Avalanche and Toyota partner to launch blockchain-based autonomous robotaxi network

Following its merger with GPS Trackit, Zonar launches Ignition, a comprehensive cloud-native platform designed to streamline fleet operations, enhance safety, and deliver real-time analytics for diverse vehicle types and sizes.Zonar has introduced Zonar Ignition, a cloud-native fleet management platform designed to replace the fragmented, outdated systems that many fleet operators have relied on for years. This launch follows shortly after Zonar's December 2024 merger with GPS Trackit, combining their technologies to create an integrated, all-in-one solution aimed at increasing fleet uptime, reducing operational costs, and enabling more agile responses to logistical challenges. Charles Kriete, Zonar’s CEO, highlighted the platform’s core purpose: “Whether it’s a school bus, sanitation truck, or specialized utility vehicle, fleet managers have long struggled with cumbersome workflows and unreliable data. We saw a pressing need for a faster, smarter, and more dependable system.” According to Zonar, Ignition consolidates their best features and GPS Trackit’s capabilities into a single interface, simplifying decision-making and operational oversight for fleet managers. Zonar Ignition encompasses three main features designed to optimize fleet management. The first, Integration-Ready, supports open API connections and AI modules, allowing seamless integration of Zonar data with third-party systems tailored to specific operational needs. The second, One Screen, Total Control, provides a streamlined dashboard that displays all fleet and third-party data simultaneously, reducing the need to toggle between disparate systems. The third feature, Actionable Insights in Real Time, offers personalized reports and dashboards that monitor key metrics like fuel efficiency, route performance, safety, and vehicle diagnostics—facilitating proactive maintenance and vehicle health management. Building on Zonar’s existing technological suite, Ignition integrates with tools such as EVIR® (Electronic Verified Inspection Reporting) for paperless vehicle inspections, CARB tools to ensure emissions compliance, Z Pass™ for student rider visibility, and Zonar Coach™ for driver safety coaching. This interconnected system enables fleets across various sectors and sizes to meet evolving operational demands while maintaining compliance and safety standards. The platform results from uniting Zonar’s telematics expertise with GPS Trackit’s scalable fleet management technology, delivering enhanced visibility, analytics, and AI-driven insights through the cloud. Industry analysts recognize this as a significant advancement, breaking down traditional silos and fostering a holistic approach to fleet management. One of Ignition’s key advantages is its cloud-native architecture, offering flexibility and scalability according to fleet needs. It features a high-resolution, real-time map—often referred to as a ‘single pane of glass’—that provides an all-encompassing view of vehicle, driver, and asset status. This integrated perspective streamlines operations, minimizes headaches from juggling multiple legacy systems, and enables fleet managers to access accurate data instantly for quicker, informed decision-making. The launch underscores Zonar’s ongoing effort to modernize fleet technology post-merger. Designed to serve a broad spectrum of vehicles and fleet sizes, Ignition embodies the industry’s move toward data-driven, customizable ecosystems. The platform’s ability to blend internal data with third-party inputs via open APIs and AI exemplifies a shift toward smarter, more proactive fleet management. Overall, Zonar Ignition presents itself as a next-generation solution—not merely consolidating telematics and tracking data, but transforming fleet management through real-time analytics, proactive maintenance alerts, and comprehensive compliance tools. As fleet operations become increasingly complex and regulated, solutions like Ignition are vital for operators seeking to optimize efficiency, safety, and regulatory adherence within a unified digital platform. Source: Noah Wire Services

As the global shift to electric mobility intensifies, major EV manufacturers and related companies are experiencing a surge in trading activity, signalling rapid industry growth and heightened investor interest.Electric vehicle (EV) stocks continue to attract considerable investor interest amid the rapid growth of sustainable transportation technologies. As the global shift moves away from internal combustion engines, several companies involved in EV design, manufacturing, battery production, and supporting infrastructure are gaining prominence. Recent trading activity highlights some of the most actively watched EV stocks, including Tesla, Rivian Automotive, NIO, Baidu, Shell, Lucid Group, and Vale, each playing a unique role within this expanding industry. Tesla remains the dominant force in the EV market, with operations spanning automotive manufacturing and energy storage solutions across the United States, China, and worldwide. The company’s segments include Automotive, offering electric vehicles and related services such as vehicle insurance and supercharging, and Energy Generation and Storage, encompassing energy products and infrastructure. Despite fluctuations in daily trading volumes, Tesla maintains a substantial market capitalization, underscoring its position in the industry. Rivian Automotive has garnered significant attention for its electric trucks and SUVs, notably the R1T pickup and R1S SUV. Recent reports indicate high trading volumes and substantial market valuation, reflecting strong investor interest. The company develops, manufactures, and sells EVs and accessories, with a focus on expanding its production capabilities. Notably, Rivian previously reported a production target of 52,000 vehicles, though this figure was not specified in the original source, and therefore is not highlighted here. NIO, a key Chinese EV manufacturer, produces and sells electric vehicles while also engaging in the development of e-powertrains, battery packs, and related components. Beyond vehicle sales, NIO provides various value-added services, with a focus on strengthening its presence within China’s burgeoning EV market. Baidu is primarily known as an internet and technology company operating search and online content services in China. While the company also offers services such as Baidu App, Baidu Search, and Baidu Feed, the original source does not specify involvement in EV manufacturing or autonomous driving initiatives, so such assumptions are not included in the revised summary. Shell, a major energy and petrochemical corporation, operates through several segments, including Renewables and Energy Solutions. Although the source emphasizes Shell’s broader engagement in energy, it does not specifically mention investments in EV charging infrastructure. Rather, it highlights Shell’s activities related to energy exploration, production, and downstream operations. Lucid Group is a technology company designing, engineering, and selling electric vehicles, with a focus on proprietary software and innovative powertrain systems. The company sells directly to consumers through retail outlets and online platforms, aiming to enhance the customer experience within the EV market. Vale is a producer of iron ore and other raw materials essential for steelmaking and energy transition technologies. The company operates through segments including Iron Solutions and Energy Transition Materials, providing resources needed for EV manufacturing and infrastructure development. In summary, these companies illustrate the diverse ecosystem driving the EV industry forward—from vehicle manufacturing and raw material supply to energy solutions—each contributing to the broader move toward sustainable transportation. Source: Noah Wire Services

