The project showcases Bcomp’s ampliTex natural-fiber composites, and brings together emerging Chinese automotive designers and advanced sustainable composite technologies.

The winning concept was penned by CAA master’s student Alisson Liu (Liu Diannan/刘殿南), whose design centers on sleek lines, state-of-the-art technology and carbon neutrality. It was subsequently developed into a full-size, driveable concept show car in China in partnership with Shanghai Tianjian Industrial Design.

Gabriele Grezzana, business development manager for APAC at Bcomp, said, “Alisson Liu’s striking new concept signals a bright future for Chinese automotive design and lower-carbon materials.”

From concept to reality

Design leadership came from CAA, with Tianjian providing critical technical and manufacturing execution. Tianjian’s core role was production fabrication and engineering realization. Leveraging its proprietary digital-twin review system and full-size adjustable review fixture, Tianjian enabled thorough vehicle-level validation throughout the design phase.

The project demonstrated a collaborative and replicable model for university–industry cooperation that could be adapted by Chinese art and design institutions in their respective contexts.

Emerging automotive designers in China are increasingly aware of environmentally conscious manufacturing and are open to using lower-carbon materials. Prof. James Hope, director of the CAA Institute of Transportation Design, commented, “By providing the opportunity to use these materials in a real-world, from-zero-to-one project, we have gained the experience and expertise to specify their use with confidence, opening direct pathways to OEM design teams and partner institutes in the future. Now, the next generation of Chinese design can take sustainability even further, utilizing lower-carbon materials and understanding how they can be used at scale in automotive production.”

Bcomp’s biocomposites

The CAA Institute of Transportation Design applied ampliTex extensively throughout Revelation, including in the front bumper, rear bumper, body side skirts, seats and wheel-cover hubs. This included exposed-fiber parts, with the weave visible beneath the clear coat.

For the exterior, the team selected ampliTex in gray; for the wheel hubs, ampliTex in charcoal was used, and the parts were overpainted in black. A high-gloss clear coat accentuated the composite’s weave and tone, delivering a modern automotive finish.

AmpliTex is woven from flax fibers, a renewable material that does not compete with food crops. Compared with other high-performance composites, such as carbon fiber, it reportedly reduces cradle-to-gate CO₂ emissions by up to 85%. Once parts have reached the end of their service life, they can be used for thermal energy recovery, rather than being landfilled.

Liu said, “It has been an honor to see my concept, Revelation, come to life. My intention was to build upon fundamental principles of automotive design while embracing the electrified future and harnessing more sustainable materials. Bcomp is a pioneer and innovator in this area, taking sustainable composites from a niche technology to mainstream automotive production. We used ampliTex for many of the surfaces on Revelation, and the result is very impressive.”

In recent news, Kodiak AI announces autonomous trucking pilot in Canada

The Tire Industry Project’s (TIP) End-of-Life Tire (ELT) Toolkit 2.0 is a practical guide aimed at improving sustainability and circularity in tire management worldwide. It provides strategies for developing resilient, transparent and effective ELT systems amid varying regulatory and market conditions.

The Toolkit consolidates the latest knowledge, case studies and expert insights on the evolving challenges and opportunities across the ELT value chain. It is intended for policymakers, industry associations and tire manufacturers, while also offering guidance to recyclers, recovery operators, retailers, researchers and civil society organizations.

Building on the first edition from 2021, the new Toolkit includes tools for assessing current systems, identifying gaps and implementing improvements. Key features include step-by-step frameworks to evaluate ELT management effectiveness across key stages; case studies from nine countries, illustrating regulatory approaches and system maturity levels; and recommendations for stakeholders, covering the full ELT value chain, from collection and sorting to processing and management.

The Toolkit also aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, supporting improved resource efficiency (SDG 8.4), sustainable natural resource management (SDG 12.2) and reduced waste generation (SDG 12.5).

“Effective ELT management is both an environmental imperative and a source of long-term value creation,” said Tania Paratian, director of action and engagement at TIP. “We developed the ELT Toolkit 2.0 to offer stakeholders – no matter where they are in the world or in their ELT management journey – a strong practical foundation for building their sustainability efforts. The initiative supports our commitment to advancing more sustainable ELT management worldwide, guided by the Sustainable Development Goals.”

