BMW i Ventures Backs DeepDrive's Dual-Rotor Electric Motor Tech

BMW’s venture capital arm, BMW i Ventures, has taken a co-lead position in a funding round for DeepDrive, a company developing a new type of electric motor. The startup’s design centers on a dual-rotor architecture, a departure from the single-rotor setups used in most EVs today.

The approach aims to make motors lighter, more compact and more efficient, which could help automakers squeeze more range out of a given battery pack. DeepDrive’s technology is being positioned for use across different vehicle classes, from passenger cars to larger platforms.

For BMW, the investment offers an early look at motor tech that could eventually find its way into future electric models. BMW i Ventures has a track record of backing mobility and electrification startups, and this deal fits that pattern.

Specific financial terms of the round were not disclosed. The investment is one of several recent moves by established automakers to secure stakes in the electric drivetrain supply chain.