztarzadeh continued, “The report identifies key areas for R&D across the hydrogen fuel cells and hydrogen storage value chain, with a focus on the UK supply chain. It also highlights some of the barriers to anchoring the value added for such innovation and technological development in the transport sector.

“Challenges surrounding supply, infrastructure and cost remain a key barrier for investment and implementation of these technologies. Fuel cell-based truck sales are on track, but the UK risks falling behind the curve if we don’t scale up. The UK has existing expertise, funding mechanisms and the capability to play a leading role in this sector.”

In related news, five powertrains in one model as BMW releases iX5 hydrogen

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Under the banner of Be a First Mover in Hydrogen, Hyundai introduced its HTWO hydrogen business and technology spanning the entire hydrogen value chain. The company previously presented its hydrogen vision at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

Hyundai showcased four hydrogen value chain business solutions in four scenario-based exhibitions, with staff available for explanation at each exhibition corner and digital docents available via smartphones.

The first one, Energy Security, introduced Hyundai’s innovative resource-cycle hydrogen production technologies including W2H (Waste-to-Hydrogen) and P2H (Plastic-to-Hydrogen). The exhibit also featured Korea’s very first PEM electrolysis production facility in Buan, operated by Hyundai E&C.

The second scenario exhibition, Port & Airport Decarbonization, introduced hydrogen solutions that can be applied to high-carbon-emitting industrial complexes, including ports and airports. The third one was Industrial Applications & Businesses, where visitors could explore Hyundai’s commitment to transform the current industrial logistics system into an eco-friendly system.

The last scenario, Hydrogen Society, offered a blueprint for a sustainable future in which workplaces and living environments become cleaner and more convenient with advances in hydrogen technology. The exhibition showed the entire line-up of hydrogen applications and solutions – including ships, trams, forklifts, generators and heavy equipment – which use Hyundai Motor’s fuel cell system.

Hyundai is betting on hydrogen mobility and has partnered with Škoda for the same.

The post Hyundai unveils hydrogen solutions at H2 Meet 2024 appeared first on Automotive Powertrain Technology International.

Leiters has highlighted a need for strategic investment to meet the unique performance requirements of electric supercars, and says the UK’s “rich history in high-performance automotive manufacturing and elite motorsport” presents an opportunity for the country to become a global leader in EV supercar production.

“We must harness the skills, knowledge and ingenuity of the UK motorsport and performance car industry to create a global, high-performance centre of excellence,” he said.

Leiters says that the current UK supply chain is not adequately equipped to support the demands of electric supercar production and has called on the UK government to develop a clear industrial strategy to drive investment in future powertrain technologies.

“A clear industrial strategy, led by investment in the domestic supply chain, will deliver growth, support jobs, help decarbonize the economy and secure a vibrant future for the UK performance car industry,” he stated.

The UK, once the world’s largest vehicle exporter, still houses some of the most admired performance car brands and the majority of Formula 1 racing teams. Leiters argues that harnessing the skills and knowledge within the UK’s motorsport and performance car industries can create a “global, high-performance center of excellence”.

He also said that UK-based luxury and sports car brands command significant pricing power due to their rich histories and class-leading performance attributes which, he argues, makes investment in the sector a worthwhile endeavor: “With more than 90% of McLaren supercars being exported, the UK performance car industry provides an excellent return on investment for taxpayers.”

Government support is crucial to mitigate the risks associated with the transition to electrification, especially given the high costs involved for low-volume, specialized suppliers. Leiters acknowledges that customer demand for electric supercars remains low due to the current technology’s inability to rival hybrid and combustion engine performance. However, he says he sees potential in investing in next-generation, high-power-dense battery cell manufacturing to position the UK at the forefront of future performance car powertrain technology.

High-performance battery technology must be locally sourced to meet EU ‘rules of origin’ requirements on exported vehicles. Leiters says that while the hybrid McLaren Artura powertrain has 64% UK content, this would drop to 13% if the car were a pure EV due to the lack of relevant componentry in the UK.

Historically, the luxury and high-performance market has driven technological change in the industry. Leiters cites the McLaren P1 as a technological trailblazer that demonstrated the capability of high-performance hybrid technology before mainstream adoption of electrification. Developing a pure EV McLaren supercar that can rival the performance and driver engagement of today’s supercars could, he suggests, encourage the broader transition to full electrification.

Leiters also highlighted the broader benefits of attracting the right battery suppliers to the UK: “In the future, a thriving UK supply-chain specializing in cutting-edge, high-energy-density cells would not only support supercar production but also other advanced manufacturing needs such as vertical take-off aircraft and drones.”

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In the near term, the company aims to release a next-generation BEV in 2026, featuring a ‘square’ lithium-ion battery (‘performance’ version) and with a target cruising range of 1,000km, achieved through an increase in battery energy density and vehicle efficiency (via aerodynamics and weight reduction).

Toyota is also looking to deploy its bipolar LFP batteries – currently used in its Aqua and Crown hybrids – in BEVs in 2026-2027, with a goal of a 20% increase in cruising range and a 40% reduction in cost compared to the current bZ4X. These batteries will be based around cells with a new structure, the company says. A high-performance bipolar battery using a high nickel cathode within a prismatic cell, giving 10% greater range at a 10% cost reduction over the current next-gen battery, is also planned for launch in 2027-2028.

One of the headline announcements is the Toyota’s progress on the deployment solid-state batteries, with the company targeting commercialization by 2027-2028. “Having discovered a technological breakthrough that overcomes the longstanding challenge of battery durability, the company is reviewing its introduction for conventional HEVs and accelerating development as a battery for BEVs,” Toyota said.

The company hopes for an improvement in cruising range of 20% over its latest liquid lithium-ion batteries (the ‘performance’ version square battery), with a quick charge capability of 10 minutes from 10-80%. Research on a higher performance version with a 50% improvement in range is also underway.

Downsizing
Also described in Toyota’s roadmap is the development of a ‘small e-axle’. This will be co-developed with BluE Nexus, Aisin, Denso and Toyota, with the goal that a smaller, more power-dense axle will help increase range and interior space. This will go hand in hand with advancements in SiC wafer production, including the introduction of a ‘gas method’ which enables crystal growth 10 times faster than current industry standards. Toyota is also developing a large, 8in wafer, which will give the company internal technological expertise in SiC manufacturing.

Hydrogen
In addition to its BEV activities, Toyota will continue to pursue diverse powertrain options covering hydrogen fuel cells and ICE, and will establish a new organization, the Hydrogen Factory, which will be able to “make immediate decisions under one leader, from sales to development and production, all at once”.

Toyota’s next-generation fuel cell system will look to increase service life, reduce costs and reduce fuel consumption. Toyota states that it is “pursuing easier maintenance requirements compared to diesel-engine vehicles and to reduce the cost of a fuel cell stack by half, compared to current models”. It also expects to improve the cruising range by 20%.”

Development of Toyota’s H2 ICE projects will also continue, including the application of NOx-reduction techniques currently deployed in diesel vehicles. It is also examining the application of e-fuels for markets where H2 is expensive to produce.

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