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).

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.

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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.

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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

Volvo Trucks has begun on-road testing of heavy trucks powered by hydrogen combustion engines en route to the planned commercial launch of its hydrogen solution by 2030.

The hydrogen-powered trucks use high-pressure, direct injection (HPDI) technology, which the company says improves energy efficiency, reduces fuel consumption and increases engine power compared with conventional hydrogen combustion engines. HPDI works by injecting a small amount of ignition fuel at high pressure to enable compression ignition before hydrogen is added. Volvo already uses this technology in its gas-powered trucks, with over 10,000 units sold worldwide.

The hydrogen engine technology is derived from its diesel powertrain, delivering “diesel-like performance” while substantially cutting CO₂ emissions, the auto maker said.

“On-road testing is an important milestone for our hydrogen combustion engine trucks. I feel confident that they will be the best in the industry if you look at fuel efficiency, power, torque and drivability,” said Jan Hjelmgren, head of product management at Volvo Trucks. “Customers will be able to operate them just like diesel trucks. Our experience with HPDI technology in more than 10,000 gas-powered trucks is strong proof of its performance.”

Hydrogen combustion engine trucks will be especially suitable over longer distances and in regions where there is limited charging infrastructure or time for the recharging of battery-electric trucks.

Volvo trucks with combustion engines powered by green hydrogen have the potential to deliver net-zero CO₂ well-to-wheel when using renewable HVO as ignition fuel. They are categorized as Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) under the agreed EU CO₂ emission standards.

The hydrogen-powered combustion engine trucks will complement the company’s offering of other alternatives, such as battery electric trucks, fuel cell electric trucks and trucks that run on renewable fuels, like biogas and HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil).

“We see great potential for hydrogen combustion engine trucks and they will have a role to play in the transformation to zero-emission transport,” said Hjelmgren. “Several technologies will be needed to decarbonize. As a global truck manufacturer we offer a variety of decarbonization solutions and help our customers choose the best alternative based on transport assignment, available infrastructure and green energy prices.”

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AVL Mobility Technologies and Ansible Motion have partnered to offer vehicle manufacturers and suppliers a combined solution integrating AVL’s VSM software with Ansible Motion’s driver-in-the-loop simulators. The collaboration aims to support virtual development processes by enabling faster component and vehicle development, while reducing testing and validation time and associated costs.

AVL VSM is a flexible, real-time simulation tool that enables users to model components, systems and complete vehicles. It allows them to test vehicle dynamics and performance in realistic scenarios, which is crucial for optimizing vehicle characteristics and ensuring safety. VSM enables a more integrated approach to vehicle design and optimization by allowing simultaneous consideration of various vehicle attributes and components and how they interact.

When VSM is paired with an Ansible Motion driver-in-the-loop simulator, the user can test changes to the virtual model and refine chassis dynamics, powertrain driveability, ADAS and active safety function calibration with a virtual test drive.

“By combining AVL VSM with Ansible Motion driver-in-the-loop simulators, manufacturers can move critical decisions to the front of the development cycle, dramatically reducing physical prototypes and test iterations,” said Gary Newton, AVL’s vice president of business development. “This tool combination can have an enormous impact on timeline and budget. Imagine validating 70+ track scenarios per day in multiple conditions, surfaces and drive events. The result isn’t incremental improvement, it’s months saved and millions preserved.”

Salman Safdar, Ansible Motion’s business development director, added, “Through our continuing collaborative efforts with AVL, we’re developing new ways to conduct subjective and objective evaluations of qualified concepts much earlier in the vehicle design cycle. Connecting our simulators seamlessly with a feature-rich simulation environment like AVL VSM elevates the virtual vehicle development process for manufacturers seeking to shorten development times, realize cost savings and reduce environmental impacts.”

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Donut Lab has released results from a fast-charging test conducted with Verge Motorcycles, showcasing the performance of its Donut Battery technology at full battery-pack level rather than individual cell testing. The system is used in Verge’s TS Pro electric motorcycle.

The test forms part of ongoing research into how multiple battery cells operate together within a complete pack, with a focus on energy density, thermal behavior and fast-charging capability in real-world conditions.

According to Donut Lab, the Verge TS Pro equipped with its battery technology charged in less than 10 minutes, making it “the world’s fastest charging electric motorcycle”, the company said.

“This is the first test we have published to a wider audience that demonstrates the performance and behavior of multiple battery cells in a real vehicle environment,” said Ville Piippo, CTO at Donut Lab. “The high energy density of our battery technology enables flexible battery pack design and superior performance even in more challenging applications, such as motorcycles, where space is limited and system simplicity is key. We are able to offer vehicle manufacturers packs with different energy capacities in the same physical size, with even the smallest packs having very high capacities.”

In the test, an 18kWh battery pack was charged using a public fast charger starting at approximately 20°C. The system reached a peak charging power of over 100 kW (around a 5C rate) for five minutes, with state-of-charge increasing from 10% to 50% in about five minutes. Overall, the motorcycle achieved a 10–70% charge in just over nine minutes, and 10–80% in approximately 12 minutes.

The solid-state-related battery architecture enables flexible pack design, enabling different energy capacities to be packaged within the same physical footprint, which is particularly relevant for space-constrained applications such as motorcycles.

