Nio’s Firefly electric hatchback begins testing in Melbourne, signalling Australia expansion

Tesla has introduced a launch control function for its Model Y Performance, leveraging over-the-air software updates to boost acceleration capabilities and bring a new level of engagement to electric SUV performance.Tesla has rolled out launch control functionality for its Model Y Performance, which, honestly, is pretty exciting for those who care about acceleration. This new feature boosts the electric SUV’s ability to launch quickly, improving both traction and how power is delivered when accelerating from a complete standstill. Basically, it allows drivers to better harness the high-output electric motors with more control and precision. It’s a smart move on Tesla’s part, really—making use of over-the-air updates to enhance vehicle capabilities even after cars have already been delivered. Now, even though electric vehicles already deliver nearly instant torque—which sort of makes traditional launch control systems, used in gas-powered cars, a bit less vital—Tesla’s new implementation in the Model Y Performance aims for a more engaging and smoother acceleration. Apparently, with launch control activated, the Model Y Performance can hit 0-60 mph in about 3.3 seconds, which is pretty impressive and on par with some supercars. This is achieved through what's called 'Launch Mode,' which fine-tunes the vehicle’s settings to maximize grip and transfer power efficiently—preventing wheel spin and making sure that every bit of acceleration from a stop is as effective as possible. It’s worth noting, though, that Tesla hasn’t yet equipped the Model 3 Performance with launch control. But given how the company has a pretty good track record of rolling out these kinds of updates gradually across their lineup—mostly through that software magic—it's reasonable to expect the Model 3 Performance will get this feature down the line. Tesla has shown it can add features remotely, which means continuous improvements without needing physical modifications. And as a bonus, Tesla also offers 'Track Mode' on the Model Y Performance, which is detailed in their official manual. Track Mode tweaks various systems including stability, traction, regenerative braking, and cooling, all to improve performance on closed circuits. Interestingly enough, it also manages the electric motors and braking systems to help with cornering and preconditions the vehicle to deal with heat buildup from aggressive driving. Just like launch control, though, this mode is mostly designed for experienced drivers and safe environments, focusing on high performance balanced with safety considerations. If you’re curious about how to activate launch control, reviews suggest there are certain steps involved—like enabling Sport or Ludicrous Mode, preconditioning the battery, and carefully coordinating the accelerator and brake pedals to get optimal results. These procedures highlight just how much technical finesse is needed to make full use of launch control. Plus, it’s important to remember that frequent hard launches might wear out tires faster or impact battery life, so Tesla recommends using these features responsibly, ideally in closed tracks or safe settings. What’s fascinating about Tesla’s approach is that their emphasis on software updates—like launch control—reflects a bigger trend in the EV industry. Manufacturers are increasingly relying on sophisticated software to push performance boundaries beyond what hardware alone could achieve before. This benefits fleet managers, repair shops, and aftermarket specialists alike, by extending vehicle capabilities and making electric cars more appealing in the performance segment. On the durability front, the Model 3 Performance has already proven its resilience quite impressively. It’s demonstrated the ability to withstand repeated hard launches without losing performance, which speaks volumes about Tesla’s build quality and the robustness of their powertrains and software integrations. That's especially important for enthusiasts and professionals who demand consistency and reliability under tough conditions. Overall, Tesla’s introduction of launch control for the Model Y Performance—along with plans to expand this feature to other models—really signifies a leap forward in EV performance tech. It shows how the industry is shifting toward software-driven innovations, opening up new possibilities for enhancing driving dynamics, safety, and overall user experience in electric vehicles. It’s pretty interesting, right? I mean, in a way, it’s like the cars are getting smarter and more capable, thanks to good old software updates. References: - [1] - [2] - [4] - [6] - [7] (And a few more references interwoven throughout.) Source: Noah Wire Services

Toyota joins Tokyo’s ambitiousToyota Motor Corporation has recently become a part of the "TOKYO H2" project, which is a public-private partnership launched by Tokyo’s government with the goal of making the city a leading hub for hydrogen energy worldwide. At the heart of this initiative is the plan to introduce Toyota’s Crown fuel cell vehicle (FCEV) into Tokyo’s fleet of hydrogen-powered taxis. The Crown model, in particular, is designed to showcase the quiet, smooth operation typical of fuel cell tech, while also offering plenty of space in the back for passengers and easy access for getting in and out. The idea is to give riders a more premium experience that kind of outshines regular taxis. Toyota has pledged to roll out 200 Crown vehicles by fiscal year 2025, supporting the broader government target of roughly 600 fuel cell taxis across Tokyo by 2030. Another key piece of this strategy is the reopening of the TOYOTA MIRAI Showroom in Minato City, now operating as the TOKYO H2 HUB. This space is more than just a showroom; it’s meant to be a central point for companies and organizations working on hydrogen technologies and advancing a hydrogen-based society. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is coordinating efforts with a unified brand across the city, aiming to boost public awareness and stimulate demand for hydrogen solutions—especially in commercial transport sectors like taxis and delivery trucks. It’s pretty interesting, right? The entire city is visibly shifting towards embracing hydrogen power. Now, even with Toyota’s push into hydrogen taxis and commercial vehicles, they’re also aware of the immense popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), which dominate the debate when it comes to reducing carbon emissions. Since launching the Mirai back in 2014, Toyota’s overall sales of fuel cell vehicles have been relatively small—about 27,500 units sold worldwide over ten years. That’s not a lot in the grand scheme and reflects some of the market’s hesitation, plus the high costs tied to fuel cell tech and infrastructure. Still, Toyota remains convinced that hydrogen will be a vital part of decarbonizing transportation in the future—especially for heavier-duty vehicles like trucks, buses, and vans. They’re working on projects with partners like Isuzu to develop light-duty hydrogen trucks, which sounds promising. This approach isn’t just a sideline for Toyota; it fits into their broader strategy for sustainable mobility. They’re also working on improving traditional internal combustion engines by using greener fuels, like hydrogen and bioethanol—often combined with electric motors. Toyota’s CEO, Koji Sato, has pointed out that jumping straight into mass EV adoption isn’t practical or responsible, especially considering the large number of jobs tied to conventional vehicle manufacturing. Many experts, including prominent academic Takahiro Fujimoto, argue that achieving true carbon neutrality requires a mix of different technologies and plenty of time. Electric vehicles are critical, yes, but they also come with their own resource challenges, like battery production and disposal. Toyota’s hydrogen initiatives are also supported through significant corporate partnerships. One example is the recent merger worth $6.4 billion between Toyota’s Hino Motors and Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus, which is part of a strategy to lead in hydrogen commercial vehicles. This alliance helps boost investments in hydrogen tech, which is crucial as the trucking industry faces increasing competition and stricter regulations. The plan is to get these joint efforts operational by April 2026, with plans to ramp up their influence on the market. On top of all that, Toyota is collaborating with ENEOS Corporation on projects at Woven City, their prototype city of the future. This involves investigating the full hydrogen supply chain—everything from how hydrogen is produced, delivered, stored, and used. They’re testing hydrogen station setups and fuel cell generators to support mobility solutions in this smart city environment. It’s a clear demonstration of their long-term commitment to creating a sustainable hydrogen ecosystem, both locally and globally. And it’s not just about vehicles—Toyota is playing a leading role in the Hydrogen Council, a global CEO-led group dedicated to fast-tracking hydrogen’s development and commercialization across various industries beyond just automobiles. It’s pretty inspiring to see how committed Toyota is to integrating hydrogen into the future of clean energy, right? In summary, moving forward with the TOKYO H2 project shows Toyota’s clear focus on hydrogen as a core part of its overall plan for eco-friendly mobility. Sure, hurdles like cost and infrastructure still exist, but with ongoing investments, global collaborations, and urban pilot programs, Toyota seems determined to make hydrogen a mainstream energy source—especially in large-scale transport and city-based applications like taxis—where the public impact could be pretty significant. Source: Noah Wire Services

India’s commercial vehicle sector is poised for steady growth driven by technological innovation, evolving regulations, and infrastructure expansion, signalling a transformative decade ahead for logistics and transportation.India’s commercial vehicle (CV) industry is definitely riding a strong growth curve and seems pretty well set to keep expanding steadily all the way through 2030. This positive outlook is largely due to a mix of solid economic fundamentals, changing rules and regulations, and some pretty rapid tech innovations. According to estimates, this sector could grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) somewhere between 4 and 6 percent over the next few years. And, honestly, India’s economy is expected to grow at about 6.3 percent by fiscal year 2026, backed by ongoing investments in key sectors like steel and cement, which are crucial for infrastructure projects. The Indian CV market is quite diverse, with several segments each showing their own unique growth patterns that tie back to broader economic and industrial trends. Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs), for instance, saw a dip of around 9 percent in FY25—mainly because of high inventory levels and a slowdown in mining activity—yet there's a good chance they’ll bounce back strongly. Freight movement alone is projected to grow at roughly 6 percent CAGR, which bodes well for HCV sales, expected to rise by about 4 percent in FY26. Major infrastructure projects like the Golden Quadrilateral and expansion of national highways are key drivers here. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), for example, plans to tender contracts worth ₹3.4 lakh crore in FY26, and incentives are being provided to encourage the scrapping of outdated fleets. Interestingly enough, initiatives like Andhra Pradesh’s Green Hydrogen Hub, investing an impressive ₹1.85 lakh crore, highlight the industry’s shift towards alternative energy sources. Moving on, Intermediate and Medium Commercial Vehicles (I&MCV)—especially the 18.5-ton trucks—are expected to grow in sync with rising e-commerce activity and increased rural transportation demands. This segment is forecasted to expand about 4 percent in FY26, driven largely by replacement demand created through various scrappage policies. Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) and Small Commercial Vehicles (SCVs), though, seem to be heading in different directions; while SCVs face stagnation, LCVs are predicted to grow by approximately 4 percent, fueled by the boom in e-commerce deliveries in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. The electric three-wheeler market, specifically those under 2-ton GVW, is also gaining momentum, promising lower total ownership costs and better environmental sustainability. The passenger bus segment, quite surprisingly perhaps, looks pretty healthy—sales are expected to increase by around 8 percent in FY26, marking the third year in a row of positive growth. Government initiatives like the PM E-Drive scheme, which has allocated nearly ₹44 billion for the purchase of 14,028 electric buses in FY26, are crucial in driving electrification efforts in public transport fleets. This shift is supported not only by environmental policies but also by better payment security and improved operational efficiencies within State Transport Undertakings (STUs), all aligned with India’s net-zero emission goals. Regulations are also playing a vital role in this transformative phase for the industry. Upcoming standards like the Phase III Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms, expected to come into effect by 2027, and the Euro 7 emission standards, highlight India’s push for cleaner, safer, more efficient vehicles. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies, which focus on vehicle recycling, are set to promote scrappage, along with new safety regulations requiring advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as Forward Collision Warning, Electronic Stability Control, and Autonomous Emergency Braking. There’s even a plan to limit truck drivers’ hours to just eight per day, all aimed at improving safety—which makes sense, right? Additionally, the government is working on establishing over 1,000 rest stations across the country. Customer behavior is another big factor influencing upcoming industry trends. There’s a noticeable shift towards solutions that boost efficiency, connectivity, and safety. Predictive maintenance platforms powered by AI, like Force Motors’ iPulse, are becoming quite common, helping reduce vehicle downtime and optimize fuel use. The boom in e-commerce has had a clear impact too—by FY21, reports indicated that e-commerce made up between 7 and 10 percent of Tata Motors’ CV sales and about 25 percent of Ashok Leyland’s urban CV sales. Leasing options and direct-to-customer sales models are gaining popularity too, especially for electric commercial fleets, thanks in part to OEMs like Mahindra Electric and financial service players such as Revfin. Digital tools are also transforming after-sales services—they’re deploying remote diagnostics and round-the-clock support centers, which significantly boost fleet uptime and improve ownership experiences. Technology is truly disrupting this evolving landscape. Indian manufacturers are embracing AI, telematics, and connected vehicle platforms more aggressively than ever, transforming fleets into data-rich entities. For example, Ashok Leyland’s fleet reportedly produces over three million data points every hour, enabling real-time insights for better operations. Tata Motors is also working on India’s first hydrogen internal combustion engine truck—which shows efforts to diversify powertrain options beyond just electric and hybrid solutions. Startups like Taabi Mobility are using AI to optimize routes and reduce idle time, which helps cut fuel costs and emissions. And the rise of software-defined vehicles (SDVs) is promising to take operational intelligence and diagnostics to a whole new level, revolutionizing how fleet management is done. On the infrastructure front, government-led expansion projects are critical to reshaping logistics and transportation networks. Initiatives such as Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs), Multi-Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs), and the Gati Shakti scheme aim to more than double India’s rail freight capacity by 2030, making rail a more prominent mode of transport. This shift is expected to boost demand for last-mile delivery vehicles—mostly LCVs, MCVs, and SCVs—although it might slightly reduce some growth in HCVs. The government’s broader plan includes developing eleven industrial corridors and two defense corridors, with hubs focused on manufacturing sectors like pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, fishing, and ports—all of which will generate more cargo movement and demand for commercial vehicles. A particularly encouraging development is the gradual but accelerating move towards alternative fuels. While electric vehicles dominate in urban passenger and short-haul segments, hydrogen and hybrid options look increasingly feasible for heavy-duty, long-distance freight applications. Industry projections suggest e-truck demand might reach around 7,750 units by 2030. This is supported by programs such as NITI Aayog’s e-FAST initiative, and major logistics players like the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, which plans to deploy over 6,500 e-trucks over the next three to five years. Building the necessary charging infrastructure—aiming for about 1,500 fast-charge stations powered by renewable energy—is essential for maintaining this growth trajectory. From a valuation standpoint, the outlook remains quite positive. Reports estimate that the Indian CV market, which was valued at roughly USD 51.27 billion in 2024, could climb to approximately USD 69.06 billion by 2030. That’s about a 5.14 percent CAGR. And if you look at the overall auto industry—covering passenger cars and CVs—the growth rate is expected to be around 5.7 percent, driven by a rising middle class, government policies, and increasing urbanization—factors that will likely fuel demand for manufacturing, supply chain services, and after-sales support. All things considered, India’s commercial vehicle industry seems to be on the cusp of some pretty significant transformation. It’s being shaped by consistent macroeconomic growth, forward-thinking policies, changing customer expectations, and cutting-edge technological progress. Those companies that can skillfully navigate the regulatory landscape, adopt disruptive technologies early on, and respond to shifting market demands will have a real shot at leading India’s CV market in the years ahead. With infrastructure development and a move toward alternative powertrains reshaping logistics, this industry should unlock a host of new possibilities across all segments over the coming decade. Honestly, it’s quite an exciting time for the sector! Source: Noah Wire Services