Technology

Movers and shakers: Futurice E40 names leaders riding the wave in EV’s toughest market yet

Published

2 years ago

June 4, 2024

Report shows surge in homegrown innovation, from EV icons to new arrivals

LONDON, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Digital transformation consultancy Futurice UK today unveils its annual E40 report, spotlighting the most innovative EV players flexing their capabilities against a turbulent commercial backdrop. With a global pricing war, slowing sales and fierce competition from China – the world’s biggest EV market – creating the toughest conditions yet, the industry is facing “a broader reckoning” in the race to net-zero mobility. The fourth edition of the E40 zeroes in on the people and brands responding to these pressures, examining global trends from a UK perspective.

“We’re entering a new, more challenging phase in EV adoption which is pushing the industry to fresh heights in terms of innovation, partnerships and boundary-stretching ideas,” says David Mitchell, Co-Managing Director at Futurice UK. “This year’s E40 entrants are rising to the challenge, particularly in the UK, where startups are experimenting with everything from vehicle-to-grid (V2G) tech to new battery technology and hydrogen-electric powertrains.

“At the same time, manufacturers are bearing the brunt of the government’s recent decision to delay the UK ban on new diesel and petrol cars to 2035,” he continues. “With a knock-on effect on demand – consumer uptake of new EVs fell by over 21% in April – OEMs must nevertheless continue to comply with the ZEV mandate of 22% electric car sales. It’s a complex situation which our E40 stars are battling to navigate; using a software-first mindset to solve the dilemma of e-mobility that’s both affordable and accessible.”

From heavyweight OEMs to aviation pioneers and community energy startups, this year’s E40 ranks the runners and riders shaping tomorrow’s electric world using four key metrics:

Ambition & Potential – level of commitment to driving the mobility energy transitionImpact – scale of impact delivered to dateInnovation – ability to create new ideas, products and technologiesMomentum – the necessary impetus to move the business forward in a highly competitive environment

There are 12 new entrants in this year’s report: Agratas (the highest new entrant), Zenob ē, Ripple Energy, Pure Electric, BMW, Munro Vehicles, Indra, Anaphite, QPT, BYD, Electric Miles and Skyports. Sixteen companies including Octopus Energy, MG, KIA, ZeroAvia and Zapmap – increased their ranking while ten companies saw their ranking fall year-on-year – signalling the turbulence the e-mobility sector is experiencing. Overall, Futurice’s own internally weighted scoring revealed that outside the top five, the entries were incredibly close.

Holding the E40 number one spot for the fourth year running, Tesla has acted boldly to ensure its dominance over the past 12 months, cutting prices on its best-selling Model Y SUV, moving ahead on plans for a Texas lithium refinery and using its new Cybertruck to rival GM and Ford in the booming pick-up sector.

In at number two, Octopus Energy is pioneering the UK’s first mass-market V2G tariff, enabling free charging for EV owners who sell energy from their car batteries back to the grid during peak hours. It’s a smart move as the likes of Tesla, BMW and Volkswagen push ahead on models capable of bidirectional charging.

In fact, V2G tech – also championed by Ev.energy (at no. 14 in the report), OVO Energy (no. 20) and new entrant, charge management platform Electric Miles (no. 39) – is a key theme in this year’s report. It could represent a watershed moment for EV mass-adoption, signalling the start of simpler and cheaper energy systems for homes.

Meanwhile, the appearance of hydro-electric aviation pioneer ZeroAvia at number five in the E40 illustrates how some of the industry’s most seismic developments are taking place beyond cars. With global airlines placing 2,000 pre-orders for its engines, ZeroAvia joins Bristol-based air taxi startup, Vertical Aerospace (no. 29), and landing infrastructure platform Skyports (no. 40), in breaking ground for the future of electric aviation in the UK.

Homegrown innovation is a trend across many of the E40’s new entrants this year, including battery storage company Zenobē (no. 15), whose debut site can store enough wind energy to power 130,000 homes for two hours, community wind farm trailblazer Ripple Energy (no. 18), and vehicle-to-home (V2H) bidirectional charging expert Indra (no. 31). Indra is currently leading a large-scale V2H trial with hundreds of UK participants.

Tata-owned Agratas, the report’s highest-ranking newcomer at number 11, underlines the importance of overseas investment in the UK’s e-mobility scene. Agratas’ debut on the battery scene via a £4bn Somerset gigafactory, has the capacity to produce 40GWh of cells annually and to create 4,000 green tech jobs.

