Electricity flows for new spin-out

A new Oxford University spin-out company - Oxford Yasa Motors - has been set up to commercialise lightweight electric motors developed at the Department of Engineering Science.

The need for electrically powered cars is good news for Oxford Yasa Motors

Isis Innovation, the University’s technology transfer company, announced that the company has closed the £1.45 million funding round with private investor Seven Spires Investments Limited.

Dr Malcolm McCulloch, head of Oxford’s Electronic Power Group said: “We’re taking technology which has already been proven in a number of vehicles to a wider market. With Oxford Yasa Motors we’ll be able to deliver a range of commercial products that will help the UK launch itself as a premier destination for electric vehicle development.”

Over the last 8 months the Oxford team has collaborated with engineering firm Delta Motorsports to configure the motor for a new four-seat coupe, which is scheduled for track tests scheduled at the end of 2009.

As well as high performance cars, the motor will be adapted for aerospace, renewable and industrial applications where improved power to weight performance combined with the ability to offer more compact electric drive systems will offer significant commercial advantage to customers.

Tom Hockaday, managing director at Isis Innovation said: “This is the second spin-out company from Dr McCulloch’s group after smart-metering spin-out Intelligent Sustainable Energy was incorporated in December last year. Isis is privileged to work with such an entrepreneurial department with a real commitment to clean technologies which have the potential to make a huge difference to the environment.”