Currently, Conifer’s first goal is to develop a motor to replace those used in Vespa-style electric scooters, which are widely popular across Asia. However, their scope of application extends far beyond that — ranging from lawnmowers, agricultural tractors, and power tools to industrial pump systems and autonomous robots — sectors that collectively account for 45% of global electricity consumption.

They have already developed motors in various sizes for devices such as HVAC systems and home appliances, and in the future, they may expand into electric vehicles. Notably, Conifer doesn’t just sell standalone motors — they offer complete drivetrain systems, integrating inverters, gearboxes, and control software, providing an all-in-one solution for manufacturers.

A prime example is their partnership with Lyra Energy, a Los Angeles–based startup aiming to build the “Tesla of two-wheelers” for emerging markets like Indonesia. Lyra uses Conifer’s motors to power high-performance scooters paired with their own charging ecosystem. According to Lyra’s CEO, Conifer’s motors offer the same cost but 20% higher efficiency, enabling greater range with the same battery capacity.

With $20 million in funding from top tech investors and plans to launch their first commercial product in 2025, Conifer is rapidly scaling up for mass production.

Technical and Market Challenges

Despite its huge potential, Conifer still faces significant technical and market barriers. Using ferrite instead of rare earth materials limits the maximum power output, making it harder to compete in the high-performance EV segment. Additionally, designing in-wheel motors requires a complete restructuring of a vehicle’s drivetrain — something that major automakers are not yet ready to adopt in the short term.

However, strong investor interest and partnerships with companies like Lyra Energy suggest that the tech community has high hopes for this solution. Agile startups may be the first to pioneer the adoption of this new technology.

Although still in its early stages, Conifer Motors is laying out a clear roadmap for the future of electric motors: more efficient, easier to manufacture, and independent of rare earths. With its strengths in modular design, system integration, and a defined commercialization strategy, their technology goes far beyond electric scooters — opening the door to a wide range of industrial and consumer applications.

In a world where strategic resources are increasingly weaponized in geopolitical power struggles, developing rare-earth-free technologies is not just an economic advantage — it’s a lever for technological sovereignty and national resilience. If successful, Conifer could become far more than just a startup — it may evolve into a key piece of the green supply chain of the future.

Nguồn: Wall Street Journal