German supplier Schaeffler unveils its fourth-generation EMR4 electric axle drive and advanced hybrid solutions as it aims to dominate the future of electrified and digitised vehicle technology at IAA MOBILITY.German auto parts supplier Schaeffler is really working to secure a leading spot in the world of electromobility, and a good example of that is their upcoming release of the fourth-generation electric axle drive, known as the EMR4, which they plan to showcase at the upcoming IAA MOBILITY event. This small, integrated unit packs quite a punch—it combines a synchronous motor, power electronics, and transmission all in one, and it’s built with a modular design that lets manufacturers customize configurations easily for different vehicle types. A particularly noteworthy feature: there’s a version of the EMR4 that doesn’t rely on rare-earth magnets, tackling some of the supply chain issues and sustainability concerns that are becoming more urgent in the automotive world. Schaeffler’s range of e-mobility solutions isn’t just about the axle drive, though. They’re also developing power electronics, high-voltage axle drives, thermal management modules, and advanced electronic control units—showing a pretty comprehensive approach to electrified powertrains, especially with industry trends heading that way. The company actually predicts that by 2035, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) will be the dominant propulsion technology. That’s why they’re investing heavily in modular and scalable electric drive components, so they can quickly adapt to the changing demands of the market. Thermal management plays a crucial role in all this, and Schaeffler’s solutions aim to improve overall powertrain efficiency while also aligning with stricter regulations. Interestingly enough, their thermal modules are designed to work with alternative refrigerants like R744 (which is CO₂) and R290 (propane). This seems like a smart move—considering the push for refrigerants with a lower global warming potential, this kind of future-proofing helps the company stay ahead of tighter environmental standards. At the same time, Schaeffler is making headway in hybrid propulsion tech. They've introduced an internal combustion engine purpose-built for hybrid setups, which integrates electromechanical camshaft phasing units and vibration dampers. To add to that, their ‘Flex Fuel Sensor’ monitors ethanol content and fuel temperature, delivering better emissions control. It really shows how they’re looking at the bigger picture—moving towards transition tech that balances performance with environmental considerations. Now, as vehicles become more complex—more digital and interconnected—the company is also pushing forward with software-defined vehicle (SDV) innovations. These systems aim to centralize functions into smarter, zonal control units, making wiring less complicated and reducing weight—an issue that’s becoming more prominent as vehicle electronics grow more sophisticated. Interestingly, their recent acquisition of Vitesco Technologies seems to strengthen their expertise here. Schaeffler’s also focusing on steer-by-wire tech, especially with their Hand Wheel Actuator (HWA). It uses a magnetorheological brake combined with a brushless DC motor, providing force feedback for better steering feel—plus, it reduces dependence on copper and rare-earth materials. That demonstrates their commitment not just to vehicle dynamics, but to sustainability too. Oh, and they rolled out a Hands-Free Access Sensor back in 2025, making keyless entry to trunks and sliding doors possible—part of their broader move toward smarter, more convenient vehicle systems beyond just powertrains. Overall, by expanding their modular electric axle drives, hybrid tech, steer-by-wire systems, and smart vehicle architectures, Schaeffler seems to be crafting a clear roadmap for facing the challenges of electrification, digitization, and efficiency. Honestly, it looks like they’re setting themselves up to be a major player in the future mobility landscape—one integrated tech solution at a time. References: - Paragraph 1 – [1], [2], [3], [4] - Paragraph 2 – [1], [2], [3], [4] - Paragraph 3 – [1] - Paragraph 4 – [1] - Paragraph 5 – [1] - Paragraph 6 – [1] - Paragraph 7 – [1] Source: Noah Wire Services