CATL accelerates global battery swapping expansion with modular packs and strategic partnerships

Niterra North America’s new three-day virtual event, Shop 2 Shop 2025, offers targeted technical and sales training for the automotive aftermarket, featuring expert-led sessions on diagnostics, sensors, and ADAS to help professionals navigate high-tech vehicle systems.Niterra North America Inc. has just announced its coming virtual training event called Shop 2 Shop 2025. It’s a pretty intense three-day online programme designed specifically to boost the technical skills of those working in the automotive aftermarket industry. The event’s scheduled from September 16 to 18, 2025, and is hosted by Shop Squad, developed in partnership with NGK Spark Plugs and NTK Sensors. The training covers a wide range of role-specific topics, so there’s something for technicians, sales staff, and educators alike. On day one, the focus is mainly on hands-on service folks. They’ll be diving into diagnostics for late-model vehicles with sessions led by John Thornton, a well-known expert in the field. Attendees will get real-world case studies, similar to what they might see in actual repair shops or diagnostic centres. Plus, there will be a panel featuring Tanner Brandt from Autodiag and Haakan Light from Shotgun Diagnostics. They’ll lead discussions on troubleshooting and critical thinking—skills that are pretty crucial nowadays for keeping up with modern vehicle systems. Day two switches gears a bit and targets parts and field sales teams. The sessions here dig deep into ignition systems and sensors, aiming to bolster product knowledge directly relevant to customer-facing activities. Basically, the idea is to arm sales teams with the tech expertise they need to have more informed conversations with customers—supporting better service and sales outcomes. Given how complex sensors and other vehicle components are getting, this focus on advanced sensor tech is definitely timely. By the time day three rolls around, the event really shifts towards educators and technicians who are still starting out. There will be keynote speeches from Jay Goninen of WrenchWay and Dave Johnson, President and CEO of ASE. They will also feature a 60-minute webinar on ADAS—Advanced Driver Assistance Systems—led by Richard Da Cruz. This part will cover the newest safety and driver-assist features that are now common in vehicles. Besides that, participants will also receive ready-made classroom materials designed to help prepare future technicians for increasingly high-tech automotive systems. This virtual event isn’t just a one-off; it fits into a bigger series of automotive industry activities planned for 2025. WrenchWay— a top platform for automotive education—co-hosts the event and is also planning the ASE Instructor Training Conference in July. Later in the year, they’ll be at major events like AAPEX and SEMA, showing their ongoing commitment to workforce development and tech skills. For businesses in the aftermarket—distributors, workshops, fleet owners—this event really offers a great chance to stay ahead of the curve without having to worry about travel or logistics. The online format means a wide variety of industry players—from diagnostics techs to salespeople and trainers—can join and get targeted, practical insights. The skills learned here are directly applicable and can help improve operations and customer satisfaction in a fast-changing automotive world. In a time when vehicles are becoming more and more reliant on electronic and sensor-based systems, ongoing education and networking events like Shop 2 Shop 2025 are pretty much essential for staying competitive and meeting quality standards. As vehicles continue to evolve—and safety features become even more sophisticated—the aftermarket needs accessible, comprehensive training options that are relevant to each role across the supply chain. References: - Paragraph 1 — autosuccessonline.com, wrenchway.com - Paragraph 2 — autosuccessonline.com - Paragraph 3 — same as above - Paragraph 4 — same as above - Paragraph 5 — same as above - Paragraph 6 — same as above Source: Noah Wire Services

Fresno car dealers are increasingly adopting online auctions to access broader vehicle inventories, streamline purchases, and accelerate sales, signalling a significant shift away from traditional in-person wholesale auctions.In the fast-moving and ever-changing world of auto retail, finding and obtaining vehicle inventory is still a pretty important part that really influences how well dealers do—especially in competitive spots like Fresno, California. Traditionally, most dealers depended quite a lot on physical wholesale auctions, where they’d go to attend, inspect, and bid on vehicles face-to-face, interacting directly with sellers. But that old way? Well, it’s becoming less common, as online car auctions are really changing the game—how dealers access, evaluate, and buy vehicles. Online car auctions mark a big shift toward more efficiency and a broader reach. Instead of traveling to different auction lots and spending hours on physical inspections, dealers can now bid and buy vehicles using their smartphones or computers, all from the comfort of their offices or even their