DeepDrive Press Release
2023 / 03 / 21
 
Munich-based electric motor startup DeepDrive announced the closing of its Series A investment lead by BMW i Ventures and Continental’s Corporate Venture Capital Unit. DeepDrive has developed a dual-rotor radial flux motor that enables the next generation of more affordable and sustainable electric vehicles. The motor extends the range of electric vehicles, is cheaper to produce and more resource efficient. DeepDrive has raised a total of €15 million in its Series A round. Additional investors include existing investors UVC Partners and Bayern Kapital with the Wachstumsfonds Bayern. The company is also backed by renowned automotive manager and former Audi development board member Dr. Peter Mertens.
 
The dual-rotor motor in radial flux topology includes power electronics and can be installed in series vehicles either as a central drive or as a in-wheel drive. The patented technology achieves extremely high torque density and efficiency, and is very cost-efficient as well as easy to manufacture in large-scale production. Another advantage: The motors increase the range of electric vehicles by approximately 20 percent. In addition, the motor requires less rare earth materials than conventional concepts, which plays a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and protecting the environment.
 
Marcus Behrendt, Managing Director at BMW i Ventures, said: „With its patented and unique e-motor architecture, DeepDrive will set completely new standards for e-mobility. The highly efficient e-motors offer major advantages in terms of weight, cost and space. They enable the next generation of efficient and resource-saving electric vehicles. DeepDrive’s e-motor technology is designed for easy and cost-effective mass production. We are pleased that our involvement can help this new technology achieve a breakthrough.“
 
Jürgen Bilo, Managing Director at Continental’s Corporate Venture Capital Unit, adds: „After seeing the efficiency and the overall concept, we are convinced that DeepDrive will make a huge difference in the market penetration of e-mobility. This technology combined with DeepDrive’s excellent team convinced us to invest in the company.“
 
The DeepDrive team is already working with eight of the top ten OEMs and is on track to bring its technology to mass production by 2026. Co-founder and Managing Director Felix Poernbacher said: “One of the major challenges of almost all car manufacturers is the efficiency of electric vehicles. With our dual-rotor machine, we have developed a key technology that addresses this issue and is attracting extremely high interest from the industry. By focusing on disruptive innovation and leveraging our professional mass production expertise, we see ourselves as pioneers in electrifying mobility. In collaboration with our new, strong partners and existing supporters, we look forward to putting this technology on the road and winning the first series projects.”
 
With the fresh capital, the company plans to start the industrialization of its motors, increase its headcount to respond to the high demand from OEM customers and win first series commitments.

Press photos here.