VDA, Mercedes-AMG, Volkswagen, Bearingoint and more

Initiated by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), 11 companies — including BMW, Bosch, Continental, Eclipse Foundation, ETAS, HELLA, Mercedes-Benz, Qorix, Porsche, Valeo, Vector Informatik, and ZF — have signed a memorandum of understanding for pre-competitive collaboration in open-source vehicle software development. 

Under the umbrella of the Eclipse Foundation and its S-CORE project, the alliance aims to build a transparent, cross-manufacturer software ecosystem. The focus: base modules like operating systems, cybersecurity, data processing, and initial autonomous driving functions — software that does not affect brand identity or competitive advantages but removes technical barriers. The initiative targets a certifiable open software stack for Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs), with initial platform-ready software expected by 2026. 

Mercedes-AMG has revealed the striking AMG GT XX concept, offering a glimpse of its upcoming all-electric performance platform AMG.EA. The four-door coupé delivers over 1,360 hp (1,000 kW) thanks to three compact axial-flux motors (two in the rear, one in front), reaching speeds beyond 360 km/h. The 800-volt battery system supports ultra-fast charging at up to 850 kW — adding 400 kilometers of range in just five minutes. Mercedes-AMG confirms that the tech is close to production, with first models expected in 2026 to replace the current GT 4-Door Coupé. 

Under the leadership of Finland’s VTT Technical Research Center, the MACBETH project (Multipoint megAwatt Charging for Battery Electric Truck Hubs) aims to establish future-proof Megawatt charging hubs across Europe by 2030. The consortium of 19 partners — including MAN Truck & Bus, PostNord, and Power Electronics España — is developing demonstration sites for dual-use hubs serving both trucks and passenger cars. 

A key innovation is a robotic charging arm from Rocsys, designed to automate the charging process, improve ergonomics for drivers, and boost safety. Finnish manufacturer Kempower will contribute MCS (Megawatt Charging System) hardware. 

BearingPoint and SAP have introduced a new cloud platform tailored for fleet managers and charging infrastructure providers. Built on ETM.next and SAP E-Mobility, the modular system centralizes vehicle and charging data in a single dashboard — enabling smart charge planning, automated billing, session tracking, and asset management. 

Particularly beneficial for small and mid-sized businesses, the solution is designed to run seamlessly on SAP BTP and is fully compatible with S/4HANA. It helps companies reduce costs, improve operational control, and meet ESG targets. 

US-based Factorial Energy has launched Gammatron™, an AI-powered research platform to accelerate solid-state and lithium-ion battery development. The system uses digital twins to simulate electrochemical reactions, thermal behavior, and cell aging — enabling long-term performance predictions in just two weeks, instead of months. 

Gammatron’s capabilities include electrolyte discovery at the molecular level, fast-charging protocol optimization, and stress/degradation modeling — all aimed at reaching energy densities up to 450 Wh/kg and 1,000 km EV ranges. 

Italian automation company Comau has partnered with US startup Intecells to integrate cold-plasma processes into large-scale battery production. The technology minimizes the use of solvents and binders — cutting costs, energy use, and CO₂ emissions. 

The partnership aims to improve cycle stability, cell capacity, and production quality. Comau will leverage its robotics and industrial automation expertise to scale and integrate the process into existing battery manufacturing lines. 

California-based Helm.ai, backed by Honda, has introduced Helm.ai Vision — a camera-based AI system designed to enable Level 2+ and Level 3 driving autonomy without HD maps or LiDAR. Using proprietary "Deep Teaching" technology, the platform learns directly from real-world driving data and offers 3D object recognition, semantic segmentation, and bird’s-eye view rendering in real time. 

Honda plans to integrate the system into its all-new electric “0 Series” vehicles starting in 2026. The automaker originally invested in Helm.ai in 2022. 

On June 22, 2025, Tesla officially launched its Robotaxi pilot program in Austin, Texas, starting with a fleet of 10 to 20 modified Model Y vehicles operating within a designated zone. Rides are priced at a fixed $4.20 and include a human safety monitor in the passenger seat — who may intervene if needed but otherwise remains passive.