“Our goal is to provide Verge users with the best possible user experience,” said Tuomo Lehtimäki, CEO of Verge Motorcycles. “The advantages of Donut Lab’s battery technology, such as ultra-fast charging, complement our goal seamlessly. The world’s fastest charging electric motorcycle, the Verge TS Pro, is also air-cooled. The battery pack used in this test is our standard model, but an extended range version is also available, with approximately two-thirds more energy capacity.”

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Mahle‘s E-Scan battery diagnostics function has been awarded Battery Health Check CARA (Car Remarketing Association Europe) Approved certification, confirming that it meets European quality standards for electric vehicle battery assessment.

CARA certified that E-Scan provides a reliable evaluation of battery condition. The function comes pre-installed on Mahle’s TechPro and Connex diagnostic devices and reads battery parameters such as the state of health (SoH) through the vehicle’s standardized EOBD (European on-board diagnostic) interface. The system evaluates the battery based on original manufacturer data in just two minutes, without requiring a test drive.

Battery health assessments are increasingly important, as the high-voltage battery can account for up to 60% of an electric vehicle’s total value, influencing resale pricing. The certification gives repair shops, fleet operators and used car dealers a competitive advantage by ensuring consistent and reliable battery evaluations.

“We are pleased that the certification of E-Scan further strengthens our role as a competent and strong partner in the growing market for used electric vehicles,” said Felix-Matthias Walter, director service solutions at Mahle Lifecycle and Mobility.

“On the one hand, our partners can quickly answer customer questions about the battery health of an electric vehicle without needing to make additional investments. On the other hand, the certification now ensures comparability and transparency across national markets.”

For workshops requiring more detailed analysis, Mahle offers the E-Health Charge battery diagnostics device. It combines physical measurements of the battery during charging with OBD data, providing a manufacturer-independent SoH diagnosis in 15 minutes. The device is designed for EV-focused workshops, and the E-Charge 20 model adds flexibility with a mobile setup and 22 kW DC charging capability.

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E-powertrain development consultancy CamMotive has opened an 800V channel battery testing lab in Cambridge in the UK. The facility features a high-capacity test cell capable of cycling hundreds of large-format cells under controlled conditions, delivering up to 800A per cell for rigorous performance evaluation. One of the few UK labs with this capacity, it aims to accelerate battery development by helping OEMs improve compliance, range, lifespan and charging efficiency.

The lab’s high-current capability is designed to test large automotive cells and other high-power, high-capacity battery technologies, including those used in eVTOLs, data centers and stationary battery energy storage systems (BESS). Its extensive channel count is useful to companies with high-volume testing requirements, enabling hundreds of cells to be tested simultaneously under varying conditions. High-precision cyclers and advanced EIS tests also enable accurate long-term analysis and performance characterization, including cell ageing and end-of-life simulation, with modeling and calibration expertise provided by CamMotive’s specialist engineers.

The facility offers additional technical capability and services, including dynamic climatic chambers to replicate varying temperature conditions, and process thermostats for real-world thermal management testing. For high-power module and pack testing, the lab provides capability up to 1MW.

The primary purpose of the new laboratory is to support automotive OEMs and accelerate development timelines by gathering data for modeling, compliance and improved understanding, leading to enhanced performance, longer useful life and faster charging strategies.

In addition to the main facility, the laboratory also houses several lower current cyclers for testing of smaller capacity cells. In this way, the company aims to support innovation in battery technology, including startups working on the latest chemistries and organizations exploring battery options for new applications.

Bruce Campbell, director at CamMotive, said, “The launch of our new test facility marks the latest phase of CamMotive’s commitment to advancing battery technology and its applications. We provide solutions across the entire battery ecosystem, from early concept to end-of-line validation.

“Working with UK cell developers and digital modelers, manufacturers and integrators, we combine world-class testing infrastructure with decades of powertrain expertise to help our partners deliver sustainable solutions for road, air, sea transportation and stationary applications.”

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Integrals Power‘s lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) cathode active materials have proved both durability and performance in long-term cycling and extreme low temperature testing conducted by QinetiQ.

The ongoing test program has achieved more than 1,500 charge and discharge cycles at a 1C rate, with the pouch cell retaining nearly 80% of its original capacity. The 1,000-cycle milestone was passed last year, at which point the retained capacity was more than 80%. Durability is critical for lithium-ion battery packs in applications requiring long service life with minimal degradation, such as electric vehicles.

Sub-zero testing by Cranfield University evaluated the pouch cell’s ability to retain high capacity in extremely low temperatures. The tested cell, from the same batch as those evaluated by QinetiQ, retained 85% of capacity at -25ºC and 68% at -30ºC. In comparison, benchmark LFP and LMFP chemistries typically retain around 50% and 40%, respectively.

In addition to durability and performance, Integrals Power’s LMFP material offers lower cost, improved safety, reduced toxicity, less reliance on critical minerals and a smaller carbon footprint compared with nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) chemistries commonly used in EV batteries. It also provides higher energy density than LFP.

Integrals Power founder and CEO Behnam Hormozi said, “Independent, third-party testing by industry experts is a cornerstone of our business, and these latest results from QinetiQ and the University of Cranfield are invaluable in providing trusted and credible data to our customers around the world.

“The results prove that batteries made from our LMFP material can last longer, and perform better in sub-zero conditions. Overcoming the compromises and limitations imposed by existing cell chemistries is essential if battery power is to realize its full potential across a range of sectors, and we’re showing that it can do exactly that.”

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