homes. This kind of access saves a ton of time and minimizes downtime for the dealerships. Plus, it opens doors to a much larger inventory than just what’s available locally. These platforms—especially those geared toward markets like Fresno—provide detailed info about each vehicle—lots of photos from different angles, scans of the undercarriage, diagnostic reports, sometimes even recordings of engine sounds—basically replacing the need to physically see and inspect the car. And that kind of transparency? It definitely helps foster trust, quickens decision-making, and helps dealers flip their inventory faster to meet customer expectations. Now, don’t get me wrong—there are still some dealers who really love the traditional auction scene, particularly those who enjoy the tactile experience of walking through vehicle lots and chatting face-to-face with sellers. That personal touch, and feeling of being in control, is a big deal for them. But, at the same time, this approach has its downsides—like the time, fuel, and effort it takes to go in person, plus the fact that stock availability isn’t always guaranteed on any given auction day. These things can slow down a dealer’s ability to respond quickly to market demands, which, in today’s fast-paced environment, can really put them at a disadvantage. When you compare these two ways of sourcing vehicles—well, the key differences become pretty clear. Online platforms provide access to a much larger variety of vehicles from all over, connecting dealers with inventories spanning multiple cities and even states. This makes it easier for dealerships to cherry-pick a diverse set of models, trims, and price ranges, helping them attract a wider range of customers. On the flip side, traditional auctions tend to have a fixed inventory that might not hit the immediate demand of the dealer, meaning they may have to wait or settle for less suitable options—definitely not ideal when getting cars to market quickly is crucial. Another thing to note: online auctions often come with handy extras that really smooth out the buying process. Financing options, real-time transport updates, digital documentation—these are typically all built into the platform login, making the whole transaction less of a hassle. It’s like a one-stop shop—no need to run around coordinating logistics or paperwork, which can be a real headache—especially for smaller operations that don’t have big staff resources. By contrast, offline auctions usually mean juggling multiple separate steps, which can slow things down and lead to errors or delays. Industry data is pretty clear about one thing: online auctions boost efficiency and cut costs. They make it easier to participate without traveling, lower administrative overhead, and open up access to a global pool of vehicles. With real-time bidding, reserve pricing controls, and transparent pricing, dealers can operate in a more level playing field. And for those dealing with luxury vehicles, these platforms can be especially useful—they help reduce the risk of transport damage, speed up liquidity, and support better profit margins. It’s no wonder that many experts suggest that dealers use online tools for sourcing rare or high-demand models, leveraging all the detailed inspection reports, and taking advantage of fixed pricing when available—these aren’t just tech upgrades, they’re real game changers. All in all, while some dealers still prefer the hands-on, in-person auction approach—especially those who enjoy that personal touch—the advantages of online car auctions are pretty convincing. Speed, access to a wider inventory, integrated services, and smarter decision-making are shaping the future of vehicle sourcing. For retailers who want to stay ahead—especially as consumer preferences, market conditions, and inventory needs are constantly shifting—going digital isn’t just a nice option anymore. It’s quickly becoming a key part of a smart, competitive strategy to survive and thrive in today’s automotive landscape. Source: Noah Wire Services

A new nationwide campaign invites automotive professionals to share their passion and stories, raising funds for scholarships to support students attending the VISION HiTech Training & Expo, fostering community and encouraging new talent in the industry.VISION HiTech Training & Expo has teamed up with Promotive to kick off the #BehindTheToolbox campaign—a nationwide effort aimed at shining a light on the passion and dedication fueling today’s automotive pros. Essentially, the campaign invites everyone from technicians and shop owners to educators and industry partners to submit quick videos sharing why they got into the automotive world and what keeps them motivated. And here’s the cool part: for each eligible video shared, Promotive will chip in fifty bucks to the VISION Scholarship Fund, which helps cover tuition so students can attend the VISION HiTech Training & Expo for free, helping the new wave of technicians get started. Sheri Hamilton, who’s the Conference Manager for VISION, emphasized how powerful personal stories can be when inspiring others. She explained that by highlighting the human side behind the tools, the campaign hopes to make the industry more welcoming—less intimidating for