DeepDrive secures high-volume order for electric drive systems starting in 2028
According to its own statements, DeepDrive has been nominated as a mass-production supplier for an unnamed global vehicle manufacturer. The start of series production for the Munich-based company's electric drive is planned for 2028. In parallel, DeepDrive is establishing a presence in China.
For the Chinese market, DeepDrive wants to establish its own team in Shanghai.
Image: DeepDrive
The nomination could mark DeepDrive’s transition from technology development to series production. However, the company has not yet disclosed which vehicle manufacturer awarded the contract, which model or platform the drive system is intended for, or further details about the planned production volume.
The technological foundation is the dual-rotor radial flux architecture developed by DeepDrive. For this design, the stator is positioned between an inner and an outer rotor. According to the company, this configuration combines high torque density with low weight and cost. DeepDrive has developed the technology for three applications: as a generator, as a wheel hub motor, and as a central drive. Validation has now been completed. With series production set to begin in 2028, the company aims to expand its production capacities to handle high volumes.
“Creating the global standard electric drive for automotive and beyond has been our goal since day one,” said DeepDrive CEO and co-founder Felix Poernbacher. He describes the recent nomination as a first step in this direction.
In parallel, DeepDrive plans to begin its international expansion, starting with China. A dedicated team is being established in Shanghai to handle sales and project implementation for the Chinese market. This unit will be integrated into the company’s global development and manufacturing organisation.
DeepDrive establishes presence in Shanghai
According to the company, DeepDrive is pursuing a “local for local” approach, meaning production will be set up in the markets where its customers are based. However, the company has not yet provided specific details about production sites or capacities in China.
Poernbacher describes China as one of the world’s most dynamic automotive markets and a logical starting point for international expansion. DeepDrive states that it already counts vehicle manufacturers in Europe, the USA, and China among its customers.
Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Munich, the company develops and manufactures electric motors for the automotive industry and other applications. Its investors include Leitmotif with Volkswagen as anchor investor, BMW i Ventures, Aumovio’s Capital Venture Unit, UVC Partners, and Bayern Kapital.
The company’s strategic advisors also include Peter Hochholdinger, who previously held production responsibilities at Tesla and Lucid. He emphasises the challenge of transitioning a new motor architecture from validation to reliable high-volume production. DeepDrive is currently aligning its organisation and production to meet this exact challenge.
_Source: Info per Email_
