“We have already produced dozens of prototypes,” says Daan Moreels. “Tests in June 2020 showed that, with our new prototype, we can generate 2.5 times more power than a Tesla engine of the same weight. For production versions, the generated power will easily be 3 times higher. Due to its efficiency, our engine can also increase a car’s driving range by up to 20%. For a BMW i3, our calculations showed an increase of 25%, which exceeded our expectations.” 

“As far as radial flux is concerned, Tesla has taken it to the highest level,” adds  Peter Leijnen. “But we are still developing our axial flux prototype. We achieve the same yield from an engine that weighs a third of Tesla’s, and it’s cheaper to produce. Even more, our engines are recyclable, which is also better for the environment.”

Like many other start-ups, the story of Magnax began in a garage. “I was working as an independent engineer and had to design a wind turbine generator for a customer,” says Leijnen. “There, I met Daan, also an engineer, and we started talking. We also saw opportunities in this technology for electric engines. Daan brought Kester Goh on board, and that’s how Magnax was born.”

The choice to start a company in this highly specialized niche proved to be a high-potential one. “In recent years, we have been contacted by over 4,000 companies interested in the high power density and compactness of our prototypes,” says Daan Moreels. “These are all companies active in e-mobility and the development of electric vehicles, boats and airplanes.”

Magnax will now refine its prototypes and aims to start producing them in 2022. Daan Moreels: “Our technology is mature enough to be used in vehicles that will be on the market for many years to come. We are initially targeting manufacturers of sports cars, off-highway vehicles, vans, trucks, tracked vehicles and drones. These customers need compact, light, high-powered engines. Next on our list are electric passenger cars.”

According to the engineers, their engine will be used in passenger cars within three or four years. "To produce the engines, we have entered into a partnership with a manufacturing subcontractor," explains Daan Moreels. "We cooperate closely with this subcontractor, but we stay in charge of commercial matters." 

What’s more, various investors and business angels have channeled funds into the Flanders-based start-up through Magnax’s investment fund – including Vlerick Group, Torus Capital and Hirschvogel Automotive.