The Indian Institute of Technology, Bhubaneswar (IIT Bhubaneswar) and Bengaluru-based Numeros Motors Pvt Ltd signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to begin a two-year research project on electric vehicle (EV) components. Numeros Motors is a new equipment manufacturer focused on truly home-grown electric mobility solutions. The goal of this partnership is to study, design and test motor designs that do not use rare or magnetic minerals. By doing so, the partners aim to cut costs, ease reliance on imported materials and support India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
Under the agreement, IIT Bhubaneswar will share its teaching and research strength in electrical engineering, while Numeros Motors will bring its build and testing skills for electric drive systems. The teams will explore several different rare earth-free (RE-free) or non-magnetic motor topologies to find the best ones that work well, last longer and cost less. “This collaboration fits with our work on EVs at the Research and Entrepreneurship Park”, said Prof Shreepad Karmalkar, Director of IIT Bhubaneswar. “We see this as a key step to grow a domestic technology base that aligns with India’s national goals”.
Shreyas Shibulal, Founder and CEO of Numeros Motors said rare earth-free motors could help make EVs more affordable and greener. “Using these motors on a larger scale will cut imports and bring down production costs” he said. Project findings may guide future EV designs across the country. The project will be led by Assistant Professor Ankit Dalal at IIT Bhubaneswar. Dalal added, “We are eager to combine industry experience and academic research to create practical and forward-looking solutions that will shape India’s future in electric mobility”.
