News
Inmotive Addresses EV “Torque Hole” Issues with Unique Transmission Geometry
Ingear two-speed electric vehicle transmission achieves imperceptible shifts at 100 Nm. Passenger experience is as smooth as a single-speed gearbox under normal driving, unlike other multi-speed transmissions that could be applied to EVs
Ingear two-speed electric vehicle transmission achieves imperceptible shifts at 100 Nm
Passenger experience is as smooth as a single-speed gearbox under normal driving, unlike other multi-speed transmissions that could be applied to EVs
TORONTO, Canada – October 14, 2021
Inmotive, the makers of the Ingear two-speed transmission for electric vehicles (EVs), today announced that its latest vehicle prototype has achieved imperceptible shifts at 100 Nm, making great strides in eliminating “torque hole” issues that can be found in traditional transmissions.
“This is a significant milestone and has been a major priority for Inmotive, to ensure that there is no loss of torque during shifting,” said Paul Bottero, CEO of Inmotive. “Our intent from the beginning was to create a multi-speed EV transmission that shifts so smoothly, it compares to a single-speed transmission and gives drivers the torque feel they’ve come to expect from EVs.”
Inmotive is currently working to bring the Ingear to market. Invented and designed for the next generation of electric vehicles, the Ingear features a simple and durable design that enables a more efficient powertrain, with extended range, at lower cost.
The company has worked to solve the “torque hole” problem through a combination of improved geometry, better tensioner control and careful motor commands. Currently, the Ingear’s geometry can handle full load throughout the shift, with the system transmitting 130 Nm of peak torque throughout the shift dynamically.
“This is something that has plagued the transportation industry for a long time,” Bottero said. “With our immense improvements, EVs can now have the benefits of a multi-speed transmission without losing efficiency while driving, spending energy to shift, or abrupt disconnects or disruptions to the smooth acceleration.”
Traditionally, the “torque hole” issues have been alleviated with expensive, complicated clutch systems that consume a lot of energy during a shift and are not efficient even when not shifting.
With the Ingear, EV drivers and passengers may not notice that a transmission is in their vehicle, so they get all the benefits and no discomfort during normal driving.
Currently, Inmotive has confirmed the results with independent test drivers and OEM development partners.
About Inmotive Inc.
Inmotive is the Canadian based inventor of the Ingear, an ultra-efficient multi-speed powertrain technology for a wide range of applications. The Ingear extends electric vehicle range at very low additional cost and weight, while providing continuous torque during smooth shifts. Its highly reliable design also increases torque, acceleration, gradeability and top speed and is protected with 16 patents issued and 17 patents pending. Inmotive is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with offices in India and China. More information is available at www.inmotive.com.
Media Contact
Brittney Popa
MBE Group on behalf of Inmotive
(248) 554-3507
bpopa@mbe.group
Inmotive’s Ingear Demonstrates Over 99% Peak Efficiency
Measurements Validated by Tier One supplier
Measurements Validated by Tier One supplier
TORONTO, Canada – May 26, 2021
Inmotive, the inventor of the Ingear™ two-speed electric vehicle transmission, today announced it has received the results of a recently conducted, third-party efficiency test further validating that the Ingear is the world’s most efficient two-speed EV transmission.
A Tier One automotive supplier conducted the efficiency testing at its facilities. After measuring both gears over a wide range of torque and speeds, test results show that the Ingear achieved more than 99% peak efficiency in low gear and nearly 98% while in high gear. The test was conducted on a full transmission, including a primary reduction gear, oil lubrication and all necessary bearings and seals.
Unlike the helical gear that it replaces, the Ingear has a large efficiency sweet spot, which includes all of the gear/torque/speed combinations used in a drive cycle such as WLTP. These third-party results validate Inmotive’s own efficiency testing, which underpinned Inmotive’s claims made when launching the Ingear in September 2020. They also further substantiate Inmotive’s claim that a low cost Ingear will extend a typical EV’s range by more than 7% (WLTP).
“The silent chain is the most efficient type of chain or belt available and can incur less friction than even the most efficient gears,” said Anthony Wong, CTO of Inmotive. “And without the axial forces generated by the ubiquitous helical gears, we're able to use ball bearings instead of tapered roller bearings, saving substantial losses. Our clutchless shifting methodology is hyper-efficient as well, using only 740 Joules per shift cycle - the equivalent of six seconds of headlight usage.”