newcomers. Participants are encouraged to record a 1–2 minute clip, upload it to visionkc.com/behindthetoolbox, and challenge their friends or colleagues to join in. The deadline for submissions is August 21, 2025, and folks who participate will be entered into a raffle—plus, their videos will help generate donations for the scholarship fund. Now, the VISION Scholarship Fund plays an especially vital role in pushing automotive education forward. It provides financial backing for students and up-and-coming technicians to attend the big event—an annual gathering held at the Overland Park Convention Center in Kansas City. This expo attracts thousands of attendees from across North America. It’s well-known for its wide range of technical, management, and instructor training courses, plus a sprawling 60,000-square-foot exhibit hall packed with cutting-edge tools, equipment, and tech innovations. The next VISION event is scheduled for March 5–8, 2026. It offers a comprehensive platform for automotive service pros to level up their knowledge, explore the latest industry trends, and make valuable connections. Exhibitors like Mitchell 1 and Promotive usually use this event to showcase their newest products and tech solutions—all designed to improve repair workflows, shop management, and technician productivity. Promotive’s participation really underscores its commitment to pushing the industry forward, especially with its sponsorship of activities like the awards ceremony and its active role in training sessions and networking opportunities. Beyond this campaign, industry leaders keep stressing how essential ongoing education and staying connected are in this fast-evolving field. Discussions around VISION often highlight that embracing new technologies, refining management practices, and cultivating a strong community of professionals are key strategies for maintaining success and keeping up with the rapid changes in automotive repair and service. Honestly, it’s pretty clear that continuous learning is the name of the game. And as the #BehindTheToolbox campaign gathers more momentum, it’s doing more than just raising funds—it's helping forge a vibrant community spirit. In short, sharing personal stories not only boosts scholarship programs but also encourages a sense of camaraderie among industry folks, all working together to attract and keep talented people in a profession that’s demanding but also full of opportunity. So, automotive pros, if you’ve got a story, a passion, or just want to inspire others—consider sharing your voice. Your experiences could help shape the future workforce, and maybe even help someone decide to join this exciting, ever-changing industry. References: Paragraph 1: Motor, July 2025, Motor again, GOPromotive Paragraph 2: Same sources as above. Paragraph 3: Motor article, Expo info, Main site Paragraph 4: Main site, Mitchell 1 press, GOPromotive Paragraph 5: Ratchet and Wrench Paragraph 6: Same sources as paragraph 1 and 2, and GOPromotive. Source: Noah Wire Services

The global Advanced Driver Assistance Systems sensor market is projected to surge from USD 36 billion in 2025 to nearly USD 79 billion by 2035, propelled by breakthroughs in AI-enabled sensor fusion, stricter safety regulations across key regions, and the broader adoption of affordable solid-state LiDAR and radar technologies.The worldwide market for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (or ADAS) sensors is really gearing up for significant expansion over the next ten years. In fact, experts predict that its value will more than double—from around USD 36 billion in 2025 to nearly USD 79 billion by 2035. Now, that's quite a leap! And looking at the growth rate, a healthy compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 8.1% seems to be fueling this rise, pushed along by a mix of technological breakthroughs, tightening regulations, and changing trends in the automotive industry. The pivotal factor in this whole picture is the rapid rollout of AI-enabled sensor fusion tech. This stuff combines data from different sensors like LiDAR, radar, ultrasonic, and vision-based systems, all working together to improve real-time object detection and overall safety. And honestly, these improvements—well, they seem to push the boundaries towards higher levels of vehicle automation. Think Level 4 and 5 autonomous cars, which are pretty much the future. On top of that, innovations in edge computing and the increasing use of 5G connections are quickening decision-making processes, cutting down latency, and boosting reliability. Moreover, the development of more affordable solid-state LiDAR and millimeter-wave radar sensors is set to make these advanced ADAS features accessible even in mid-range vehicles—not just luxury models anymore. And it’s not just tech that’s driving this growth—regulations are playing a big role, especially as safety standards get stricter across major markets. For example, the European Union’s General Safety Regulation, coming into effect by 2025, mandates that all new cars include critical ADAS functions like lane-keeping assist, emergency braking, and driver drowsiness detection. The US, via NHTSA, and Japan’s MLIT have similar mandates, compelling automakers to prioritize