Napino Group partners Enedym for cost-slashing magnet-less e-motors

The Gurgaon-based Napino Group has partnered Canada’s Enedym to manufacture complete motor solutions for the electric two-wheelersegment in India, which is poised to become a US$ 9 billion (Rs 66,609 crore) market by 2027.

Under the agreement, Napino will license Enedym’s patented Switched Reluctance Motor (SRM) technology, which will be supplied for electric two-wheelers – motorcycles and scooters – in India.

The technology is claimed to eliminate expensive permanent magnets and rare-earth metals in motor construction, essentially offering a magnet-free technology. It will be manufactured by Napino Auto & Electronics – Napino Group’s automotive vertical which is a Tier 1 supplier of fuel-injection systems, mechatronics and wiring harnesses to two-wheeler OEMs including Hero MotoCorp, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, Suzuki Motorcycle India, Ola Electric, Ampere and Ather Energy amongst others.

Another claim of the SRM technology is that it can reduce the cost of EV propulsion by up to 40 percent, while also significantly reducing the sourcing challenge associated with rare-earth materials, with companies majorly relying on imports from countries like China.

The technology is also being said to be more efficient at high speeds and suitable for operation in harsh and tropical climatic conditions such as those in India. It is also being claimed to offer high power density while being low on maintenance as well.

According to Vaibhav Raheja, Joint Managing Director, Napino Group, “We are extremely delighted to announce our partnership with Enedym. Achieving removal of magnets and rare-earth elements in these products offers great advantage not only from a geo-political point of view but also ensures sensible use of natural resources. We are confident that the affordable and robust solution being created by our engineering and manufacturing teams will enable quick adoption of electric mobility in India.

Dr Ali Emadi, founder, president and CEO, Enedym, commented, “We are very excited to announce this deal with Napino.  This partnership is transformative and significant given it will provide a more stable and secure global manufacturing supply chain, combined with sustainable next generation motor technology. Partnering with Napino will also allow us to supply our next generation motor technology within a massive market and offer Indian based and global OEM’s a viable manufacturing alternative to China.”