Honda Motor has made an investment in Canadian technology start-up Enedym to accelerate development of the company’s patented motor technology and to ramp up its operations.
The investment was made through Honda’s global open innovation programme, Honda Xcelerator Ventures.
The size and other terms of the deal have not been revealed.
Enedym, headquartered at the McMaster Innovation Park in Ontario, develops switched reluctance motors (SRMs), electric powertrains, and powertrain controls.
The company draws on intellectual property created by Ali Emadi and his team at the McMaster Automotive Resource Centre (MARC) at McMaster University.
The company holds more than 70 patents and pending applications related to motor designs and associated control systems.
Enedym’s technology focuses on electric motors that do not rely on rare earth metals.
Honda Motor managing executive officer Manabu Ozawa said: “Enedym has an innovative switched reluctance motor technology that does not require any rare earth materials.
“Most electric propulsion motors today use permanent magnets made from rare earth metals, which are expensive and environmentally challenging. Enedym motors do not use any permanent magnets, and Honda has high hopes for its potential.”
The company also offers a digital design platform intended to reduce the time and cost of motor development compared with conventional methods.
Enedym founder, president, and CEO Ali Emadi said: “At Enedym, we have redefined what switched reluctance motors can do. Through proprietary motor configurations, cutting-edge control strategies, and comprehensive design optimisation, we have overcome the traditional limitations of SRMs. Our high-performance motors are quiet, efficient, powerful, and scalable.
“We are very pleased that Honda sees the potential of our motor technology. We are excited to deepen our partnership with Honda and welcome them as our strategic investor.”
