Innovations Driving the Next Chapter of Mobility

We are back with the 14th edition of KPIT’s Mobility Roundup! In this edition, we explore the transformative steps being taken by global automotive leaders as they accelerate toward a future shaped by electrification, advanced manufacturing, and cutting-edge technologies. With innovations ranging from electric vehicle production to advancements in charging infrastructure and autonomous driving, the automotive industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Join us as we explore the latest news and key developments that are driving the future of sustainable mobility.

Toyota to build an electric vehicle factory in India

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) is the Indian joint venture of Toyota and the Kirloskar Group, focused on the production and sale of Toyota vehicles in India. According to media reports, this subsidiary has purchased land in Maharashtra for the factory. It is expected to commence operations in January 2026 and will have the capacity to produce 400,000 electric and hybrid vehicles per year.

Toyota to build an electric vehicle factory in India - electrive.com

Tata Motors breaks ground on first Indian plant for JLR models

Tata Motors is building the new auto plant as a greenfield facility in Panapakkam, a town in the Ranipet district of the southern state of Tamil Nadu. “We are pleased to make Panapakkam as the home of our next generation of cars and SUVs, including electric and luxury vehicles,” Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran commented on the groundbreaking ceremony.

Tata Motors breaks ground on first Indian plant for JLR models - electrive.com

Nissan announces bidirectional onboard charger for 2026

When it comes to bidirectional charging, there has always been one technical question: AC or DC? An AC solution has the advantage that the electric car can supply electricity directly to the grid without an external inverter. However, if the bidirectional charging vehicle is more likely to be used at home, a direct current solution would be better: the vehicle battery, the home storage unit and the PV system on the roof all work with direct current. Switching to alternating current just for the transfer would mean unnecessary conversion processes and losses. On the other hand, a bidirectional DC solution would depend on an external inverter if other consumers also use the electricity from the vehicle battery in the home or the grid. However, as Nissan explicitly aims for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) use, its focus on alternating current is an obvious choice.

Nissan announces bidirectional onboard charger for 2026 - electrive.com

Porsche seals investment in Varta subsidiary V4Drive

The troubled battery manufacturer Varta has taken another step forward in its reorganisation. Only?yesterday , the company announced that it had received a bridge loan and agreed on a reorganisation concept with loan lenders and promissory note lenders, as well as with the major Austrian shareholder Michael Tojner and the sports car manufacturer Porsche. As part of this concept, Porsche and Tojner each invest 30 million euros in the main company. The reorganisation concept will secure the financing of Varta AG until the end of 2027.

Porsche is investing in Varta and its subsidiary V4Drive Battery primarily to secure its own supply chain. V4Drive Battery supplies the battery cells used in the performance hybrid drive of the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS.?

Porsche seals investment in Varta subsidiary V4Drive - electrive.com

Hyundai starts up US plant for electric cars

As the manufacturer confirmed to local media, the first units of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 rolled off the production line at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) at the beginning of October.?In February , it was announced that production at the all-electric car plant would begin in the fourth quarter of 2024; the?Ioniq 5 was only confirmed as the plant’s debut model? in the summer.

Hyundai starts up US plant for electric cars - electrive.com

What did you find most exciting in this week's roundup?? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Stay tuned for the next KPIT Mobility Roundup, where we'll keep you in the driver's seat of the latest trends and innovations shaping the future of how we move.