In collaboration with the start-up DeepDrive, BMW is working on a new electric motor concept that promises increased power with high efficiency and range. After successful tests on the test bench, the Bavarian manufacturer is preparing to equip its prototypes with this innovative technology for road tests.
A major innovation in electric propulsion
The new electric motor developed by BMW and DeepDrive is distinguished by its dual-rotor technology. Unlike conventional electric motors where the stator drives an internal or external rotor, the stator of the DeepDrive motor simultaneously powers two rotors.
This unique configuration results in a compact motor with high torque density and optimum energy efficiency. BMW claims that this technology could revolutionize the design of electric powertrains.
Multiple benefits for future electric vehicles
According to BMW, this new generation of electric motors has several significant advantages:
– Increased compactness, requiring less space in the vehicle– Improved fuel efficiency, resulting in improved range– Reduced weight, contributing to the overall efficiency of the vehicle– Potentially lower production costs
These features make this technology a viable option for a wide range of vehicles, from the economy segment to premium models. The scalability of this innovation opens up many possibilities for BMW.
Promising integration flexibility
The compact and lightweight design of the new engine allows for different propulsion configurations:
– An all-wheel drive system with an electric motor in each wheel hub– A more traditional centralized propulsion architecture, with a central engine block
This integration flexibility offers BMW engineers new possibilities to optimize the architecture of the brand's future electric vehicles.
A fruitful partnership between BMW and DeepDrive
The collaboration between BMW and DeepDrive began in 2021, intensifying after the IAA in Munich that same year. Felix Pörnbacher, co-founder and co-CEO of DeepDrive, underlines the importance of this partnership:
“The collaboration with BMW gave us a springboard from the start. It helped us navigate the complex business world and meet or exceed the rigorous standards of the automotive industry.”
This synergy between BMW's expertise in automotive production and DeepDrive's technological innovation has helped accelerate the development of this promising technology.
Promising future prospects
After an intensive test phase on the test bench, the project is now entering a new crucial stage. BMW plans to equip several prototype vehicles with different versions of this new powertrain for road tests.
The long-term goal is to integrate this technology into a series production model. If the results of the road tests prove conclusive, this innovation could quickly find its way into BMW's electric range.
A sector in full technological effervescence
BMW's initiative comes amid fierce technological competition in the field of electric vehicles. Other manufacturers, such as Mercedes-Benz with its acquisition of axial-flux motor specialist YASA, are also seeking to develop innovative electric drive technologies.
This race for innovation demonstrates the strategic importance of developing high-performance electric powertrains for the future of the automotive industry. Manufacturers who can offer the most efficient and high-performance solutions will have a significant competitive advantage in this growing market.
The development of this revolutionary electric motor by BMW and DeepDrive marks an important step in the evolution of electric vehicles. If this technology lives up to its promise, it could contribute to significantly improving the performance, efficiency and range of the Bavarian brand's future electric models, thus strengthening its position in this strategic market.