multi-sensor ADAS systems with fail-safe features and high-resolution sensors. Honestly, these standards are a mix of regulatory mandates and a response to growing consumer demand for safer vehicles. That means car manufacturers are putting more emphasis on integrating solid sensor setups. Now, looking regionally, the growth varies a bit but is clear across the board. The U.S., for example, is expected to lead with a CAGR of about 8.5%, driven by strict safety policies and the rise of autonomous driving tech. South Korea and Japan are hot on their heels, with projections around 8.3-8.4%, thanks to government investments and a strong focus on automotive innovation. Europe, led by Germany, maintains a similar growth rate—partly thanks to initiatives like Euro NCAP's safety schemes and the push for greener cars under the European Green Deal. Over in the UK, the ADAS market’s also seeing rapid growth, bolstered by government support for autonomous vehicle tech and smarter transport infrastructure. When it comes to specific market segments, passenger vehicles are still kings, making up over 60% of the ADAS sensor market in 2025. This share is projected to keep growing at about 8.3% CAGR through 2035, mostly because of ongoing production of traditional internal combustion engine cars and a boom in electric vehicle platforms, especially in Asia, Europe, and North America. Interestingly enough, the aftermarket sector is also booming—expected to grow at roughly 8.7%—mainly because a lot of vehicles are aging, and people are looking for more affordable repair options outside the dealership network. Of course, nothing’s all smooth sailing. The market’s got its hurdles, too. High prices for advanced sensors like LiDAR and radar units remain a big barrier, especially for mid-tier and budget-friendly cars. Performance dips in bad weather, calibration problems, and data security concerns also complicate things. Plus, supply chain issues—particularly with semiconductors—have caused some volatility in production schedules and costs. But it’s not all setbacks; there are plenty of exciting opportunities too. For instance, the ongoing development of AI-powered sensor fusion, along with new solid-state LiDAR and millimeter-wave radar tech, offers ways to overcome current cost and performance challenges. With more electric vehicles on the road, there's surging demand for energy-efficient sensors tailored for EV platforms. Also, government initiatives promoting connected infrastructure and V2X communication are broadening the ADAS ecosystem, encouraging partnerships between automakers, chip makers, and AI developers. The competitive landscape is fierce, with major global Tier 1 suppliers and tech innovators battling for market share. Big names like Robert Bosch GmbH, Continental AG, Valeo S.A., ZF Friedrichshafen AG, and Denso Corporation are leading the way in creating advanced radar, LiDAR, and camera systems integrated with AI perception software. For example, Bosch has a broad portfolio covering LiDAR, radar, and camera solutions, all enhanced with AI—aiming for precise, real-time decision-making. Continental introduced scalable ADAS solutions like Xelve, while Valeo has made strides with camera-based systems in collaboration with Renault. ZF recently rolled out its Smart Camera 6, featuring an 8-megapixel sensor with a wide 120-degree field, targeting more advanced automated driving functions. Other important players include Magna International, which offers integrated sensor modules, and ON Semiconductor, known for its image sensors suitable for vision-based ADAS. Velodyne specializes in high-res LiDAR, and Aptiv focuses on radar and LiDAR safety platforms. Meanwhile, Infineon produces semiconductors that support automotive radar and AI processing. Together, these companies are investing heavily in ultra-high-resolution imaging, AI-driven sensor fusion, and integrated electronic systems all aimed at making driver assistance and full autonomy more accessible. Looking ahead, forecasts show a big jump in sensor units—from about 360 million in 2025 to over 650 million by 2032. That’s a clear sign of how much the industry is shifting towards smarter, safer vehicles. This movement is powered not just by hardware—sensors and chips—but also by advances in software, machine learning, and the merging of ADAS with IoT and big data analytics, which help create more responsive and even predictive safety measures. At its core, the ADAS sensor market is a key player in the broader transition towards fully autonomous, connected vehicles. Its ongoing innovations, regulatory compliance, and expanding global reach are shaping the future of mobility—making everyday driving safer, smarter, and more interconnected than ever before. Source: Noah Wire Services

