Conifer Revolutionizes Electric Hub Motors with Innovative Design

Conifer, a startup by former Lucid Motors and Apple engineers, is revolutionizing electric hub motors with a design free of rare earth elements. Using ferrite magnets, Conifer's motor reduces costs and supply chain risks. The company has secured $20 million in funding and is targeting the small mobility market with its 'drop-in' motor, promising higher efficiency and power. Conifer's innovative approach positions it as a key player in the evolving electric motor landscape.

In a groundbreaking move for the electric vehicle industry, Conifer, a startup founded by former engineers from Lucid Motors and Apple's electric car project, is making waves with its innovative electric hub motor design. Conifer's motor is unique in that it eliminates the need for rare earth elements, opting instead for more abundant ferrite magnets. This strategic choice not only reduces costs but also mitigates supply chain risks, a significant advantage in today's volatile global trade environment.

Conifer's proprietary stator technology promises higher efficiency and power while being half the size of comparable motors. This innovation has captured the attention of deep tech investors, leading to a successful $20 million seed funding round. Notable investors include True Ventures, MaC Ventures, and MFV Partners, with True Ventures' Rohit Sharma joining Conifer's board.

The timing of Conifer's emergence is particularly fortuitous, as the electric motor sector is experiencing rapid advancements. Companies like Germany's DeepDrive and Finland's Donut Lab are also exploring novel approaches to enhance motor efficiency, power, and affordability. Meanwhile, battery costs, although decreasing, are not plummeting as they did a decade ago, highlighting the need for cost-effective motor solutions.

Conifer is initially targeting the small mobility market with its 'drop-in' hub motor, designed for seamless replacement in existing vehicles without major design changes. This approach is appealing to manufacturers of on- and off-road vehicles with two, three, or four wheels, as well as lawnmower, tractor, and HVAC companies. Conifer has already secured several global customers and plans to commence production motor shipments later this year.

Co-founder Ankit Somani, driven by a passion for electric vehicles and a keen eye for market opportunities, identified a gap in investment and innovation in electric motors. While battery technology has seen significant investment, the powertrain segment has not received the same level of attention. Conifer's approach to motor design and manufacturing aims to fill this gap by localizing supply chains and automating production lines to accommodate different motor sizes.

Conifer's strategy involves introducing automation gradually, focusing initially on subsystems like the stator. This method reduces complexity and risk, making the manufacturing process more adaptable and efficient. Somani envisions starting with one country and expanding based on local demand.

Despite being a startup, Conifer's 'drop-in' motor design has gained traction by offering a straightforward value proposition: a simple replacement that delivers a 10% range improvement. This focus on performance and ease of integration appeals to larger companies wary of startup risks.

Conifer's innovative approach and strategic timing position it as a key player in the evolving electric motor landscape, offering solutions that align with the industry's needs for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability.