Magment, Purdue to advance new electric vehicle technologies

German electric vehicle firm Magment Concrete Wireless Power and Purdue University will collaborate to advance electric transportation technologies as part of the university’s Discovery Park research initiatives. 

The collaboration involves researchers from both parties working on several innovative test cases involving next-generation electric transportation technologies, including micro-mobility scooters, autonomous electric utility vehicle equipment and robotic shop floor delivery systems. 

Researchers participating in this partnership are also working under the Joint Transportation Research Programme, a collaborative initiative managed by Purdue’s School of Civil Engineering and the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Research and Development Division in West Lafayette, Indiana. 

“For a company like Magment to collaborate with so many experts in the many different areas of research at Purdue is incredible. We have only scratched the surface of what is possible,” said Magment CEO Mauricio Esguerra in a media statement. 

Magment’s main operations involve the development of faster and low-cost alternatives to power electric vehicles. They are noted for their innovative magnetised cement that can repower electric vehicles more efficiently than traditional charging systems. 

Electric vehicle transportation technologies are constantly growing. The development of new ways to apply these technologies for both consumer and industrial use creates a demand for alternative powering solutions to lower costs and optimise energy use to reduce impact on the environment.

The research outcomes produced by this partnership will work towards developing these new technologies and ensure their sustainability and efficiency. 

“We are excited to work with the Magment team on the evaluation of e-scooter wireless charging technology,” said Purdue’s Joint Transportation Research Programme director Darcy Bullock.

“In addition to reducing reliance on fossil fuel vehicles picking up e-scooters for charging, we view this pilot as a critical step in understanding how this technology can be scaled for use on larger electric vehicles.”

Magment is also one of 10 companies included in the Heritage Group Accelerator Powered by Techstars, a three-month investment, mentorship and collaboration programme. 

“Purdue has been an ideal partner to help advance all of the hard-tech startups in the program,” said Heritage Group Accelerator director Jonathan Schalliol. 

“We have been impressed with the progress of Discovery Park and are excited to have Magment help Purdue researchers and students make a powerful impact on Indiana and the global stage,” added Heritage Group Accelerator vice president of strategy Micah Vincent.

“Advancing electric transportation is an important strategic goal for the way people and goods sustainably move in the economy.”  

Purdue University’s Discovery Park is a campus innovation hub that facilitates collaborative interdisciplinary research and the development of next-generation technologies. 

The hub is adjacent to Discovery Park District, a US$1 billion-plus area which is also home to the Purdue University Convergence Centre, a facility that connects the university’s research, industry, investors, and innovative ideas with commercial impact through collaborative research, licensing and startup creation.

“One of our goals is to establish Discovery Park as a ‘test bed’ for collaborating with innovators on new and exciting technologies,’ said Purdue Research Foundation chief innovation and collaboration officer David Broecker.

“The Magment collaboration enables Purdue to be one of the first places to work with this highly innovative technology.”