The global automotive coolant market is poised for robust growth by 2035, driven by advances in turbocharged and hybrid engines, rapid vehicle electrification, and the integration of AI-powered thermal management technologies, amid rising environmental regulations and shifting consumer preferences.The worldwide market for automotive coolants is set for quite a robust expansion over the coming ten years, and honestly, it’s not too surprising—things like evolving vehicle tech, bigger global vehicle fleets, and growing awareness about vehicle upkeep and environmental standards are really pushing this market forward. Latest forecasts suggest that by 2035, the market might hit roughly USD 1.3 billion. That's a steady growth rate, around 3.1% CAGR, and this helps explain the rising demand for high-performance, OEM-certified coolant formulas, along with advancing thermal management tech that keeps engines cool—and in many cases, running pretty efficiently too. Now, one of the big drivers here is the increasing popularity of turbocharged engines and hybrid powertrains. These types of engines tend to put more thermal stress on cooling systems. So — and I find this pretty interesting — manufacturers have been pushed to come up with cooler formulations that boast better thermal conductivity, resist corrosion better, and play nicely with various engine materials. Take PEAK, for example; they recently introduced advanced antifreeze products crafted specifically for next-gen high-powered engines and hybrids. That move really underscores how the industry is shifting toward products that last longer and work well across different vehicles. Likewise, AISIN Corporation’s expanded lineup, which caters to Japanese, Korean, and American cars, signals a broader push for solutions that perform during all seasonal conditions and provide good corrosion protection in the aftermarket space. And then, add in the rapid electrification of vehicles—this, honestly, is probably one of the biggest shifts—and it’s creating new market needs, like coolants that don’t conduct electricity and are specially designed for battery cooling and electric powertrains. These developments open the door for manufacturers to weave in AI-powered thermal management tech, which can predict issues before they happen and monitor systems in real-time. This, in turn, not only cuts down on total ownership costs but boosts the reliability of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and their systems. Big players such as Prestone, Valvoline, Shell, ExxonMobil, and TotalEnergies are all investing in AI and greener tech, trying to squeeze the best possible performance out of coolants while keeping emissions and sustainability issues in check. Looking into market segmentation, you’ll notice that inorganic coolants still dominate—holding close to half the market share—mainly because they're cost-effective and tend to work pretty well across many vehicle types. That’s not to forget the important role of independent garages, which make up nearly 29% of the sales in 2025, and that number is expected to stay steady or grow because more consumers are favoring accessible, out-of-warranty servicing options. Regionally, the growth is especially promising in the US, South Korea, the EU, the UK, and Japan. Each of these regions has its own regulatory environment, vehicle production trends, and push toward electrification, all of which influence how the market develops there. However, it’s not all smooth sailing—there are some hurdles, for sure. Stricter environmental rules about coolant toxicity, disposal procedures, and recycling standards make formulating and marketing these products a bit more complicated. Plus, the way the coolant aftermarket is pretty fragmented—think private labels and regional brands—means a tough, competitive landscape. But, honestly, these challenges are also encouraging innovation; we're seeing more bio-based, biodegradable coolant options and smarter, AI-enabled solutions that aim to satisfy both performance needs and environmental concerns. From a broader view, analysts estimate the market could be worth anywhere from about USD 7.9 billion to over USD 11 billion by 2033 or 2034, with a CAGR hovering between 4% and 6.7%. And these figures include related segments like antifreeze formulations. The trend seems clear: there's a rising demand for cooling solutions across passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and EVs—especially in Asia-Pacific, which stays a dominant player due to high vehicle output and the shift toward eco-friendly coolants. All in all, the automotive coolant market is transforming fast, closely tied to advances in vehicle tech and shifting consumer preferences. Innovations like predictive AI maintenance, the switch to electric powertrains, and tighter environmental rules are shaping a future where coolant formulations need to be smarter, longer-lasting, and more environmentally friendly. Companies that tackle these challenges head-on will likely be the ones capturing significant slices of what’s shaping up to be a complex, but promising, aftermarket—one that’s definitely set to evolve along with the future of automotive thermal management. Source: Noah Wire Services

