The automotive industry is undergoing a major transformation with the rise of electrification, significantly reshaping research and development (R&D) testing. As electric vehicles (EVs) become more prevalent, manufacturers are adopting new testing methodologies to enhance technology, materials, and overall vehicle performance. Evolution of R&D Testing Approaches Traditionally, automotive R&D testing focused on internal combustion engine (ICE) performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions control. However, the shift toward electrification has led to new priorities such as battery efficiency, charging systems, and electric powertrains. Advanced simulation tools and real-world experiments are now essential in analyzing battery longevity, thermal regulation, and power electronics reliability.…
Author: Musabeeh Ur Rehman
Hyundai and Kia have experienced a significant surge in sales in March, driven by a pre-tariff buying rush. As buyers anticipate price hikes due to impending tariff adjustments, both South Korean automakers have reported double-digit growth figures, reflecting strong consumer demand. Surge in Demand Before Tariffs Also Read: Government Revises IPP Deals, Cutting Power Tariffs by Rs 0.50/Unit With tariff increases on the horizon, many customers accelerated their vehicle purchases in March, leading to an impressive sales performance for Hyundai and Kia. This trend was particularly evident in markets where regulatory changes are set to impact the final pricing of…
LAHORE: Atlas Honda, Pakistan’s largest motorcycle manufacturer, will launch its first electric bike in June 2025. Industry insiders believe this move could significantly impact the country’s growing electric vehicle (EV) sector. A Bold Step Toward Electric Mobility Atlas Honda dominates 85% of Pakistan’s motorcycle market and exports bikes to several countries. Now, the company is shifting towards electric mobility to maintain its leadership. Despite challenges like high costs, limited charging stations, and consumer hesitation, the new electric bike could accelerate EV adoption. Also Read : Government Revises IPP Deals, Cutting Power Tariffs by Rs 0.50/Unit Government incentives, such as reduced…
The Pakistani government has renegotiated agreements with seven Independent Power Producers (IPPs), leading to an estimated reduction of Rs 0.50 per unit in electricity tariffs for consumers. These revisions will save Rs 920 billion over the lifespan of these agreements by lowering capacity payments to these IPPs. Modest Relief in Tariffs Amid High Capacity Payments Despite these savings, the impact on consumer bills remains limited. The total annual capacity payments in the country range between Rs 2.5 trillion and Rs 2.8 trillion, making the Rs 0.50 per unit relief relatively minor. The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) confirmed this…
Pakistan has taken a major step in artificial intelligence with the beta launch of Zahanat AI, the country’s first locally developed AI chatbot. Mehwish Salman Ali, co-founder and CEO of Data Vault and Zahanat AI, leads this project. The chatbot is designed to address local challenges while ensuring cultural relevance and ethical AI practices. A Locally Built AI with Secure Infrastructure Unlike global AI models that depend on foreign data centers, Zahanat AI operates from a Karachi-based data center. This setup, established in 2022, ensures that all data stays within Pakistan, improving security and compliance. The infrastructure includes high-speed internet…
Pakistan is shifting its stance on cryptocurrency by proposing the use of surplus electricity for Bitcoin mining. This initiative, introduced by the newly-formed Crypto Council led by CEO Bilal Bin Saqib, has gained support from senior government officials. The move aims to position Pakistan as a crypto-friendly nation while utilizing excess energy for economic benefits. Pakistan Legalizes Cryptocurrency, Aligning with Global Trends For years, Pakistan maintained strict restrictions on cryptocurrency, citing concerns over compliance with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) regulations. However, on November 4, 2024, the government reversed its approach by officially recognizing digital assets as legal tender.…
Xiaomi’s Bold Step into the EV Market Xiaomi, a global tech giant, plans to raise $5.3 billion through a share sale to strengthen its position in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. While the company is widely known for its smartphones and smart devices, it is now aggressively expanding into the EV sector to compete with established automakers. How Xiaomi Plans to Use the Funds The company will allocate the raised capital to enhance research, boost production capacity, and refine EV technology. Recently, Xiaomi introduced its first electric car, the Xiaomi SU7, which has already gained significant attention. With this investment,…
Islamabad: Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, assured the public that the country has no sugar shortage. He dismissed reports of sugar being sold at Rs180 per kg and stated that the government is actively regulating prices. Government’s Strategy to Control Prices Hussain confirmed that the official sugar price stands at Rs164 per kg, while ex-mill rates remain at Rs159 per kg. Despite these fixed prices, market rates have surged. In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed a 10-member committee, led by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, to negotiate price reductions with the Pakistan Sugar…
Washington, D.C.: The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on March 24 that it has opened a preliminary investigation into nearly 1.3 million Ford F-150 pickup trucks following reports of unexpected downshifts that cause temporary rear-wheel lock-ups. Investigation Details NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 138 consumer complaints regarding the issue. Drivers reported that their transmission unexpectedly downshifted to a lower gear while traveling at highway speeds without warning or driver input. This sudden shift led to rapid deceleration, posing a potential crash risk. Also Read : Over 100 FIRs Filed for Speeding Violations on Major…
Islamabad: The National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) have intensified their crackdown on reckless driving by registering 112 FIRs against motorists exceeding 150 km/h on key motorways across Pakistan. This strict action aims to reduce accidents and improve road safety. NHMP has been actively enforcing speed limits on major routes, including: M-2 (Lahore-Islamabad Motorway) M-3 (Lahore-Multan Motorway) M-4 (Multan-Pindi Bhattian Motorway) M-5 (Sukkur-Multan Motorway) M-11 (Lahore-Sialkot Motorway) Also Read : PSX Soars 2.5% in Record-Breaking Bullish Surge! Strict Penalties for Violators According to an NHMP spokesperson, officials caught and detained offenders along with their vehicles before handing them over to…
