Continental and DeepDrive announce strategic partnership

Continental and DeepDrive are cooperating to develop an innovative drive-brake unit for electric vehicles. This collaboration aims to improve the efficiency and manufacturing of electric vehicles.

Frankfurt/Munich, Germany - Continental has announced a partnership with DeepDrive, a Munich-based electric motor company. Together, they will develop a drive-brake unit that can be used directly on the wheel of electric vehicles. DeepDrive is known for its efficient electric motors that enable greater range in electric vehicles while being lighter, less expensive and more resource-efficient. Continental, on the other hand, is contributing its expertise in braking systems and technologies for the industrialization of innovative solutions.

The electric motors developed by DeepDrive provide a longer range and are more cost-effective. Combining them with our efficient brake technology is a crucial step for the success of electromobility.

Matthias Matic, Head of the Safety and Motion business unit at Continental.

The collaboration between Continental and DeepDrive aims to place all chassis functions, including the drive, directly on the wheel. This integration promises greater efficiency in drive and braking. It also reduces complexity and facilitates the production of electric vehicles.

The partnership with Continental enables us to combine our drive system with the necessary braking technology to create an innovative electric component. The increased demand for this technology shows that this is the right way to go.

Felix Pörnbacher, co-founder and managing director of DeepDrive

DeepDrive has developed and patented a dual-rotor radial-flux motor that can be installed in production vehicles as both a central drive and a wheel hub drive. Continental will contribute brake components to the joint drive-brake unit and drive industrialization to series development. This partnership could pave the way for a so-called corner module that integrates further chassis components in a compact unit directly on the wheel. This would significantly advance vehicle electrification.

Partnership follows Series A

Continental's corporate venture unit (co-pace) initiated the collaboration between the companies and also participated as a financial investor in a Series A financing of DeepDrive(we reported). Continental develops technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility and achieved sales of €39.4 billion in 2022. DeepDrive plans to bring the dual rotor to market in large-scale production by 2026 and is backed by well-known investors, including BMW i Ventures, Continental's corporate venture capital unit, and UVC Partners.