A new vehicle-aware navigation app combining HERE’s mapping expertise with EROAD’s telematics aims to ease the critical heavy-vehicle driver shortage across Australia and New Zealand by reducing driver stress and improving safety and efficiency in freight logistics.HERE Technologies and EROAD have come together to introduce a pretty groundbreaking vehicle-aware navigation app, specifically crafted for the freight industry in Australia and New Zealand. It’s quite the leap forward in commercial trucking tech for the region. Basically, this system merges HERE’s well-known mapping and route-planning smarts with EROAD’s telematics capabilities, creating a solution that doesn’t just guide—well, it actually “thinks” on its own. It can adapt in real-time, responding to current road conditions, vehicle specs, and what the driver might need at any given moment. And honestly, it couldn’t be more timely, considering the ongoing industry challenges. Australia is facing a critical driver shortage—something like 28,000 heavy-vehicle positions are currently unfilled, and a significant chunk of that workforce is getting older, with about 47% over 55. The demographic shift is pretty stark; over 21% of experienced drivers are expected to retire by 2029, which puts a lot of pressure on the industry to pull in and keep new talent. Plus, only around 5% of drivers are under 25, which really raises doubts about the long-term sustainability of freight logistics here. Looking at this new navigation app, it’s clear it’s designed with these workforce realities in mind. The goal is to put drivers in control, but at the same time, to help cut down on their stress and mental fatigue, thanks to an interface that’s straightforward and user-friendly. The hope is that this will not only boost job satisfaction but also help keep drivers around longer. Among the features are truck-specific routing that takes into account vehicle size and cargo type—this helps ensure compliance with road limits and keeps fines at bay. It also offers real-time traffic info updates every five minutes, supports multi-drop tours with smart ETA predictions—to help meet service commitments—and even has an offline mode, so where connectivity is scarce, it still functions smoothly. Deon Newman, who is the Senior Vice President and General Manager for Asia Pacific at HERE Technologies, really emphasized how this app offers fleets valuable real-time insights and optimised routes, which, in turn, can reduce incidents like bridge strikes and improve safety overall. Mark Davidson, EROAD’s Chief Product Officer, was quick to back that up, saying the tech gives fleet operators a real edge, particularly as safety regulations tighten and driver shortages worsen. This new rollout isn’t just a standalone thing—it's a natural progression from a previous partnership between HERE and EROAD that took off in 2020. That earlier collaboration led to the EROAD Go+ solution, which offered truck-friendly routing and live turn-by-turn navigation, complete with lane assist, across Australia, New Zealand, and North America. But this new app takes things even further—more integrated, more tailored to freight logistics, and more attuned to the specific demands of modern trucking. Launching this new tool aligns with broader trends in the industry—things like the skyrocketing adoption of connected vehicle tech in the region. Industry experts forecast that the fleet management system market in Australia and New Zealand will hit around 2.7 million units by 2028—that’s a huge number, showing how absolutely essential digital tools have become for efficient fleet operation. For freight companies, the move to smarter logistics technology is less about choice now and more about staying in the game—survival, even. With freight expected to grow by around 77% by 2050, plus initiatives like the National Road Transport Association’s Road Freight Workforce Action Plan—aimed at boosting driver training, recruitment, and retention—these new technological advances are crucial infrastructure pieces. Groups advocating for the industry also emphasize targeted measures like traineeships and cadet programs to lure younger workers, address the aging driver demographic, and keep supply chains moving smoothly. All things considered, the HERE and EROAD’s vehicle-aware navigation approach kind of signals a big shift—toward safer roads, smarter routing, better driver experiences, and overall more efficient freight operations across Australia and New Zealand. As the driver shortage problem and tighter regulations become more pressing, these kinds of innovations are essential tools in securing the sector’s future. References Map: Para 1 – [1], [7] Para 2 – [1], [5], [6] Para 3 – [1], [7] Para 4 – [1], [2], [3], [7] Para 5 – [4], [1] Para 6 – [1], [2], [5] Para 7 – [1], [5], [6] Para 8 – [1], [7] Source: Noah Wire Services

Driivz and ezVOLTz have teamed up to integrate advanced fault detection and self-healing technology into ezVOLTz’s Charging as a Service platform, aiming to enhance reliability, reduce maintenance costs, and provide actionable insights for fleet operators and government agencies across North America.Driivz, which is a part of Vontier and quite a prominent name worldwide when it comes to EV charging software, has just announced a pretty interesting partnership with ezVOLTz. The goal? To boost both the reliability and efficiency of EV charging services, especially for government agencies and commercial outfits. Basically, the idea is to weave Driivz’s top-tier EV Charging and Energy Management platform into ezVOLTz’s all-in-one Charging as a Service (CaaS) offering. Seems like a smart move, huh? This blend is meant to deliver smooth, dependable charging