In related news, Solvay launches bio-circular silica facility in Livorno to drive sustainable tire production and circular innovation

MissionH24 aims to demonstrate the performance and competitiveness of hydrogen technologies under real racing conditions, with the aim of creating a zero-CO₂ emission category at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. With the support of AVL Racetech, the plan is to develop the H24EVO prototype in a targeted manner.

Pierre Fillon, president of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest and co-president of MissionH24, said, “AVL’s involvement alongside MissionH24 demonstrates the value of our program; the search for decarbonized solutions is essential. AVL’s established reputation in the automotive sector lends tremendous credibility to MissionH24. This collaboration promises to be invaluable.”

AVL Racetech will support the project as a technical partner, bringing its extensive experience in virtual vehicle development. A key element of this contribution will be the AVL VSM Race advanced vehicle simulation software. The fully dynamic simulation platform enables the virtual representation and analysis of complex interactions between the complete vehicle, the powertrain and the energy management system. It therefore reportedly supports the seamless integration of user-defined algorithms into VCU software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) workflows specifically designed to optimize the powertrain performance and energy management strategies of the H24EVO race car.

Jean-Michel Bouresche, CEO of H24Project and co-president of MissionH24, added, “AVL will strengthen MissionH24’s pool of technical partners, all of whom are recognized players in the automotive sector. AVL’s skills and expertise will undoubtedly enable us to achieve MissionH24’s ambitious goals.”

Looking ahead, the technical collaboration is planned to be extended from the virtual environment into full vehicle testing. The partners say that the alliance between AVL Racetech, H24Project and ACO as part of the MissionH24 program is a long-term commitment, with a partnership agreement for the next three years.

Ellen Lohr, director motorsport at AVL List, commented, “AVL Racetech is an established engineering partner in 17 top-tier racing series worldwide. We are connected with the MissionH24 by our shared vision of enabling sustainable motorsports and demonstrating that innovative technologies are tangible, feasible and competitive on the racetrack.”

In related news, Johnson Matthey opens cutting-edge hydrogen ICE test facility in Sweden

Developed by engineers from Nissan’s Advanced Product Planning team in Dubai, UAE, and Powertrain Planning team in Barcelona, Spain, and presented on Clean Energy Day (Jan 26), the concept features 3.8m² of high‑efficiency photovoltaic panels integrated into the hood, roof and tailgate. These polymer and glass-based solar panels convert sunlight into DC power, managed through an advanced controller designed to optimize energy use and reduce reliance on external charging infrastructure.

New EV freedom

Real‑world testing has revealed what the auto maker says is “the transformative potential of the system.” In ideal conditions, the system can deliver up to 23km of additional range per day. In cities with high solar exposure, such as Barcelona, the vehicle can generate an average of 17.6km of daily solar driving range. Year‑round averages show significant gains globally – 10.2km/day in London, UK; 18.9 km/day in New Delhi, India; and 21.2 km/day in Dubai.

With this technology, drivers could reduce their charging frequency by 35–65%, depending on use, and a two‑hour, 80km journey could produce 0.5 kWh of clean energy, adding up to 3km of free, zero‑emission range.

During initial long‑distance testing, including a 1,550km journey between the Netherlands and Barcelona, the concept demonstrated that solar integration could cut annual charging visits for a 6,000km/year commuter from 23 to eight.

A collaboration that turned a bold idea into reality

Nissan partnered with Dutch solar-mobility company Lightyear, which provided a next-generation solar panel technology that Nissan’s engineering teams worked with to explore the potential for electric vehicles to charge themselves.

“The solar‑powered Ariya concept embodies Nissan’s belief that innovation and sustainability must move forward hand‑in‑hand,” said Shunsuke Shigemoto, vice president e-powertrain and internal combustion engine powertrain, technology research and advanced engineering, and chief powertrain engineer, Nissan AMIEO.

“By exploring how vehicles can generate their own renewable energy, we are opening the door to new opportunities for customers – greater freedom, reduced charging dependency, and a cleaner future. This concept is not just a technical milestone; it’s a vision of how Nissan intends to lead the next phase of electric mobility.”

In related news, take a peek behind the scenes at Nissan’s third-gen Leaf

The Future of Automotive Testing Conference

This day of high-level content will explore various topics and provide an engaging opportunity to learn from and connect with industry peers. Situated among the exhibits, it will have a relaxing atmosphere, and visitors will be able to dip in and out at their leisure. A highlight will be ATTI’s on-stage interview with Jon Quigley, who worked for Volvo for many years and now runs his own company, Value Transformation. With his broad experience and portfolio of contacts, he’s a very good person to know. He loves sharing his thoughts, too, hence his new gig as ATTI’s regular columnist.

