Will Donald Trump start a new tariff war? The jury is out on that as the newly appointed US President takes a 30-day pause for any tariff related decision. Indian industry players with presence in Mexico particularly are taking a wait-and-watch approach to understand if their business plans get impacted in any way. But some aren’t bothered about it much, as you will find out in one of the stories of this edition of the newsletter.

While Mr. Trump plays his cards to ‘Make America Great Again’, auto industry players increasingly are seeming to say that there’s no trump card in technology for a sustainable future. Though EVs (Electric Vehicle) may be the future, the discussion around hybrid technology is regaining momentum.

Hybrid technology, a bridge between EVs and ICE


Waste to Fuel

In the quest for a sustainable future, including sustainable transportation, waste can play a significant role in containing carbon emissions. In our series of technical articles from industry experts and academia, here’s the latest on how plastic waste, of which India generates an estimated 9 million plus tonnes annually, can be good fodder for fueling a sustainable future.

Unconventional fuel options: Potentials of waste plastic for synthetic fuel production


Autonomous Driving: In or Out?

Apart from whether Donal Trump will impose new tariffs or now, the other million-dollar question is whether Autonomous Driving will become a mainstream technology or not. There seems to be two different schools of thought for the tech’s adoption. General Motors, which halted its Autonomous Driving tech investments, believes assisted-driving is more worthwhile to pursue, but Waymo is stepping on the gas with driverless cars.

Also, there’s another emerging use case for Autonomous technology – sidewalk delivery robots! Read about all of them in the stories below.

After robotaxi failure, GM software bet turns to driver assistance


Alphabet's Waymo to test its autonomous driving technology in over 10 new cities


Autonomous technology startup Avride partners with Grubhub to roll out food delivery robots


Will EVs also redefine the mobility landscape?

EVs are tailpipe emission-free for sure, and therefore help in containing the pollution challenge in areas hey operate in. But, will they also redefine mobility? Here’s an EV maker which plans to do that.

The future of micro-mobility | Gensol EV CEO talks about Ezio & affordable EVs


Opportunities amidst geopolitical challenges for Indian tech companies?

Indian companies with production facilities in North America, particularly Mexico, may be concerned about what lies in store in terms of the evolving tariff related scenario. However, KPIT Technologies, a leading technology company headquartered in Pune, sees “opportunities” in the evolving geopolitical scenario, including the USA-China story.

KPIT eyes expansion 'opportunities' amid evolving geo-political landscape


Practical Connected tech is what Indians want

Advanced technologies in a vehicle just for the sake of it may not yield much, though it may pay for short time. When it comes to the Connected Vehicle megatrend in India, some view it still as just ‘scratching the surface’. There’s a lot more scope.

India demands practicality in connected vehicle features: Report


To get a comprehensive understanding of the evolving Connected Vehicle industry, and the technology adoption trend, and developments in the space, do attend the 5th ETAuto Connected Vehicle Summit on 20th Feb., at Hilton Chennai. A host of senior industry leaders, and technologists who shape future tech will be there. To register, click on https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com/connected-vehicle-summit


We hope you liked the contents of this edition of our weekly technology-focused newsletter. Please send your bouquets, of brickbats, and suggestions, to [email protected].