experiences, and it's tailored for clients like state and local governments, various businesses, retail spots, and fleets of electric vehicles. Now, ezVOLTz, which provides a full managed EV charging service from start to finish, handles hardware-agnostic charger setups along with its own ezCONNECT Management Software. That software neatly takes care of data collection, reporting, billing, and processing transactions. When they add Driivz’s platform into the mix, the aim is to really keep chargers up and running with constant network monitoring and quick fixes when problems pop up. The cool part? Driivz’s Alert Management System, or AMS, can spot faults right away and even fix some issues automatically, which keeps things steady and chargers available. And get this, their self-healing algorithms can solve up to 80% of charger issues without even having to send out a technician—huge savings in downtime and maintenance costs, right? This partnership plays directly into ezVOLTz’s bigger game plan—growing its network seamlessly. Thanks to Driivz’s sharp analytics, ezVOLTz will be able to get in-depth insights into how chargers are being used—think peak times, demand trends, and overall utilization. All that data is gold for deciding where to put new chargers and how to expand the network properly, especially in spots with high demand. Plus, this alliance boosts the ezVOLTz mobile app, which now offers users a nationwide directory of charging stations, making route planning way easier. It’s like navigating across the country with confidence, knowing exactly where to stop and charge up. Industry folks are pretty clear about it—reliability and smart energy management are becoming more vital than ever in this fast-moving EV world. Sam Malhotra, the CEO of ezVOLTz, stressed that this partnership is crucial to keeping their reputation for dependable, comprehensive charging infrastructure intact. “The Driivz team and their smart charging and energy management solutions,” Malhotra said, “are a perfect fit to strengthen our services,” highlighting how important tech is in supporting all this EV growth. Over at Driivz, CEO Andrew Bennett echoed similar sentiments. He mentioned that this partnership will improve the experience for not just business clients, but also government agencies and fleet operators. “As e-mobility continues its rise, reliability and ease-of-use are among the top priorities for EV drivers,” Bennett pointed out. This collaboration with ezVOLTz is in line with Driivz’s larger ambitions in the EV charging world. In fact, they’ve just rolled out Version 8 of their platform—a pretty big upgrade—adding features like a new mobile app, contactless payments, and support for the North American Charging Standard (NACS). Such updates underscore their commitment to top-notch operation, scalability, and meeting what EV drivers and network operators are demanding these days. And let’s not forget, Driivz’s tech isn’t just theory — it’s powering tons of major projects worldwide. They’ve teamed up with utility-focused companies like Rhythmos to optimize charging capacity, and with big operators like Shell and Greenspot. Shell, in particular, has a huge goal—install over 500,000 chargers globally by 2025—and they depend on Driivz’s real-time monitoring and autonomous fault fixing to keep everything running smoothly and keep customers happy. Greenspot’s also using Driivz’s software to support their global growth, ensuring chargers stay stable and available wherever they operate. For folks in the automotive aftermarket, OEMs, fleet managers, and service providers, this kind of partnership signals a whole lot of progress. By incorporating advanced software that detects faults automatically and provides handy data insights, these stakeholders can make their EV charging networks more efficient, reliable, and even more profitable. It’s a positive step towards growing electric mobility — and not just in the commercial sector, but also for public use. References: - Paragraph 1: [1], [2] - Paragraph 2: [1], [2] - Paragraph 3: [1] - Paragraph 4: [1] - Paragraph 5: [1], [3] - Paragraph 6: [1], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7] Source: Noah Wire Services

As electric vehicle makers push for higher efficiency and lower costs, engineers are innovating permanent magnet materials and rotor designs to overcome thermal, supply chain, and environmental hurdles.As the worldwide auto industry speeds up its move toward electric transportation, the demand on powertrain engineers keeps climbing. They're not just optimizing motor performance but also tackling thermal issues and pushing material sustainability — all while trying to keep costs low and scalability in check. At the heart of these challenges is a component that might seem simple but plays a really crucial role: the permanent magnet. Its engineering details are key to making next-gen electric vehicle (EV) motors both efficient and reliable. The industry’s go-to choice for EV traction motors right now remains the Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM). This type is found in over 80% of current EVs, including top models from Tesla like their Interior Permanent Magnet (IPM) designs, and Hyundai’s Hairpin stator motors. These