Inmotive

Inmotive, a Toronto-based company founded in 2010, is focused on advancing electric vehicle (EV) technology. The company was established through the collaboration of Anthony Wong, the inventor and Chief Technical Officer, and Paul Bottero, the CEO and a seasoned entrepreneur. Wong's initial concept, inspired by the derailleur gears on his bicycle, was to move the sprockets over the chain rather than the chain over the sprockets, leading to the creation of the "morphing sprocket". This idea evolved from a model built in a spare bedroom to a full prototype that exceeded initial performance expectations.

Inmotive operates on a business-to-business model, licensing its proprietary technology to automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The company's core offering is the Ingear, a patented two-speed transmission system designed specifically for EVs. This technology addresses key challenges in the EV market, including range, performance, and cost. By replacing the second reduction gear in a typical single-speed EV with a continuous chain drive and a morphing sprocket, the Ingear allows the electric motor to operate more efficiently. The system enables the motor to stay within its optimal efficiency range, reducing energy waste and improving overall performance. This results in a 7-15% improvement in range and up to a 15% enhancement in acceleration. Furthermore, the increased efficiency allows for the use of smaller, less expensive batteries and motors, potentially reducing the production cost of an EV by approximately $1,500.

The Ingear's design is compact and integrates around the differential, requiring no additional space. It utilizes a robust silent chain and features a unique geometry that ensures continuous torque transfer even during shifts, which can be completed in as little as 19 milliseconds. This provides a smooth and quiet passenger experience. Inmotive has secured numerous patents for its technology and has established engineering centers in Toronto and Bengaluru, India, with additional offices in Europe and China. The company has entered into significant partnerships, including a joint development agreement with Suzuki Motor Corporation to integrate the Ingear into a future Suzuki EV, and another with Bando Chemical Industries to adapt the technology for the two- and three-wheeled vehicle market.

Keywords: electric vehicle transmission, EV powertrain, two-speed transmission, morphing sprocket, automotive technology, EV efficiency, EV range extension, electric motor optimization, driveline technology, cleantech, mechatronics, automotive components, Paul Bottero, Anthony Wong, Suzuki partnership, Bando Chemical Industries, Ingear, continuous torque, powertrain licensing, EV cost reduction