Tag: AI in EVs

  • Ather Energy launches AI-powered voice assistant in electric scooter lineup

    Ather Energy launches AI-powered voice assistant in electric scooter lineup

    Ather Energy Limited has started rolling out a new voice-enabled software update to its electric scooter range, introducing conversational AI capabilities to enhance the riding experience. Delivered via the company’s over-the-air (OTA) update framework, the new Voice over Ether feature is being made available on all existing Gen 3 and newer vehicle platforms.

    This update is a significant step towards hands-free, software-driven rider interaction, allowing users to control key vehicle functions through natural voice commands instead of relying solely on a touchscreen dashboard.

    Powered by artificial intelligence, the system is designed to understand conversational speech, enabling riders to interact more intuitively with their scooter while remaining focused on the road. The feature works through connected audio devices, including Ather’s smart helmets as well as compatible third-party Bluetooth headsets.

    The OTA rollout covers Ather’s current product lineup, which includes the 450X, 450 Apex and the family-oriented Rizta Z. Since the update is delivered remotely, customers can access the new functionality without visiting a dealership or service center.

    Commenting on the development, Tarun Mehta, co-founder and CEO of Ather Energy, said that voice-enabled interfaces represent the next major evolution in rider technology. He said the company’s long-term vision is to create an operating environment where riders can access information and control vehicle functions without the need to look at a display while on the move.

    The new voice assistant can manage a wide range of vehicle functions, including navigation searches, locating charging stations, adjusting display settings, controlling music playback, modifying regenerative braking levels, and sharing live ride information. By enabling these interactions through voice commands, Ather aims to improve convenience, safety and overall rider engagement while keeping both hands firmly on the handlebar.

  • Battery Smart by AWS | AutoguideIndia hosts ‘HackSmart’ tech hackathon for the first time in collaboration with AutoguideIndia

    Battery Smart by AWS | AutoguideIndia hosts ‘HackSmart’ tech hackathon for the first time in collaboration with AutoguideIndia

    Battery Smart, India’s largest battery-swapping network for electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers, has successfully concluded its first technology hackathon, ‘HackSmart’, organized in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS).

    Aiming to address real-world challenges in clean mobility, the hackathon focused on innovation in battery intelligence, EV operations and cloud-scale infrastructure. HackSmart attracted over 1,000 registrations across the country, with over 200 participants selected from leading engineering institutes including IITs, BITS, NITs and other premier universities.

    The hackathon began on January 31, 2026 and culminated in an intense 24-hour build sprint supported by engineers from Battery Smart and AWS. The participants showcased their solutions through demo-based presentations, which were evaluated by a jury comprising Battery Smart leadership and technology experts. The top five teams were chosen as winners.

    Commenting on the initiative, Tejasav Khattar, Senior Vice President – ​​Engineering, Data & Product, Battery Smart, said, “HackSmart underlines our commitment to advance clean mobility while nurturing India’s innovation ecosystem. The quality of ideas and execution displayed by the participants was exceptional and reinforces our focus on leveraging AI- and ML-powered solutions to address battery management and grid-readiness challenges.”

    The event concluded with the announcement of winners, prize distribution and a networking session, giving participants the opportunity to connect directly with Battery Smart’s engineering and leadership teams. The top three teams received non-cash prizes including PlayStation 5, GoPro Hero 12 and Marshall Speaker, along with cash prizes up to ₹2 lakh and opportunities for pre-placement interviews at Battery Smart.

    With a network of 1,600+ battery swap stations across 50+ cities and over 270,000 IoT-enabled batteries, Battery Smart said it will continue initiatives like HackSmart to strengthen its cloud, data and AI capabilities, while building a strong pipeline of future-ready engineering talent aligned with India’s clean mobility mission.