motors are appreciated for their high torque density, lightweight rotor design, and excellent field-weakening abilities that allow them to hit higher speeds. Plus, they’re compact, both in axial and radial layouts, giving vehicle designers more flexibility. But, of course, all these perks depend heavily on the precise selection of magnetic materials, rotor setups, and thermal design — all of which hinge on the type and placement of the permanent magnets used. When it comes to magnets, Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB) magnets dominate the scene. That’s mostly because they pack a seriously strong magnetic punch and tend to offer a decent balance between cost and performance. Usually, grades like N42SH and N48H can handle temperatures up to around 150–180°C without trouble, while the higher-coercivity kinds like N50UH and N52EH are better suited for harsher environments, such as high-speed or under-the-hood tasks. Adding elements like dysprosium or terbium can boost thermal stability, but it’s not without drawbacks — these additions bump up material costs and intensify dependence on rare earths, which raises worries about supply chain issues, especially with political and sustainability concerns in the mix. On the other hand, alternative materials like Samarium Cobalt (SmCo) perform well at temps over 200°C, but they’re expensive and less mechanically robust, which means they’re less suited for widespread use. Some promising research is going into rare-earth free magnets or ferrite-based designs; while these offer potential cost savings and supply security, they still can’t quite match the performance needed for high-demand applications. That said, in urban electric vehicles, especially those with Interior Permanent Magnet features, the lower magnetic flux can be offset by saliency torque, making these alternatives somewhat viable. Rotor design is another big piece of the puzzle. The topology influences the motor’s magnetic efficiency and ability to handle heat. IPM rotors, with magnets embedded inside, can reach higher speeds and deliver stronger saliency torque, but manufacturing them is pretty complex, and managing thermal gradients becomes a challenge. On the flip side, Surface-Mounted Permanent Magnet (SPM) rotors are easier to assemble and typically have less torque ripple, but they face issues like demagnetisation risk and limited field weakening capacity. To get around that, some makers are exploring advanced IPM designs—shaped like V or multi-layer configurations—to improve torque and flux control. These, however, call for sophisticated finite element analysis to optimize flux barriers and manage eddy currents, mechanical stresses, and cooling strategies—especially now, when direct oil cooling is gaining popularity to keep temperatures in check. Thermal management, honestly, has become more and more critical as motors run consistently between 150°C and 200°C. Keeping the coatings intact, adhesives reliable, and flux stable is vital to prevent failures. The typical best practices involve using corrosion-resistant coatings like Nickel-Copper-Nickel or epoxy, segmenting magnets to cut down eddy current losses, and adding thermal interface materials that boost heat transfer. Plus, stator designs with flux-focusing geometries help get the most magnetic efficiency while extending the motor’s lifespan. From a sustainability and ESG standpoint, OEMs and their suppliers are rethinking how they design magnets to meet environmental, social, and governance goals—besides just slashing costs. Recycling and reprocessing technologies for magnets are picking up speed; they’re seen as promising ways to cut back on reliance on virgin rare earth materials. Some Tier 1 suppliers and universities are working on hybrid magnet setups, combining NdFeB with ferrite magnets, to find a good middle ground between high performance and resource efficiency. Meanwhile, alternative concepts like switched reluctance motors are being explored, but they often come with trade-offs, especially in terms of noise, vibration, harshness, and control complexity. In essence, the permanent magnet isn’t just a passive part in EV powertrains anymore. It’s become a strategic lever, enabling innovations in power density, thermal flow, and cost savings. Engineers and magnetic specialists need to work closely together—collaborating on trade-offs and custom solutions tailored to each specific application—to push things forward. Companies like Magnet Expert Ltd are great examples of this integrated approach. They offer custom magnetic assemblies made with tight tolerances, provide simulation support to assess magnetic flux and heat loads, do rapid prototyping with high-grade NdFeB and SmCo materials, and consult on issues like demagnetisation resistance and durability. These partnerships are crucial, especially as the automotive supply chain adapts to the technical hurdles and supply volatility that come with next-generation EV motors. Bottom line? Optimizing permanent magnets remains a lively, ever-evolving field of innovation within EV motor development—one that’s shaping vehicle performance, sustainability, and affordability as electrification continues to gain momentum. Source: Noah Wire Services