Development of electric vehicles focuses not only on batteries, but also on engines to improve their efficiency and thus contribute to increasing vehicle autonomy. Among the companies that have recently attracted the attention of automakers are DeepDrive, German startup which has developed new electric motors that could take BEVs a big step forward.
Peter Mertens, a former Audi and Volvo board member who is now both a consultant and investor in the company, told Automotive News Europe that the startup has developed innovative technology that does not optimize what already exists. In fact, he has achieved what amounts to a true paradigm shift.
Proof that DeepDrive development is really interesting is the fact that BMW and Continental have decided to invest in this reality. Continental has also entered into a strategic partnership. In addition, DeepDrive CEO Felix Poernbacher added that the company currently works with 8 of the 10 largest automakers in the world.
A technology that is of great interest to manufacturers is double rotor electric motor patented by DeepDrive and recognized as one of the most efficient and sustainable on the market. In addition, it will provide higher performance than those currently used in electric vehicles. They would be even better than the axial flux engines we’ll soon see on some Mercedes models. The thrusters are developed by Yasa. At least that’s what one person says independent research conducted by Shafih Natehengineer at Polestar and the Turin Polytechnic Institute.
According to DeepDrive, its two-rotor engine, due to its greater efficiency, will easily make it possible to create electric vehicles with a range of more than 800 km (high efficiency of more than 96% over wide operating ranges). The company believes that by using its technology at scale, car manufacturers could save more than €1 billion in costs because its engines are cheaper given the significant savings in raw material use.
When the startup unveiled its twin-rotor radial flux motors at the recent Munich Motor Show, it said the optimized design of its units allows it to reduce the material used for magnets by 50% and the use of magnets by up to 80%. iron for production. Thus, not only lower costs, but also greater sustainability.
The goal is to start small-scale production of a two-rotor electric motor by 2026, and large-scale production followed two years later. According to Pornbacher, their technology could become the standard for the production of electric motors in the automotive sector.
The startup brought two versions of its unit to the Munich Motor Show: DeepDrive CSD 450 and DeepDrive CSD 700. The first, with a power of 230 kW, is intended for cars in the C segment. The second, with a power of 350 kW, is intended for cars in the D segment, as the main unit for power units with a dual-engine layout.
Source: HD Motori
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.