Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Invests in Enedym Inc. to Accelerate Next-Generation Electric Motor Innovation
Enedym Inc. (“Enedym”), a technology company pioneering next-generation switched reluctance motors (SRMs), electric powertrains, and powertrain control systems, has announced a strategic investment from Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (“Honda”). The investment, made through Honda’s global open innovation arm, Honda Xcelerator Ventures, is expected to accelerate Enedym’s development of its patented motor technologies and support the company’s operational expansion.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both companies as they work toward advancing the next generation of sustainable, efficient, and environmentally responsible mobility solutions. By backing Enedym, Honda aims to leverage innovative electric propulsion systems that could play a crucial role in its broader electrification strategy, which includes achieving carbon neutrality across all products and corporate activities by 2050.
Driving Innovation in Electric Motor Technology
Headquartered in the McMaster Innovation Park in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Enedym stands at the forefront of electric motor innovation. The company holds more than 70 patents and pending patent applications for technologies and inventions originally developed by Dr. Ali Emadi, Canada Excellence Research Chair Laureate, and his research group at the McMaster Automotive Resource Centre (MARC) at McMaster University.
Enedym’s central mission is to eliminate the need for rare earth metals in electric motor production—an issue that has become increasingly critical due to the environmental and geopolitical challenges associated with mining these materials. Traditional electric propulsion systems rely heavily on permanent magnets made from rare earth elements, which are not only costly but also carry substantial environmental implications.
In contrast, Enedym’s switched reluctance motors (SRMs) are engineered to operate entirely without permanent magnets. These motors are designed using proprietary configurations, advanced control algorithms, and a digital design platform that drastically reduce development time and cost. The result is a high-performance motor that offers superior efficiency, reliability, and scalability—making it ideal for a broad range of mobility and industrial applications.
Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Electrification
Honda’s investment through its Xcelerator Ventures program underscores the company’s continued commitment to identifying and supporting breakthrough technologies that can transform the mobility landscape. Honda Xcelerator Ventures is known for fostering collaborations with startups that develop cutting-edge innovations in fields such as electrification, energy storage, and digital mobility solutions.
Dr. Ali Emadi, Founder, President, and CEO of Enedym, expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership, emphasizing the alignment of both companies’ goals toward sustainable electrification.
At Enedym, we have redefined what switched reluctance motors can do,” said Dr. Emadi. “Through proprietary motor configurations, cutting-edge control strategies, and comprehensive design optimization, we have overcome the traditional limitations of SRMs. Our high-performance motors are quiet, efficient, powerful, and scalable. We are very pleased that Honda recognizes the potential of our motor technology, and we look forward to deepening our partnership as they join us as a strategic investor.”
Honda’s Commitment to Rare Earth-Free Electrification
Honda, one of the world’s leading automotive and mobility technology companies, has long prioritized reducing the environmental footprint of its vehicles. The company has been exploring a range of rare earth-free motor technologies as part of its broader strategy to improve sustainability and supply chain resilience.
Manabu Ozawa, Managing Executive Officer of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., highlighted the importance of Enedym’s innovation in this context.
Enedym has developed an innovative switched reluctance motor technology that does not require any rare earth materials,” said Ozawa. “Most electric propulsion motors today depend on permanent magnets made from rare earth metals, which are both expensive and environmentally challenging to source. Enedym’s motors eliminate the need for these materials, and Honda has high hopes for their potential to revolutionize the electric mobility space.”
This collaboration could open the door to future co-development initiatives, where Enedym’s SRM technology might be integrated into Honda’s diverse lineup of electrified vehicles—from two-wheelers and hybrids to fully electric cars and robotics applications.
A New Paradigm in Motor Design and Digitization
One of Enedym’s key differentiators lies in its digitization platform, which allows for rapid prototyping and optimization of electric motors at a fraction of the time and cost compared to traditional development methods. This digital design ecosystem supports the company’s vision of accelerating the global transition to affordable electrification by making electric powertrain solutions accessible to a wider range of industries and markets.
The company’s engineering advancements not only improve energy efficiency but also significantly lower production costs, helping automakers and equipment manufacturers meet their performance and sustainability targets simultaneously. Enedym’s technology is well-suited for applications beyond passenger vehicles, including electric commercial vehicles, off-highway machinery, renewable energy systems, and industrial equipment.
About Enedym Inc.
Enedym Inc. is a clean technology startup spun out of McMaster University, dedicated to transforming the electric motor landscape through innovation and sustainability. Based in Hamilton, Ontario, Enedym’s mission is to drastically reduce the cost and environmental impact of electric motors and powertrains. By combining advanced electric motor drive technologies, intelligent control systems, and digital engineering, Enedym aims to power a new era of electrification across industries.
The company envisions a world where affordable, efficient, and environmentally conscious electric motors drive the majority of mobility and industrial systems—helping, in its words, to “save the planet, one electric motor market at a time.”