Read Quigley’s latest column on p36 of the September issue.

Also during the conference, Venkat Adusumalli, software engineering manager at Stellantis, will reveal how Stellantis is using AI to accelerate E/E system testing and validation workflows. Click here for a pre-show interview with him.

Innovation Showcase

The free-to-attend Innovation Showcase also provides an interactive platform for learning about new technologies. Speakers will welcome questions and discussion after their presentations, making it a great way to explore ideas together. Like the conference, it will take place within the main hall, so it will be very easy to listen in while wandering through the exhibits, or to come and go throughout the day.

Technology debuts

The industry is moving quickly and it can be a challenge to keep up. Every year there is an abundance of new technologies on display. Some are incremental improvements to existing products, others are entirely new. It’s always surprising how companies find ways around bottlenecks. Often, these developments emerge from ongoing conversations between supplier and customer, ultimately benefiting multiple companies.

Read ATTI‘s comprehensive expo preview in the September issue.

Face-to-face discussions  

It sounds obvious, but the most fruitful conversations are usually the ones that happen in person – it’s how journalists find the best stories. Year after year, exhibitors and visitors report having forged unexpected collaborations at the show, in the form of technology tie-ups or service partnerships.

Detroit’s revival 

A lot of money has been plowed into Detroit in recent years, as evidenced by the stunning renovation of Michigan Central Station, which is well worth a visit. Much of the investment has been in the tech sector. Eleven years ago – when the station was still derelict – ATTI took a tour of some of the labs at GM and what was then the FCA headquarters (see The right wave length, November 2014, Seasonal highlights, September 2015, and Powerbase, March 2015). The facilities were impressive then and are even more so now, thanks to several years of investment in innovation leading to Detroit’s resurgence as an automotive powerhouse.

Visit the Automotive Testing Expo North America website to secure your FREE pass, which will give you access to the expo, the Future of Automotive Testing Conference and the Innovation Showcase

Drive35, delivered by the Department for Business and Trade in partnership with the Advanced Propulsion Centre and Innovate UK, supports large-scale industrial transformation projects. It focuses on collaboration in software-defined vehicle development, hydrogen systems development and manufacturing scale-up – connecting late-stage R&D with industrial production.

Odosolutions contributes with its data infrastructure that captures high-frequency vehicle data and translates it into secure, real-time cloud analytics, enabling predictive maintenance, maximizing uptime and reducing risk across the electric vehicle lifecycle – from development and validation to full fleet deployment.

To reinforce local supply chains and create skilled technical jobs, Odosolutions is currently assessing UK-based assembly and test facilities for its logger family. In partnership with OEMs and Tier 1s, the company provides production-grade diagnostics and remote analytics to accelerate zero-emission and software-defined vehicle development.

Early feasibility studies and pilot manufacturing are underway to scale these solutions to industrial levels. In live trials, Odosolutions’ telemetry systems are already boosting uptime and accelerating development cycles. Features like real-time monitoring, over-the-air configurability and resilient edge logging are helping to reduce program risk and shorten validation timelines.

“Drive35 is a chance to scale zero-emission capability at pace. Our job is to make data effortless – from rugged loggers at the edge to secure cloud insight for engineers and operators – so programs move faster with less risk,” said Umesh Patel, business director at Odos.

In parallel with Drive35, the UK government has launched the Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) Pathfinder project – a £150m (US$183m) investment designed to support the deployment of connected and autonomous vehicle systems through feasibility studies, real-world trials and system enhancements.

The CAM Pathfinder program, which supports a range of funded initiatives to speed up connected and autonomous mobility in the UK, is well matched with Odos’s CAN-to-cloud infrastructure. Projects include assessing technical, commercial and regulatory pathways for autonomous HGVs, expanding autonomous mobility trials in live environments like airports, and evaluating CAM applications across freight, public transportation and depot operations.

These projects depend on reliable, high-integrity data systems to safely operate and scale CAM technologies. Odosolutions telemetry solutions provide the low-latency CAN-to-cloud technology, cybersecure cloud integration and real-time operational intelligence required to bridge prototype testing and live fleet deployment – an increasingly important factor as CAM demonstration projects move toward commercial readiness.

