Sona Comstar, C-Motive Tech to develop electrostatic drive without magnets for EV

First-tier supplier Sona BLW Precision Forgings (Sona Comstar) has partnered with US-based C-Motive Technologies. Under the agreement, Sona Comstar and C-Motive will work together to develop electrostatic drive motors for use in electric vehicles, with mass production likely to begin in 2026. The proposal, among other things, involves participation in the last round of funding for C-Motive.

C-Motive Technologies has developed. as stated, it is the world’s first commercially viable electrostatic motor. Unlike traditional electric motors, which use electromagnetic forces to convert electricity into mechanical ones, C-Motive products use the power of static grip to free engineers and designers from permanent magnets and active cooling. Electrostatic machines provide high torque and ultra-high efficiency at low speeds without the use of rare earth metals or permanent magnets.

In addition, the technology of the electrostatic machine can be scaled from one kilowatt to tens of megawatts. The machines can be designed for a variety of purposes: from small modular torque motors for stationary applications to large rugged machines for e-mobility transmissions and multi-megawatt power generators for wind turbines. By limiting the use of copper and eliminating permanent magnets, C-Motive technology is said to create a machine that is less volatile in price and at the same time more efficient, reducing embodied carbon and carbon emissions.

Kieran M. Deshmukh, technical director of the group, Sona Comstar, said: “We are impressed by the high but pulsating torque generation of the C-Motive engine without active cooling, very little copper and the absence of rare earth metals or magnets. With the development of technologically best and commercial products compared to existing electromagnetic motors, in the rapidly growing e-mobility market there will be a great market opportunity ”.

Matthew Maroon, CEO of 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 ideal for the next C-Motive. generation engine technology. Together, we can accelerate the world’s transition to electrifying mobility and do so with an efficient and environmentally sustainable product. “