Staying ahead of the technology curve means strengthening your competitive advantage. That is why we give you data-driven innovation insights into the automotive sector. This time, you get to discover 5 hand-picked hybrid vehicle startups.
Global Startup Heat Map: 5 Top Hybrid Vehicle Startups
The 5 automotive startups you will explore below are chosen based on our data-driven startup scouting approach, taking into account factors such as location, founding year, and relevance of technology, among others. This analysis is based on the Big Data & Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered StartUs Insights Discovery Platform, covering over 1.3 million startups & scaleups globally.
The Global Startup Heat Map below highlights the 5 hybrid vehicle startups & scaleups our Innovation Researchers curated for this report. Moreover, you get insights into regions that observe a high startup activity and the global geographic distribution of the 114 companies we analyzed for this specific topic.
VerdeGo Aero – Diesel-Electric Hybrid
Hybrid vehicles combine multiple sources of power, bringing together the benefits of different kinds of motors. Diesel-electric hybrids, for instance, provide the economical efficiency of diesel vehicles while allowing electric-only mode for shorter travels within the city. Moreover, diesel-electric transmission enables efficient fuel utilization. Automotive startups are working on diesel-electric hybrids for cars, heavy vehicles, ships, aircraft, and submarines.
VerdeGo Aero is a US-based startup developing diesel-electric hybrid systems. The startup’s Integrated Distributed Electric Propulsion (IDEP) system provides more energy density than existing batteries while using lesser fuel compared to small turbines. The startup’s diesel-electric powertrains provide up to 1MW of peak power. VerdeGo Aero’s powertrains enable clean propulsion for both conventional (CTOL) and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) systems.
Hyliion – Hybrid Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Powertrain
Compressed natural gas nowadays represents a relatively eco-friendly alternative to petrol and diesel. A hybrid CNG powertrain uses a CNG engine with an electric drive. This allows the transition of existing vehicles to electric mobility. Moreover, this improves the general performance of vehicles with CNG engines, as well as reduces carbon emissions.
Based in the US, Hyliion offers hybrid CNG powertrain solutions for commercial transportation. The startup’s system is configurable on most commercial CNG vehicles and includes an electric axle that provides extra power when required, such as when traveling uphill. All the components of the hybrid CNG system, including the battery pack and control unit, communicate with each other to optimize performance.
eROCKIT – Pedal-Electric Hybrid
Pedal-electric hybrids combine the benefits of cycling with the convenience of electric vehicles. When charged via green electricity, these hybrid vehicles offer a completely zero-carbon mode of transport. Pedal-electrics are particularly suited for urban mobility where they help circumvent traffic jams. Automotive startups are developing a wide range of pedal-electric bikes and motorcycles.
eROCKIT is a German manufacturer of pedal-operated electric motorcycles. The startup’s motorcycles feature a 6.6 kWh battery that provides a continuous output of 5kW. The electronics of the bikes supplement and multiply the effort from the rider. Moreover, the motorcycles feature a clutch-free drive unit with belt transmission, providing a low-maintenance experience.
eMotion Dynamics – Regenerative Braking
In traditional vehicles, the heat generated during braking is lost as waste. In regenerative braking, kinetic energy recovery systems (KERS) convert this kinetic energy to electric energy for later use. This mechanism allows hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) to run longer as energy from braking is stored in the vehicle battery. Moreover, regenerative braking improves the life of the mechanical parts.
Spanish startup eMotion Dynamics helps vehicle manufacturers improve the energy efficiency of their vehicles. The startup’s regenerative braking and traction solutions are customizable to the needs of operators and vehicles. The solutions save fuel and increase the life of the braking system and transmission components. The kinetic energy stored during regenerative mode delivers additional torque for vehicle acceleration during the traction mode.
LGM – Mild Hybrids
A major benefit of mild hybrid vehicles lies in how the parallel energy source augments the force generated by the combustion engine. This enables vehicles to shut down the engine when the car is braking or coasting. Mild hybrids use regenerative braking or other power sources to facilitate a quick restart. While the electric motor in a mild hybrid is not strong enough to drive the vehicle on its own, it leads to fuel savings by assisting the engine.
LGM is a Polish startup developing energy-efficient solutions for the automotive sector. The startup’s IQ Gen system multiplies the power from the generator, saving fuel. The solution enables smaller power generators for mild hybrids, as well as long driving distances for hybrid and electric cars. Further, for buses, the startup’s solution turns energy from regenerative braking into electric air conditioning.
Discover more automotive startups
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