Press-Archive

Apr 13 2022

Infinitum Electric Expands Leadership Team and Moves to New Facility to Support Rapid Growth

Five industry heavyweights deepen company’s leadership while new facility accommodates expanding operations

AUSTIN, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Infinitum Electric, creator of the breakthrough air-core motor, today announced the expansion of its leadership team with the recent appointments of Jack Powell as Director of Operations, Michele Feria as Director of Marketing, Ramon Guitart as Director of Engineering, Ed Carignan as Director of PCB Engineering and Stephen Mathew as Director of Product Management.

Infinitum Electric also announced it will move its headquarters to a new facility at the end of April to support the company’s rapid growth and expanding operations. The new facility will be triple the size of the company’s current offices and include a larger research lab and expanded production capabilities that will allow the company to address the growing electric vehicle and aerospace markets, which include electric vehicle takeoff and landing (eVTOL) applications.

Infinitum Electric is helping several industries transition to a more sustainable future with its smaller, lighter, quieter and more efficient motors. The company’s air-core motors are gaining traction in HVAC equipment to improve building health while using less energy, and in electric vehicles and electric aircraft where extending range and reducing noise are particularly valuable.

“We’re thrilled to attract such a talented group of experienced industry leaders to support our rapid growth trajectory and help more customers build a sustainable future,” said Ben Schuler, founder and CEO of Infinitum Electric. “We look forward to the impact these leaders will have in our next phase of growth as we scale production and meet demand for our high-efficiency motors across exciting new sectors and applications.”

Jack Powell, director of operations, brings more than 30 years of leadership experience to the organization, previously holding executive roles at clean energy companies that include Enphase Energy, SolarBridge Technologies, SunPower Corporation and SunEdison.

Michele Feria, director of marketing, brings more than two decades of technology marketing leadership experience to the company, previously serving in senior management roles at Silicon Labs and IBM.

Ramon Guitart, director of engineering, brings three decades of motor engineering leadership experience in the industrial, commercial, aerospace and automation industries, with prior executive roles held at TECO-Westinghouse, GE, Trane, Rockwell Automation, Curtiss Wright, MTS Systems Corporation and NovaTorque.

Ed Carignan, director of PCB engineering, brings 20 years of specialized experience in printed circuit board design and operations, previously serving as Founder and Group President of APSS Group, LLC and as SVP, Operations Asia PCB for Sanmina-SCI.

Stephen Mathew, director of product management, brings more than 20 years of experience in product management, engineering and sales, previously working as Sr. Director of Products for UST Inc. and for Siemens AG where he specialized in intelligent building and transportation.

Infinitum Electric added 30 new employees across its two offices in Spokane, Washington and Round Rock, Texas with headcount doubling in research and development, and tripling in operations in 2021. The company is currently hiring additional team members for positions across product, operations, R&D and sales.

To learn more about career opportunities at Infinitum Electric, visit: https://goinfinitum.com/about/careers/.

About Infinitum Electric

Infinitum Electric has raised the bar for a new generation of motor that is better for the planet and people. The company’s patented air-core motors offer superior performance in half the weight and size, at a fraction of the carbon footprint of traditional motors, making them pound for pound the most efficient in the world. Infinitum Electric motors open up sustainable design possibilities for the machines we rely on to be smaller, lighter and quieter, improving our quality of life while also saving energy. Based in Austin, Texas, Infinitum Electric is led by a team of industry experts and pioneers. To learn more, visit goinfinitum.com.

Apr 04 2022

Infinitum Electric Execs Speak on EV Motor Manufacturing at Charged Virtual Conference

Electric vehicle industry leaders convene to discuss engineering innovations in motors, power electronics and battery systems

AUSTIN, Texas–April 4, 2022–Infinitum Electric, today announced its executives are speaking at the Charged virtual conference, an event focused on EV engineering, being held April 4-7, 2022. Infinitum Electric’s VP of Technology Paulo Guedes-Pinto and VP of Business Development Bhavnesh Patel will discuss how engineers can gain flexibility and speed in prototyping and manufacturing EV motors.

WHAT:

ChargedEV Speaking Session with Infinitum Electric Execs

How to Gain Flexibility and Speed in Prototyping and Manufacturing EV Motors

Automotive OEMs and suppliers are being driven to innovate faster by consumers demanding more in terms of range and overall experience. In this session, execs will discuss how Infinitum Electric’s approach to PCB motor technology provides advantages in areas such as oil cooling and in simplifying the manufacturing process so automotive companies can quickly iterate and reduce time to market.