“The test results of the Ingear two-speed transmission confirms that electric vehicles can have greater range than originally thought,” said Paul Bottero, CEO of Inmotive. “EV designers can incorporate the low-cost Ingear to extend range and lower vehicle cost, while improving acceleration, towing capability and gradeability.”
Full test results are available to qualified customers and industry partners under NDA.
About Inmotive Inc.
Inmotive is the Canadian based inventor of the Ingear, an ultra-efficient multi-speed powertrain technology for a wide range of applications. The Ingear extends electric vehicle range at very low additional cost and weight, while providing continuous torque during smooth shifts. Its highly reliable design also increases torque, acceleration, gradeability and top speed and is protected with 16 patents issued and 17 patents pending. Inmotive is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with offices in India and China. More information is available at www.inmotive.com.
Media Contact
Brittney Popa
MBE Group on behalf of Inmotive
(248) 554-3507
bpopa@mbe.group
Inmotive’s CTO Featured in SAE Webinar Highlighting Electric Vehicle Transmission Development Priorities
Inmotive presents lowest power consumption of a multi-speed transmission
Inmotive presents lowest power consumption of a multi-speed transmission
TORONTO, Canada – February 4, 2021
Inmotive’s Chief Technology Officer and inventor of the Ingear™, Anthony Wong, presented his insights on electric vehicle transmissions during a webinar hosted by SAE International today. The session, designed to examine the latest development efforts and priorities for improving and differentiating transmissions specifically designed for passenger and commercial EVs, provided Wong the opportunity to highlight the capabilities of the Ingear two-speed electric vehicle transmission.
“Sessions like this are an engineer’s dream,” said Wong. “Electric vehicles of all types are at the forefront of mobility development right now and this was a good opportunity to be able to engage with highly focused, like-minded engineers and industry peers about how to bring about significant change and innovation.”
While Wong, along with Han-Hein Spit, Vice President of Bosch Transmission Technology, presented attributes of each company’s key technologies in EV powertrains, a live Q&A session and several poll questions provided discussion and insight from the audience.
One poll measured whether the audience thought there was potential for multi-speed transmissions in battery electric vehicles. When surveyed at the beginning of the presentation, only 51% responded yes, for a wide range of vehicle classes, with about 11% responding no and the rest believing it was viable but only for niche markets. At the end of the webinar, approximately 83% said yes for a wide range of vehicle classes, with only 2% responding no.
“The key takeaway from an overall industry perspective is that there is a lot of potential for multi-speed transmissions in electric vehicles. We hope attendees walked away understanding how little power the Ingear consumes and how it transmits torque efficiently and smoothly, proving there is a solid future for multi-speed transmissions in the EV market,” said Wong.
Click here to view the recording of the SAE webinar.
About Inmotive Inc.
Inmotive is the Canadian based inventor of the Ingear, an ultra-efficient multi-speed powertrain technology for a wide range of applications. The Ingear extends electric vehicle range at very low additional cost and weight, while providing continuous torque during smooth shifts. Its highly reliable design also increases torque, acceleration, gradeability and top speed and is protected with 16 patents issued and 17 patents pending. Inmotive is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with offices in India and China. More information is available at www.inmotive.com.
Media Contact
Brittney Popa
MBE Group on behalf of Inmotive
(248) 554-3507
bpopa@mbe.group
Inmotive’s New Shifting Mechanism Achieves Ultra-Fast Electric Vehicle Shift Speed
Latest Ingear™ advancement increases performance, efficiencies
Latest Ingear™ advancement increases performance, efficiencies
TORONTO, Canada – January 4, 2021
Inmotive, a Canadian-based automotive supplier, today announced that it has developed a new actuator technology to further increase the efficiency of vehicles that utilize its patented Ingear™ two-speed transmission, the world’s most efficient two-speed transmission. The new actuator replaces the “Wagging Finger,” which was used to move the Ingear’s unique fully keyed sprocket segments, with a deflector. The new actuator system will improve the functionality, performance, reliability and manufacturability – all while reducing cost of the Ingear.
“In an industry with insatiable demand for energy savings without sacrificing performance or cost-competitiveness, the drive to uncover additional efficiency gains never ceases; instead, we continuously look for ways to enhance and evolve our technology,” said Tony Wong, CTO and inventor of the Ingear. “Our team has done an outstanding job modelling, building and testing the new actuator in just four months from a concept we’ve been contemplating for a while.”
Test results show that Inmotive’s new actuator, trialled under realistic conditions for vehicle speeds, can now create a shift at over 100 kph (62 mph) in a typical passenger EV – a 40% improvement over its initial design. Maximum shift speeds may be further optimized to reach more than 130 kph (80 mph).