As the Drive35 and CAM Pathfinder initiatives move forward, the emphasis will be on developing the infrastructure, skills and partnerships required to deliver zero-emission transportation and advanced mobility systems at scale. Odos aims to support industry, government and research organizations by providing secure, high-integrity data capabilities that accelerate innovation while minimizing risk.

Odos’s solutions are already being put to the test in high-demand environments. TAE Power recently integrated the company’s telemetry and dashboards into its pulse-charging rigs, giving engineers round-the-clock system monitoring, anomaly alerts, remote configurability and secure zero-loss datalogging. This has helped the team maintain oversight, protect critical data and expedite the testing process.

“Odos provides production-grade telemetry from day one, shortening test cycles and building confidence to scale,” said a TAE Power Solutions spokesperson.

In related news, Aurrigo has been awarded £1m to advance autonomous transportation trials across the UK

“As Europe becomes aware of the need to support its industry without giving up on its environmental ambitions, the decisions on the Euro 7 tire testing method perfectly illustrate the choices it faces: either to support innovation and stringency for the benefit of the environment, or to accept compromises that undermine the standard and penalize responsible stakeholders,” said Florent Menegaux, chairman of Michelin.

Adopted in April 2024, the regulation assesses the global emissions of wear particles from all tires sold on the European market. Tires that exceed the established thresholds will no longer be permitted.

Every year, road transportation in Europe generates almost 500,000 metric tons of wear particles from tires. Not all tires are equal when it comes to this phenomenon; emissions can vary by a factor of up to four.

Measuring Euro 7

Ensuring the effectiveness of the Euro 7 regulation depends on the reliability of the measurement method. Two approaches are currently under discussion.

The first approach – real-world on-road testing – measures emissions in grams per kilometer and per ton of load. It provides reliable, reproducible, representative results. Developed and supported by the European automotive industry for the last six years in full transparency with the authorities, it has been adopted by ADAC, the German automobile association, which is recognized for the stringency of its testing and has achieved outcomes that are consistent with manufacturers’ own results, making this method the most robust cornerstone for the Euro 7 regulation.

The second approach – the lab-based drum method – is still under development. This alternative relies on partially defined and non-transparent parameters. It is therefore open to manipulation to meet regulatory thresholds and may not accurately reflect real emissions. In its June 2025 study, ADAC acknowledged that this approach is not yet sufficiently reliable for immediate implementation.

Discrepancies between these two methods have been found. In 28% of cases, the results obtained for the same tire diverge sharply. For example, a tire measured with an abrasion index of 1.42 on the road would be banned from sale, while the same tire could be accepted in the laboratory with a result of 0.83.

Call for action

Michelin said that adopting the laboratory method immediately would entail substantial economic and environmental risks. The company is calling for the immediate application of the real-world test method and the continuation of research on a laboratory-based approach, which could serve as a complementary solution provided it reaches technical maturity.

In related news, a recently published series of scientific papers is calling for action to strengthen research and harmonize methodologies for the measurement and assessment of tire wear emissions

The State of Knowledge: Tire Wear Emissions During the Use Phase series reviews over 850 peer-reviewed scientific publications from the past 40 years and states that it sees existing research on tire wear emissions as scattered, inconsistent and inconclusive.

Supported by the Tire Industry Project (TIP), the series consists of three distinct papers, each addressing a critical layer of tire wear emission knowledge. The first two published papers focus on the characterization of tire wear emissions and the assessment of their environmental impact. The third paper, expected to be published in late 2025, will focus on potential health impacts.

Dr Stephan Wagner, a guiding force behind the papers, explained, “The topic of tire wear emissions is extremely complex, multi-dimensional, and unfortunately only partially understood. While notable progress has been made over the years in analyzing such emissions, significant knowledge gaps and inconsistencies prevent a full understanding of their behavior and impact.

“Until these gaps are closed, there is a growing concern that decisions about tire emissions could be based on incomplete science. Resolving this requires all stakeholders — academia, industry and policymakers — to collaborate and drive for consistency, built on shared research and assessment models such as those proposed in our papers.”

Larisa Kryachkova, executive director at the Tire Industry Project, remarked, “Ever since our inception 20 years ago, our mission has been to strengthen scientific foundations to drive industry action. The SOK underscores why we need a concerted, multi-stakeholder response to close the knowledge gaps, now more than ever. It also reinforces our ambition to build a more open, collaborative research ecosystem, through initiatives such as the Open Call for Projects and the upcoming Tire Emissions Research Conference at MIT in Boston.”

