The Munich-based startup Volabo has developed a technological innovation for more efficient electric drives. What does this revolutionary technology achieve, how is the mobility startup, founded in 2016, currently doing, and where it plans to go? The two founders and managing directors, Florian Bachheibl and Adrian Patzak, answer these questions in our 7 questions.
Update 25.8.2022: Volabo has since renamed itself Malabo.
1. Who are you and what do you do?
The brilliant idea for Volabo was developed at the University of the Federal Armed Forces Munich at the Chair of Electrical Drives and Actuators (Editor's note: this is a sub-area of drive technology) by Professor Gerling. The chair is continuously researching ways to improve electric drives. It was there that we—Adrian and Florian—met during our doctoral studies and first encountered the idea: With the help of a stator cage, a stationary part of the electric motor with bars instead of windings, pole switching might be possible. This could make electric drives considerably more efficient.
A new type of drive with virtual transmission
So we developed the 'Intelligent Stator Cage Drive' (ISCAD). This is the first 48-volt high-performance drive for electric vehicles, which is 25% more efficient than conventional electric drives on the market. At the same time, the drive requires no rare earths in production and, thanks to its low-voltage technology, is touch-safe. What's special about our technology is that we use aluminum bars instead of copper windings in the stator. We can control each of these bars individually using software. You can think of it like a virtual gearbox. The motor can therefore constantly adapt to the load profile and thus achieve better utilization of the available battery capacity.
2. But that's been around for a long time!
The 'Intelligent Stator Cage Drive' we developed is the first electric motor with a stator cage, meaning it has bars in the stator. We are therefore the only ones who can combine pole-changing with high power density. To ensure this remains the case, we have filed over 30 patents worldwide. Four of these have already been granted to Volabo. The new drive is also the first electric motor capable of delivering high power outputs of up to 300 kilowatts at a safe voltage of 48 volts. Previously, there were either high power outputs at 400 to 800 volts or 48-volt motors capable of delivering a maximum of 25 kilowatts.
3. What are the three main ingredients for your recipe for success?
Revolutionary technology, good timing and, of course, our fantastic team.
Looking for investors for the next level
4. Let’s get down to business: How is business going?
Volabo has been self-financing through projects since its founding in 2016. We have already completed eight projects with relevant suppliers from China and the EU. Our income allows us to finance a team of twelve permanent employees and eight students. However, to be able to work even more agilely, we are looking for investors for our next step: the qualification and certification of the drives.
5. What does Munich mean to you?
In our view, Munich is the state capital for hardware in the startup industry. We also have the advantage of being close to the automotive industry and suppliers in the Alpine region. Apart from that, we also consider Munich, with its beer gardens, the English Garden, and the Olympic Park, to be the most beautiful city in Germany.
Volabo: Scalable business model meets growth market
6. How will your startup become the next unicorn? Or will we see you soon at Epic Fail Night?
Our highly scalable business model meets an extremely fast-growing market. With our innovative technology, we can participate in this market growth and therefore see ourselves as belonging to the unicorns, not at the next epic fail night.
7. Isar or English Garden?
In summer, it's simply magnificent to float down the Eisbach while gazing up at the bright blue Bavarian sky. So, if it's an either-or decision, the English Garden wins.