To provide faster shifting, the new concept reduces the moving mass of the actuator system’s deflector (previously the “Wagging Finger”) by over 60%, while also reducing the motion requirement of the mechanism by 60%. Faster shifting allows the Ingear to leverage all opportunities for improving vehicle efficiency and performance.
Inmotive has filed for patent protection internationally for the actuator innovation.
About Inmotive Inc.
Inmotive is the Canadian based inventor of the Ingear, an ultra-efficient multi-speed powertrain technology for a wide range of applications. The Ingear extends electric vehicle range at very low additional cost and weight, while providing continuous torque during smooth shifts. Its highly reliable design also increases torque, acceleration, gradeability and top speed and is protected with 16 patents issued and 17 patents pending. Inmotive is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with offices in India and China. More information is available at www.inmotive.com.
Media Contact
Brittney Popa
MBE Group on behalf of Inmotive
(248) 554-3507
bpopa@mbe.group
Inmotive Bolsters Board of Directors with Appointment of Derrick Milne
Company closes $1.9 million equity round
Company closes $1.9 million equity round
TORONTO, Canada – December 22, 2020
Inmotive has named Derrick Milne as the newest member of the automotive supplier’s Board of Directors. Milne joins two other board members, Greg Kiessling and Paul Bottero, in helping guide the future of Inmotive as it continues to commercialize the Ingear™, the world’s most efficient two-speed transmission for electric vehicles.
“We are pleased to welcome Derrick as a new director to Inmotive’s board,” said Kiessling, Board Chair, Inmotive. “He’s joined Inmotive at an exciting time as we continue to drive our business strategy forward. His leadership experience and expertise will truly be an asset, strengthening our operations and commitment to innovation.”
Milne has over 30 years of investment and retail industry experience, most recently serving as a private equity/venture capitalist to financial firms. He continuously supports the acceleration, transformation and success of Canadian-based companies and corresponding innovations through strategic guidance and significant investments. Prior to this role, he held an array of executive positions at Polyconcept North America and was CEO of Trimark Sportswear Group Inc.
In addition to joining the board, Milne is also a new investor to Inmotive, participating in recent funding rounds totalling $1.9 million, which will be used to accelerate product development.
Milne was officially appointed to the board of directors in December 2020.
About Inmotive Inc.
Inmotive is the Canadian based inventor of the Ingear, an ultra-efficient multi-speed powertrain technology for a wide range of applications. The Ingear extends electric vehicle range at very low additional cost and weight, while providing continuous torque during smooth shifts. Its highly reliable design also increases torque, acceleration, gradeability and top speed and is protected with 16 patents issued and 17 patents pending. Inmotive is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with offices in India and China. More information is available at www.inmotive.com.
Media Contact
Brittney Popa
MBE Group on behalf of Inmotive
(248) 554-3507
bpopa@mbe.group
Inmotive Introduces World’s Most Efficient Two-Speed Transmission for Electric Vehicles
Delivers extensive cost savings and extends EV range by up to 15%. Expertly designed for the next generation of electric vehicles. Features scalable design for wide range of vehicle applications
Delivers extensive cost savings and extends EV range by up to 15%
Expertly designed for the next generation of electric vehicles
Features scalable design for wide range of vehicle applications
TORONTO, Canada – September 23, 2020
Inmotive, a Canadian-based automotive supplier, has launched its patented Ingear™ two-speed transmission. Invented and designed for the next generation of electric vehicles, the Ingear features a simple and durable design that enables a more efficient powertrain, with extended range, at lower cost.
Inmotive recently completed its extensive pre-production testing of the Ingear, has integrated it into a demonstration vehicle and is ready for full market implementation. Test units are available to qualified OEMs.
“This next-generation transmission offers an entirely new way of looking at multi-speed transmissions for electric vehicles and extends significant benefits to a wide range of other market segments as well,” said Paul Bottero, CEO, Inmotive. “It is the first two-speed transmission of its kind to be effectively ready for global market adoption.”
How it works
Currently, most EVs use single-speed transmissions, however, equipping an EV with an Ingear transmission lowers cost, extends range and improves acceleration times, highway passing capability, top-speed and gradeability.
Typically, there are two reduction gears between the electric motor and the wheels, with the motor turning about nine times for each revolution of the wheels. The Ingear replaces the second reduction gear with a continuous chain drive and a morphing sprocket. To shift, an actuator directs sprocket segments into place during a single revolution of the wheels, effectively increasing or decreasing the gear ratio. The Ingear’s patented geometry keeps the motor and wheels in sync, enabling continuous torque flow throughout the shift process.
