DeepDrive secures its first production contract for electric motors
Image: DeepDrive
The Munich-based startup DeepDrive, supported by the BMW Group, has signed its first production contract with a global automaker. Manufacturing is set to begin in 2028. According to CEO Felix Poernbacher, the production volume over the entire contract period will range from 100,000 to one million units.
DeepDrive develops patented dual-rotor electric motors, hub motors, and a dual-rotor radial flow generator for hybrid drives. The automaker chose the supplier’s technology due to considerations of weight, cost, and compactness, said the CEO in an interview with Automotive News. Independent tests demonstrate efficiency of over 95 percent in operation.
The new contract could be expanded to additional models and platforms. With this agreement, DeepDrive moves from producing prototypes in small quantities to mass production. Poernbacher described this step as significant proof of the company’s ability to fulfill orders at high volumes.
"It feels like the first domino has fallen now," explains Poernbacher. "This first major project is important proof that we can win contracts – and by doing this, we show it to all players in the market." Delivery is made directly to the customer, with DeepDrive being responsible for the entire industrialization as well as the production line and development.
To advance the industrialization of dual-rotor technology, Peter Hochholdinger joined the company as a Senior Advisor last December. This industry veteran has extensive experience in production at Audi, Tesla, and Lucid Motors.
DeepDrive plans to secure one or two more series production contracts by the end of next year. Decisions on potential projects could be made as early as 2026. According to Poernbacher, the first two projects could contribute to profitability, but the focus is primarily on reinvesting earnings for faster growth.
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Thomas Langenbucher is an expert in electromobility with experience in the automotive and financial industries. Since 2011, he has been covering electric vehicles, sustainable technologies, and mobility solutions for ecomento.de. Learn more.
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