Deepdrive has developed and patented a so-called double-rotor radial flux motor that can be installed as a central drive or as a wheel hub drive in series vehicles. the startup already won various awards – such as the title “Best Munich Startup” 2023 – and also impressed numerous investors. Just at the beginning of this year, the startup completed its Series A financing round, raising €15 million. Among the investors in the round was Co-pace, Continental's corporate venture capital unit.
As a first milestone, the new partners are developing a combined unit of drive and braking components that is installed directly on the wheel. The integration of both elements into a single unit enables particularly high efficiency in both drive and braking. Initially, a hydraulic brake will be integrated for this purpose, with dry braking systems without hydraulics to follow in the long term. Continental is not only contributing the braking components. The company also aims to use its expertise in industrialization and series development to ensure that the engine innovation from Munich, combined with the latest braking technology, reaches the road as soon as possible.
The potential of the collaboration is even greater, however: Deepdrive and Continental are pursuing a plan to place all chassis functions, including the drive, directly at the wheel. Vehicle electrification makes this possible. The drive-brake unit is the first step in paving the way for a so-called corner module. Additional chassis components, such as Continental's air suspension systems, will then be integrated into this module.
“With Deepdrive we have gained a perfect partner”
Matthias Matic, Director of the Safety and Motion business unit at Continental, explains:
"With Deepdrive, we have gained a perfect partner with whom we can jointly and sustainably advance the market penetration of electromobility. The electric motors developed by Deepdrive ensure a longer range in electric vehicles. They are lighter, more cost-effective, and more resource-efficient. Combining them with our efficient and powerful braking technology to create a new, compact unit is a decisive contribution to the success of electromobility. Here, what belongs together grows together."
Felix Pörnbacher, co-founder and CEO of Deepdrive, adds:
"We are convinced that the development of our dual-rotor motor will revolutionize vehicle electrification. The strategic partnership with Continental makes it possible to combine our drive with the necessary braking technology to create an innovative electric component that will be essential for the mobility of tomorrow. The sharp increase in demand for such technology shows that this is the right path."