Paper 1: Tire emissions during the use phase of tires — current and future trends 

The paper stresses the importance of characterizing tire wear emissions by identifying what is released, how it is released and where it ends up. Emissions are defined as including particulates, volatiles and dissolved compounds, with particulate tire wear appearing as tire and road wear particles (TRWP) made up of tire tread, road pavement, brake systems and mineral dust.

In comparison, volatiles may come directly from the tire or from released particles, while dissolved compounds can occur from the tire itself on wet roads or through abraded wear. To assist risk characterization of tire emissions, the paper proposes a conceptual exposure model (CEM) that outlines emission mechanisms, affected environments, potential exposure and pathways through which this exposure may occur.

Factors influencing emissions, including driving style and road conditions, have also been considered. The paper calls for a tiered TRWP measurement framework and standardized protocols to enable reliable comparisons and informed decisions.

Paper 2: Risk assessment of tire wear in the environment — a literature review

This paper assesses whether current knowledge supports robust environmental risk assessment and concludes that data is insufficient, particularly on tire leachables and volatiles, due to inconsistent hazard information.

It notes that varying testing methods hinder comparisons and definitive conclusions, underscoring the need for harmonized guidelines. While there’s no standard method for assessing tire wear emissions, existing frameworks for microplastics are considered a starting point, with some adjustments to fit the unique nature of tire wear emissions.

A tiered hazard assessment has been proposed, beginning with tests on cryogenically milled tire tread (CMTT) and advancing to realistic conditions. The paper calls for collaboration among industry, policymakers and academia to develop standardized approaches for sampling, analysis and hazard evaluation.

“We are pleased with how the SOK project has evolved and the role it can play in ensuring a collective understanding of tire wear emissions, cutting through the misinformation. It has been an intense team effort for the past two years, and we appreciate how TIP supported this project, while maintaining our independence and autonomy. We hope that these papers will encourage the scientific community and serve as a catalyst for further research and standardization,” said Wagner.

To ensure an unbiased perspective, both papers were elaborated on and discussed with external scientists including TIP’s Assurance Group members Dr J Spengler from Harvard University and Dr How Yong from Beijing Normal University, as well as with the advisory panel expert Dr T Mincer from Florida Atlantic University.

In related news, two days of development testing for Pirelli’s 2026 tires were carried out at the Hungaroring on August 5 and 6, with support from McLaren and Racing Bulls on day one and Alpine and Scuderia Ferrari the following day. Read the full story

To validate the performance and reliability of its solar car, Aptera recently conducted its first fully solar-supported road trip. Although it wasn’t intended to be a formal range test, the drive confirmed several important parameters of Aptera.

As the test car is heavier than the final vehicle will be, the OEM expects its performance to be even better.

Final efficiency and range validation will take place in the coming months with a production-weight vehicle badged Gemini, on a closed course, and will be third-party verified.

Hyundai has spent a successful decade developing at the Nürburgring, where it pioneered durability testing in 2011 and established a test center in 2013. The latest expansion at Nürburgring enhances the group’s current capacity with an additional 834m2 of testing facilities. These include new workshop areas, specialized laboratories and high-voltage EV charging capabilities.

“This expansion represents a bold step toward securing the infrastructure needed for the future of mobility,” said Tyrone Johnson, managing director of Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center. “It reflects our confidence in the growth of the EV sector and our commitment to driving sustainable innovation. This serves as a testament to our road to electrification in Europe.”

Johnson added, “Our expanded facilities at the Nürburgring will allow us to integrate our N-performance with our EV strategy even more seamlessly. Moreover, we will continue to refine conventional engine technologies. The enhanced facilities at the Nürburgring affirm our commitment to electric high-performance vehicles, which have always been a crucial part of our DNA.”

The new Square Campus at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center is a 25,000m2 facility, located in the Rhine-Main region, designed to set new benchmarks for the automotive industry. The center will house the Hyundai’s largest four-wheel noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) dynamometer (dyno), as well as advanced chassis and powertrain dynos.

The facility will focus on improving EVs, ADAS, infotainment and electrification technologies in order to deliver tailored solutions that meet the changing market needs, specifically in Europe. The Square Campus incorporates eco-friendly materials, photovoltaic panels and heat pump systems as well as a modern working environment, complete with hybrid workspaces and a rooftop garden.

The expanded infrastructure enables the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center to accelerate innovation in EV technology and high-performance systems, as it strives to become tail-pipe emission free by 2035.