David Mitchell says: “This year’s E40 proves the adage that adversity brings opportunity. With the EV ecosystem facing new threats – not least from China – we’re seeing some truly radical ideas emerge. Research projects involving community charging, circular energy and the broader urban mobility scene are building momentum. But, with the global market growing ever more diverse and competitive, there’s zero room for complacency. The UK must work hard to build on its hard-won reputation for EV innovation, at a point where there is everything to play for.”

To download and read the new E40 report, with trends insight from David Mitchell, Imogen Bhogal, presenter at Fully Charged, and Steve Catlin, managing director of Volvo Cars Financial Services, follow this link.

Futurice is a digital transformation consultancy, helping clients to solve their biggest challenges and empowering them to make a positive impact on the world.

We design, develop and scale digital products and services across many industries. Our goal is to deliver measurable, sustainable outcomes through close and business-focused collaboration with our clients. Over the last few years, we’ve helped major automotive, mobility and logistics clients reach the forefront of the data and digital transformation that underpins the new electric ecosystem.

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Technology

TrailIntel Acquires GPS Trailmasters Software Platform to Advance Next-Generation Outdoor Navigation

Published

34 minutes ago

April 23, 2026

This advancement significantly expands the capabilities available to riders, introducing a more powerful, connected, and scalable navigation experience across Garmin, Mobile and Web.

STRONG, Maine, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — TrailIntel, the industry’s leading vertically integrated outdoor technology platform, today announced the acquisition and integration of GPS Trailmasters’ Garmin and mobile software products. This milestone builds on the longstanding relationship between the two companies and marks a significant step forward in delivering a more connected, intuitive, and scalable navigation experience for outdoor enthusiasts across North America.

“This is a major leap forward for outdoor recreation,” said Brian Gavin, Co-Founder of TrailIntel. “We’re preserving trusted mapping while delivering a more connected, simplified navigation experience on and off the trail.”

For over 18 years, GPS Trailmasters has been a trusted leader in electronic trail mapping, known for delivering highly accurate and reliable data to riders throughout the Northeastern United States. By integrating this proven dataset into TrailIntel’s modern platform, the combined solution introduces enhanced functionality, real-time capabilities, and a streamlined user experience across both Garmin and mobile devices.

TrailIntel’s mission is to deliver a complete, easy-to-use platform that connects planning, navigation, real-time trail conditions, and community engagement—enhancing safety, simplifying operations, and improving the outdoor experience.

“The evolution of GPS Trailmasters into TrailIntel represents a major leap forward for the outdoor recreation industry,” said Brian Gavin, Co-Founder of TrailIntel. “We’re preserving the trusted mapping foundation riders rely on, while introducing a more powerful, connected experience that simplifies navigation and expands what’s possible both on and off the trail.”

As part of the transition, Eric Murphy, owner of GPS Trailmasters, joins TrailIntel as Chief Geospatial Officer, where he will lead mapping strategy, expansion, and ongoing data development across all supported regions. “I’ve always believed in building high-quality maps and strong relationships within the riding community,” said Murphy. “With TrailIntel, we’re able to take everything GPS Trailmasters has built and scale it nationally, while continuing to deliver the same level of quality, service, and trust our customers expect.”

What This Means for Riders. The integration delivers a seamless upgrade for existing GPS Trailmasters customers, while introducing new capabilities across the TrailIntel platform: for Garmin users: simplified installation and map updates, expanded device compatibility, automatic route syncing from TrailIntel, streamlined experience with no third-party software required.

For Mobile Users: Real-time trail updates and conditions, offline navigation and breadcrumb tracking, turn-by-turn routing, community-driven insights and shared content advancing the outdoor experience.

The combination of GPS Trailmasters’ trusted mapping data with TrailIntel’s modern technology platform creates a comprehensive solution designed to serve the entire outdoor ecosystem: riders gain better planning tools, safer navigation, and more confidence on the trail. Clubs benefit from improved tools to manage, maintain, and grow their trail systems. Businesses and communities gain increased visibility and new opportunities driven by outdoor tourism

A key initiative of TrailIntel is continuing to support the organizations that sustain outdoor recreation, including opportunities to drive engagement and funding back to local clubs and trail systems.