By enabling the drivetrain to operate more efficiently with low and high-gear ability, less energy is wasted resulting in more range from each charge. Similarly, regeneration is improved and is continuous, even while downshifting.
“We’ve found that today’s automatic transmissions fall short of what the EV industry needs,” said Bottero. “With an efficient design and substantial cost savings to the OEM, we believe the Ingear transmission checks all of the boxes that OEMs have been looking for and will help support wide-spread adoption of EVs.”
Delivering ultimate performance
Key benefits of the new Ingear transmission include:
Cost Saving – By integrating the simple and low-component-count Ingear into high volume integrated drive units, OEMs can save more than $1,500 per passenger vehicle. This savings is possible through using less battery and less expensive electric motors and inverters all while maintaining the same range and improving acceleration. In addition to OEM savings, fleet owners will save about $2,000 in operating (electricity) costs over three years.
Compact – Designed to wrap around the differential, the Ingear is only slightly larger than a typical single speed transmission.
Quick, smooth and quiet – The Ingear shifts in less than a single revolution of the wheels. The motor is kept in constant contact with the wheels and can continuously apply torque even during the shift. Gear ratios change gradually and torque fill algorithms maintain a smooth passenger experience. Acceleration times can be improved by up to 15%.
Efficient and reliable – The Ingear extends the range of a typical vehicle by up to 15% by optimizing motor efficiency and reducing parasitic losses. It also improves towing, hill-climbing and top-speed.
Technology adoption
Ingear is not a “one size fits all” technology. Its design flexibility enables OEMs to customize the size and scale of the technology based on the specific vehicle type. While initial development has focused on the passenger car market, the technology can be adapted for a wide range of vehicles, including commercial, off-highway and fuel cell applications.
Inmotive currently has development contracts with two global OEMs and is in discussion with several other OEMs from around the world for implementation.
About Inmotive Inc.
Inmotive is the Canadian based inventor of the Ingear, an ultra-efficient multi-speed powertrain technology for a wide range of applications. The Ingear extends electric vehicle range at very low additional cost and weight, while providing continuous torque during smooth shifts. Its highly reliable design also increases torque, acceleration, gradeability and top speed and is protected with 16 patents issued and 17 patents pending. Inmotive is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with offices in India and China.
More information is available at www.inmotive.com.
Media Contact
Paul Bottero
CEO, Inmotive
(416) 605-7470
pbottero@inmotive.com
Inmotive raises $7.5 million to help drive faster adoption of electric vehicles
Ingear transmission makes for lighter, less expensive and better performing plug-in vehicles
Ingear transmission makes for lighter, less expensive and better performing plug-in vehicles
TORONTO, Canada – April 30, 2020
Inmotive is one step closer to helping electric vehicles become lighter and less expensive while also improving their range and performance.
The Toronto-based maker of the patent-protected Ingear 2-speed transmission for electric vehicles (EVs) announced today it has closed a $7.5-million Series A round of funding. The round, a combination of equity and debt conversion, was led by existing investor Up Capital Ltd.
“COVID-19 has made it very challenging for cleantech companies to raise capital, so the timing of this investment demonstrates high confidence in our team, technology and strategy,” said Inmotive founder and CEO Paul Bottero. “With this infusion of funds, Inmotive can achieve its 2020 goals of producing Ingear units ready for external testing and engaging with electric vehicle manufacturers globally.”
The adoption rate of EVs has been hampered by range anxiety, performance issues and high cost. Inmotive addresses these problems with its 2-speed Ingear transmission, which provides double-digit performance improvements while allowing for cost reduction by downsizing batteries and other components. The Ingear will accelerate the adoption of EVs globally because it reduces both capital and operating costs of EV ownership.
About Inmotive Inc.
Inmotive is the Canadian-based inventor of the Ingear. This ultra-efficient transmission system extends EV range by 10% (WLTP) at very low additional cost and weight, while providing continuous torque during smooth shifts. Its highly reliable design also increases torque, acceleration, gradeability and top-speed.
Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with a second engineering centre in Bengaluru, India, Inmotive brings together innovation and automotive expertise resulting in 17 patents issued and over 14 patents pending.
Media Contact
Paul Bottero
CEO, Inmotive
(416) 605-7470
pbottero@inmotive.com
Did You Know?
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.