Sona Comstar, C‐Motive Tech to develop magnet-less electrostatic drive for EVs

Tier 1 supplier Sona BLW Precision Forgings (Sona Comstar) has partnered US-based C-Motive Technologies. As per the understanding, Sona Comstar and C-Motive will collaborate to develop electrostatic drive motors for electric vehicle applications with serial production likely start in 2026. The proposal, amongst others, involves participation in C-Motive's latest financing round.

C-Motive Technologies has developed. what is claimed, to be the world's first commercially viable electrostatic motor. Unlike traditional electric motors which use electromagnetic forces to convert electric power to mechanical power, C-Motive's product uses the power of static cling to liberate engineers and designers from permanent magnets and active cooling. The electrostatic machines deliver high torque and ultra-high efficiency at low speeds without using rare earth metals or permanent magnets.

Furthermore, the electrostatic machine technology can be scaled from a single kilowatt to tens of megawatts. The machines can be designed for varied purposes: small, modular torque motors for stationary applications to large, rugged machines for e-mobility drivetrains and multi-megawatt generators for wind turbines. By limiting the use of copper and removing the need for permanent magnets, C-Motive's technology is claimed to deliver a machine that is less price volatile and more efficient at the same time, reducing embodied carbon and carbon emissions along the way. 

Kiran M Deshmukh, group CTO, Sona Comstar said, " We are impressed with C-Motive's motor's high yet ripple-free torque generation without active cooling, very little copper and no rare earth metals or magnets. With the development of technologically superior and commercially competitive products compared to the existing electromagnetic motors, there will be a large market opportunity in the fast-growing e-mobility market."

Matthew Maroon, CEO, C-Motive Technologies added, "We share Sona Comstar's vision of the mobility markets of the future and believe that their technical capabilities, global reach, and high-quality manufacturing operations are an ideal match for C-Motive's next-generation motor technology. Together we will be able to accelerate the world's transition to electrify mobility and do so with an efficient and environmentally sustainable product."

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