Sona Comstar, Equipmake partner on next-gen electric powertrains

Sona BLW Precision Forgings (Sona Comstar), an Indian automotive technology company, has entered into a technology licensing agreement with Equipmake, a British electric powertrains manufacturer, with an intent to bring next-gen electric powertrains to buses, cars, and commercial vehicles in India and other select markets.

Equipmake’s proprietary technology is said to offer high energy density as well as efficiency along with excellent performance, making it suitable for electric vehicles buses, and commercial vehicles.

In the terms of the agreement, Equipmake is granting licenses to certain patents of spoke motors and inverter technology that range from 100 kW to 440 kW to Sona Comstar. The latter will manufacture and sell the electric vehicle (EV) powertrains, subsystems, and parts for electric cars, commercial vehicles, buses as well as off-road vehicles.

Sona Comstar will oversee the sales and business development within India, Thailand, and select South Asian countries, while Equipmake will be in charge of sales across the rest of the world.

The Indian automotive technology company will exclusively manufacture EV Powertrains and sub-systems and components that are based on Equipmake’s exclusive technology, which is targeted for applications solely in India as well as other selected markets.

Sona Comstar will also manufacture and market EV Powertrains and sub-systems and parts for the intended applications to Equipmake and its customers in various markets outside of the US. The former expects the first manufacturing of the systems will begin in 2025.

Ian Foley — Equipmake CEO said: “We are excited to partner with Sona Comstar to deliver our technology to these significant markets including India. Our spoke motors and inverters have already been widely recognized for their impressive power and torque density, and we are confident that they will play a significant role in driving the growth of the electric vehicle market in India.”

Equipmake has more than 20 years of experience in the development and integration of top-of-the-line electrification solutions for the supply of electric vehicle drivetrains to satisfy the requirements of the aerospace, automotive, and other sectors that aid in transitioning from fossil fuels to zero-emission vehicles.

The UK-based firm is a specialist in ultra-high-performance electric motors, complete electric drivetrains, and power electronic systems that are ultra-fast.

Sat Mohan Gupta — Sona Comstar Motor Business CEO said: “We are delighted to partner with Equipmake to bring their cutting-edge motors and inverters technologies to India. With Equipmake’s advanced technology and Sona Comstar’s manufacturing and sales capabilities, we aim to offer our customers high-performance, efficient, cost-effective electrified drivetrain solutions.

“This is yet another step towards our commitment to offering innovative solutions to drive faster adoption of electric mobility in India and globally.”