Startup DeepDrive has developed a cost- and resource-efficient dual-rotor motor, extending the range of electric vehicles (EVs).

The patented DeepDrive dual-rotor, radial flux machine combines an inner and outer rotor with two air gaps and benefits from very high material utilization and lowest iron losses. The key enabler for the dual-rotor concept is a new distributed winding concept with a slot-filling factor above 80%. In combination with an integrated silicon carbide metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor inverter, the DeepDrive drive units deliver highest system efficiencies of above 98%.

The motor can be installed in any vehicle as a central drive or as an in-wheel drive. The technology increases the range of vehicles, achieves high torque density, is cost-efficient to manufacture and requires fewer natural resources — in turn, reducing environmental impact. DeepDrive said that their motor will have less than 30% of the cost per N·m in comparison to current state-of-the-art motors.

Exploded in-wheel drive configuration of the dual-rotor motor. Source: DeepDrive

DeepDrive engineers are working with eight of the top 10 original equipment manufacturers and is on track to bring its technology to production by 2026.

Investors include BMW i Ventures, UVC Partners, Bayern Kapital with Wachstumsfonds Bayern and Continental’s Corporate Venture Capital Unit.