Munich-based electric motor startup Deepdrive has reached a major milestone: A leading global automaker has nominated the company as a supplier for large-scale series production. Manufacturing is scheduled to start in 2028. At the same time, Deepdrive announced its market entry into China and is building a team in Shanghai for this purpose. With this move, the startup makes the transition from technology development to industrial series production.
From Prototype to High-Volume Production
Deepdrive is developing a new generation of electric motors. At its core is a patented dual-rotor technology, where a stator sits between an inner and an outer rotor. This design is intended to deliver an exceptionally high torque density with low weight and low cost.
Since its founding, the company has developed and validated its technology for three applications: generators, wheel hub drives, and central drives. Having completed validation, Deepdrive now plans to scale up its production capacities for high volumes.
The nomination by an international car manufacturer marks a decisive step in this process. For the first time, the technology is on the verge of entering mass production. The startup has not yet disclosed which manufacturer selected Deepdrive or what unit volumes are planned.
Felix Poernbacher, CEO and co-founder of Deepdrive, explains:
“From the very beginning, our goal has been to set the global standard for electric drives in the automotive industry and beyond. This nomination is the first step on the path toward that.”
This marks the beginning of a new phase for the startup. Instead of focusing exclusively on further developing its motors, Deepdrive must now prove that the technology can be manufactured reliably and cost-effectively in high volumes.
Deepdrive Launches Expansion into China
In parallel with preparations for series production, Deepdrive is pushing ahead with its international expansion. It is starting with China, one of the world’s largest markets for electric vehicles.
In Shanghai, the company is building a local team to handle sales and project implementation for the Chinese market. The team members are integrated into the global development and production organization.
Deepdrive is pursuing a local production approach: The company aims to manufacture its drive units where its customers are located. This is intended to serve international demand without concentrating all production capacity at a single site.
Poernbacher describes the expansion into China as a logical next step. He notes that the Chinese automotive market is among the most dynamic worldwide and provides a suitable launching pad for international growth.
Former Tesla Head of Production Supports Industrialization
Deepdrive is receiving support from experienced automotive industry executives. These include Peter Hochholdinger, who previously held production responsibilities at Tesla and Lucid, among others, and now supports Deepdrive as an advisor.
He sees industrial implementation in particular as the decisive challenge for young technology companies.
“Bringing a new motor architecture into series production is where most deep tech companies fail.”
There is an enormous challenge between a successfully tested technology and high-volume industrial manufacturing. In his view, Deepdrive has established both the organizational and technological prerequisites to overcome this hurdle.
Alongside Hochholdinger, other industry experts are supporting the Munich startup. These include Peter Mertens, former Chief Technology Officer of Audi and Volvo, and Jörg Grotendorst, who has held leadership roles at companies such as Magna, Rheinmetall Automotive, and ZF.
Renowned Investors Support Deepdrive
On the investor side as well, Deepdrive has connections to the international automotive industry. Its backers include BMW i Ventures, UVC Partners, Bayern Kapital, Aumovios Capital Venture Unit, and Leitmotif with Volkswagen as an anchor investor.
With the nomination for large-scale series production and market entry in China, the Munich startup is now facing its most crucial growth phase to date.
The next two years are likely to be decisive: Ahead of the planned start of production in 2028, Deepdrive must scale its manufacturing and meet the automotive industry’s requirements for quality, costs, and delivery capability.
