Volts Making electric motors better
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Jun 11, 2025 Ankit Somani, co-founder of Conifer, delves into the revolutionary world of electric motors. Drawing from his entrepreneurial background, he discusses innovative efforts to create lighter, more efficient motors without rare-earth materials. The conversation highlights groundbreaking designs like axial flux motors and the potential of in-wheel technology for diverse vehicle applications. Ankit also addresses how modern manufacturing techniques can simplify production and enhance the adoption of electric motors, paving the way for a cleaner energy future.
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Electric Motors Are Critical
- Electric motors handle about 50% of the world's electricity but get surprisingly little attention in clean energy discussions.
- Transitioning away from fossil fuels requires ever more electric motor applications across all sectors.
Genesis of Conifer Motors
- Ankit Somani reconnected with a friend deeply experienced in motors to explore motor design from the ground up.
- They realized to move beyond 5-10% electrification, a fundamental redesign of the electric engine was necessary.
Motors Are Undervalued Technology
- Battery technology has received thousands of times more investment and attention than electric motors.
- Motors, while over a century old, still hold major unresolved challenges worthy of innovation.