Self-charging powerdrive with 90% cost cut, 10x power boost unveiled
Every once in a while, there comes in world history defining moments that revolutionise technology and solve problems at unimaginable scale. Speaking of such moments, nothing in recent years in engineering can be compared to the unveiling of a revolutionary PowerDrive by motor technology company Maci Automotive.
Maci Automotive has unveiled a disruptive motor that increases power at no extra energy. The technology is extremely cost-efficient to produce and will reduce standard battery and motor sizes by up to 90%, thereby ushering in a new era of cheaper electric vehicles (EVs) with unlimited range.
The development team is looking for private equity investors to accelerate the industrialization of the PowerDrive technology.
These strategic partnerships will facilitate:
- Scaling up production
- Enhancing manufacturing efficiency
- Expanding market reach
By collaborating with key industry players, Maci aims to rapidly commercialize the PowerDrive and capitalize on its vast market potential.
Market Opportunity
- Maci Automotive’s initial focus will be the industrialisation for cost-efficient power generation for businesses and homes.
- It will also sell the PowerDrive to car owners who wish to convert their classic cars to battery EVs.
- The company will adapt the PowerDrive cost-efficiently to be used in the electrification of cars, air and sea going vehicles.
How It Works
The PowerDrive is a novel belt or chain-driven motor that increases power using hydraulic and pneumatic elements. It can increase power tenfold at no extra energy. As a result, it enables particularly small motors such as the 48V mild hybrid technology recently introduced in the automotive industry, to power large vehicles in full electric mode. Moreover, it also enables electric cars to charge the battery that powers the motor while it runs, eliminating the need for charging.
The PowerDrive offers a game-changing cost advantage by enabling electric vehicles to use 10% electric power and leverage 90% air and hydraulics.
This is achieved by stepping up motor power, which reduces voltage requirements from 400V to just 48V. This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for the EV industry, which has struggled with high costs owing to Lithium batteries (33% of total production costs) and electric motors (10% of total production costs).
The PowerDrive's versatility extends beyond EVs. It can be adapted cost-efficiently to turn wind turbine generators of any size and provide cost-efficient, clean energy during loadshedding and power cuts.
This innovative technology has the potential to transform the EV industry and revolutionise the way we generate and use clean energy.
Benefits of the Innovation
- It will break the range barrier of electric cars.
- It will cut the costs of EV batteries and motors by up to 90%.
- The 48V is low enough to be non-hazardous to humans, so it does not have special safety requirements.
- It will reduce the weight of EVs.
- It will improve performance of EVs thanks to its high power density.
Prototype
The PowerDrive was developed with the help of dozens of engineers, automotive experts and academics since 2019. The prototype was tested for over five months where early tests showed impressive results, increasing power by up to 200% at no extra energy. The Maci team is confident that they will work on this proof of concept to increase power a further tenfold.
Applications
The Maci testing process for the PowerDrive involved designing a custom testing machine to apply load to an electric motor. This machine used brakes and springs to simulate load conditions and measure amperage draw. Typically, adding load to a motor increases its amperage draw. However, when the PowerDrive was connected to the motor using chains, the team observed a significant decrease in amperage draw.
To further investigate, the team conducted a comparison test. They applied the same braking force to the motor with and without the PowerDrive. The results were striking:
- Without the PowerDrive, the motor came to a standstill under maximum braking conditions.
- With the PowerDrive engaged, the motor continued to run smoothly, even under maximum braking conditions.
This demonstrated the PowerDrive's ability to boost the motor's power output, overcoming the braking force. Typically, adding load to a motor results in energy loss due to friction and inefficiencies. However, the PowerDrive testing revealed a paradoxical effect: connecting the PowerDrive to the motor increased its power output, rather than decreasing it.
The PowerDrive boasts a groundbreaking feature: increasing power without additional energy consumption. This innovative technology has no direct competition; instead, it will seamlessly integrate with existing and future powertrain technologies to enhance performance while reducing size and costs.
The PowerDrive's versatility allows it to be incorporated into various applications, including:
- Battery-powered motors
- Internal combustion engines
- Hydrogen engines
- Marine: Introducing electric propulsion systems for boats and ships
- Aviation: Increasing efficiency and power for electric aircraft
- Cost-efficient power generation: Providing affordable and reliable electricity for homes, businesses and communities.
Maci plans to introduce variants of the PowerDrive by 2025, tailored to these applications, further demonstrating the technology's vast potential.
Recognising the PowerDrive's limitless possibilities, Maci will openly share its intellectual property, allowing other automotive brands to integrate the technology into their electric vehicles. This strategic decision aligns with Maci's mission to accelerate a zero-net-carbon future. By collaborating with others, Maci aims to unlock the PowerDrive's full potential and make a more significant impact on the environment.
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