Expanded Role for GPS Trailmasters. GPS Trailmasters will continue to operate under its brand, taking on an expanded role focused on nationwide hardware distribution and support, including: garmin device sales, ride Ready tablets, mounting systems and accessories.

This evolution allows GPS Trailmasters to extend its reach beyond the Northeast while supporting the growing demand for integrated hardware and software solutions.

A Pivotal Moment for Outdoor Recreation. The integration represents a long-term investment in the future of outdoor navigation, one that prioritizes accuracy, usability, and real-time connectivity. By combining legacy expertise with modern technology, TrailIntel is redefining how riders discover, plan, and experience the outdoors.

About TrailIntel:

TrailIntel is the industry’s first vertically integrated outdoor technology platform, designed to connect riders, clubs, businesses, and first responders through mapping, navigation, and real-time data. The platform delivers a seamless experience across mobile, web, and Garmin devices, helping users plan smarter and explore with confidence. For more information about TrailIntel, visit www.trailintel.com and follow along on Facebook and Instagram at @TrailIntel.

About GPS Trailmasters:

GPS Trailmasters has been a trusted provider of trail mapping technology for over 18 years, delivering high-quality GPS-based navigation solutions for snowmobile and ATV riders. The company will continue operations as a leading hardware provider supporting the TrailIntel ecosystem. For more information about GPS Trailmasters, visit www.gpstrailmasters.com and follow along on Facebook.

Media Contact

Brian Gavin, Trailintel, 1 207-241-4745, brian@trailintel.com, trailintel.com

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SOURCE Trailintel

Technology

Z3 Technology Enables Rapid Project Development with the EXOSENS MicroCube XP Thermal Cores

Published

34 minutes ago

April 23, 2026

LINCOLN, Neb., April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Z3 Technology, LLC, a leader in embedded camera encoding systems, today announces the release of our CIB-EX22 Camera Interface Board, which enables direct control and power to the EXOSENS MicroCube 640 XP shutterless thermal camera from Z3 OEM Video Encoder solutions through an LVDS digital video output connector, via 30-pin KEL cable. Jumpstart your camera system development with Z3’s cutting-edge hardware encoding technology for real-time video streaming.

Designed for efficiency and performance, our video encoders combine top-tier video compression and ultra-low bandwidth usage into a solution consuming <5W of power. Full camera and encoder control is available through serial or remote APIs, while multiple UART and GPIO interfaces enable seamless integration with external devices such as pan/tilt mounts, heater and wiper triggers, GPS, and range finders. User custom development is supported through our comprehensive SDK and OEM Starter Kits, allowing for rapid adaptation of evolving mission requirements. Hardware Specification documents, 3D model files, and interface schematics are available upon request to accelerate development progress. Z3 Technology solutions support simultaneous video streaming and recording across a wide range of camera models, delivering flexible, reliable video performance at the tactical edge.

“Z3 Technology is excited to announce our support of EXOSENS MicroCube XP series of shutterless thermal camera cores. Our new CIB-EX22 will enable seamless integration and control via our series of Z3 OEM Video Encoders for numerous markets including unmanned vehicles, security, surveillance, and remote sensing,” said Aaron Caldwell CEO of Z3 Technology, LLC.

Our miniature Q603 product line is the perfect platform to compliment efforts that the EXOSENS team has shown, considering the minimal footprint design of the MicroCube 640 XP. Development teams contemplating the addition of a 2nd thermal sensor or a visible zoom block camera should look no further than our FV2K and FV4K models, which have an additional video input for dual camera streaming up to 4Kp30. Proven product applications include camera systems in industries like Security & Surveillance, Unmanned Systems, and Military Video Solutions.

“In a win-win approach, this first bundle CIB-EX22 / MicroCube 640 XP values the true SWaP approach of EXOSENS LWIR thermal cores, required for highly integrated electro-optic systems,” said Mr. Guillaume Bunoz, Executive General Manager of EXOSENS Advanced Imaging Business Unit. “Microcube XP features many USPs (e.g. 1pt-NUC shutterless, tunable functions, OSD, low latency) that make it successful, especially in UAS market segment. This bundle with Z3 enables users to easily implement the DV CMOS 16 bits variant, beside the existing popular MIPI and UVC product versions of the MicroCube 640 XP.”

Explore What’s Possible with Z3 Technology
All Z3 video solutions are Made in the USA and fully compliant with NDAA, TAA, REACH, and RoHS requirements. Product design and manufacturing are performed by Z3 Technology, LLC, an ISO 9001–certified manufacturer.

Z3’s flexible embedded video encoder solutions can help power your next innovation. Learn more about our hardware encoding solutions and contact us to discuss your integration needs.

For more information on Z3 Technology’s SD to 4K Embedded Encoders and Camera Solutions, contact us today. Email sales@z3technology.com or visit our website at https://z3technology.com/products/oem/ to explore available options.

All product and company names mentioned within are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective owners.

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SOURCE Z3 Technology

Technology

CareScout Joins Ensight™ Intelligent Quote LTC & Life Marketplace

Published

34 minutes ago

April 23, 2026

Ensight, a leading digital sales acceleration platform for life, long-term care (LTC), and annuity insurance, today announced that CareScout Care Assurance, the inaugural long-term care insurance solution from CareScout Insurance Company (CareScout), is now available on its Intelligent Quote Platform.

SAN DIEGO, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Ensight, a leading digital sales acceleration platform for life, long-term care (LTC), and annuity insurance, today announced that CareScout Care Assurance, the inaugural long-term care insurance solution from CareScout Insurance Company (CareScout), is now available on its Intelligent Quote Platform. This partnership marks a significant milestone for CareScout, signaling its rapid growth and commitment to a more integrated model for planning, finding, and funding care.

“By expanding access to Care Assurance through the Ensight platform, we’re making it easier for families to plan, navigate, and pay for long-term care in a more connected way.”

CareScout Care Assurance is a simple, personalized LTC insurance solution designed to help protect clients and their families from future care costs. When choosing CareScout, policyholders gain access to a unified ecosystem that brings together financial protection, expert guidance, and connections to trusted care providers – supporting families across every stage of the aging journey.

“CareScout represents an important and unique value-added addition to the growing range of solutions available in the long-term care market,” said Bill Unrue, CEO of Ensight. “We are thrilled to add the CareScout Care Assurance solution to the Ensight Intelligent Quote marketplace, providing distributors and financial professionals access to a holistic insurance product that expands the value of financial protection with additional integrated services.”

A modern LTC solution built for families, not just policyholders:

Care Assurance connects policyholders and their families to CareScout’s platform, helping them navigate care decisions, identify quality providers, and access trusted resources. This integrated approach reflects CareScout’s belief that insurance alone is incomplete without services, and that families benefit most when coverage, navigation, and support are unified.

“Families don’t experience aging or caregiving in silos,” said Samir Shah, CEO of CareScout. “By expanding access to Care Assurance through the Ensight platform, we’re making it easier for families to plan, navigate, and pay for long-term care in a more connected way.”

Supporting advisors in a changing long-term care landscape:

Ensight’s Intelligent Quote Platform enables financial professionals to efficiently illustrate and compare life, LTC, and annuity products while supporting more informed client conversations. With the addition of CareScout Care Assurance, Ensight’s growing distributor community gains access to an innovative solution built for today’s realities: rising longevity, increasing caregiving responsibilities, and families seeking clarity across planning, care, and funding.

About Ensight™

Ensight™ is the leading cloud-based insurance sales acceleration platform for more than 500 life, long-term care (LTC) and annuity distributors, thousands of financial professionals, as well as many of the largest North American insurance carriers. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Ensight helps drive sales growth and productivity, while addressing the entire sales lifecycle experience – from prospect to policyholder, new business to inforce.

To learn more about Ensight, visit https://www.ensightcloud.com/

About CareScout

CareScout helps older adults and their families navigate the aging journey, find, and fund quality care. Inspired by a mission to simplify and dignify the aging experience, we’re building an integrated ecosystem of care and funding solutions. To learn more about CareScout, visit www.CareScout.com. CareScout is a wholly owned subsidiary of Genworth Financial, Inc. (NYSE: GNW). CareScout is the marketing name for CareScout Holdings, Inc., its affiliates and entities. Affiliates and entities are solely and separately responsible for their own financial and contractual obligations.

Media Contact
Matt Essick, Ensight, 1 (619) 430-0587, messick@ensightcloud.com, https://ensightcloud.com
Evans Mandes, CareScout, 1 804-629-6582, evans.mandes@carescout.com, https://www.carescout.com/

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/carescout-joins-ensight-intelligent-quote-ltc–life-marketplace-302750986.html

SOURCE Ensight