WHO:

Bhavnesh Patel, vice president of business development, Infinitum Electric
Paulo Guedes-Pinto, vice president of technology, Infinitum Electric

WHEN:

Apr 4, 2022, 12:30 pm EDT

WHERE:

Visit the ChargedEV Virtual Conference website to attend free live sessions
or watch recordings.

About Infinitum Electric

Jan 31 2022

Infinitum Electric Introduces Ultra High-Efficiency Motors for the Canadian Market

Air-core motors purpose-built for Canada deliver breakthrough efficiencies and simplify design for HVAC, pump and general purpose applications

Las Vegas, Nevada – Jan. 31, 2022 – Infinitum Electric, creator of the breakthrough air-core motor, today announced at the 2022 AHR Expo a new product line specifically built to support Canadian HVAC fan, pump and general purpose applications.

The new product line is an extension of Infinitum Electric’s IEs Series motors and will be available in the 575V, 5-15 horsepower range in 2H 2022. With the addition of the Canadian products, Infinitum Electric is delivering the most comprehensive range of power and frame sizes for the North American HVAC market. The IEs Series offers 10 percent more efficiency and IoT capabilities in a package that is 50 percent lighter and smaller, and significantly quieter than traditional motors.

To date, Canadian HVAC applications requiring 575V power have largely relied on suboptimal motor configurations due to a lack of focus on the specific needs of the Canadian market. HVAC applications have therefore used either an EC motor and a transformer to convert power, which adds costs and reduces overall efficiency, or a conventional, lower efficiency AC induction motor and VFD.

“Having a motor designed specifically for Canada greatly simplifies our engineering process and will ultimately help us deliver better products,” said Larry Hopkins, chief technology officer, XNRGY. “Infinitum Electric’s integrated motor and VFD gives us the breakthrough levels of efficiency our customers want, while its smaller size and light weight open new possibilities for our development team.”

“Infinitum Electric’s advancements in motor efficiency have the potential to spur innovation and reduce energy demand in Canadian HVAC and pump applications,” said Ivan Campos, research analyst, Omdia. “As supply chain issues continue, Infinitum Electric’s simple motor design, materials and PCB stator technology make it easier to source, produce and assemble motors close to their target market, reducing lead times.”

“We’re excited to expand our footprint and bring our proven IEs Series product line to Canada,” said Ben Schuler, founder and chief executive officer, Infinitum Electric. “We look forward to working with product manufacturers who are looking to achieve new levels of sustainability for fan, pump and general purpose applications.”

Infinitum Electric is exhibiting its full range of motors for HVAC fan and pump applications during the AHR Expo in Las Vegas Jan. 31-Feb. 2, 2022 at booth C6103, where attendees will be able to speak with company experts on designing products for greater efficiency, reliability and productivity.

About Infinitum Electric
Infinitum Electric has raised the bar for a new generation of motor that is better for the planet and people. The company’s patented air-core motors offer superior performance in half the weight and size, at a fraction of the carbon footprint of traditional motors, making them pound for pound the most efficient in the world. Infinitum Electric motors open up sustainable design possibilities for the machines we rely on to be smaller, lighter and quieter, improving our quality of life while also saving energy. Based in Austin, Texas, Infinitum Electric is led by a team of industry experts and pioneers. To learn more, visit goinfinitum.com.

Oct 21 2021

Infinitum Electric Wins Two Prestigious 2021 R&D 100 Awards

Ultra-high-efficiency, air-core motor recognized with R&D 100 Award and Silver Award in special Green Tech category

AUSTIN, Texas–October 21, 2021–Infinitum Electric, creator of the breakthrough air-core motor, today announced it has won two prestigious 2021 R&D 100 Awards, which celebrate the top 100 revolutionary technologies of the past year.

Infinitum Electric’s air-core motor was recognized with a R&D 100 Award for its technological and industry advancements in the IT/Electrical category. The company also received a Silver Award in the 2021 R&D 100’s special recognition category Green Tech, which highlights engineering innovations that help reduce energy consumption and make the environment greener.

The R&D 100 Awards is the only science and technology awards competition that recognizes new commercial products, technologies and materials for their technological significance that are available for sale or license. The renowned worldwide competition, now in its 59th year, received entries from 17 countries/regions. This year, the judging panel included nearly 40 well-respected industry professionals from across the globe.

Motors consume more than half the world’s electricity, but have largely remained unchanged over the last 100 years. Infinitum Electric’s air-core motor uses lightweight materials and modular design to generate the same power in half the size and weight, at a fraction of the carbon footprint of a conventional motor. Infinitum Electric’s motor is 50 percent lighter and smaller, significantly quieter and more efficient – meeting or exceeding IEC60034-30-2 IE5 efficiency class.

“Infinitum Electric’s R&D team questioned every aspect of the motor. The result is a motor that offers superior performance, increased energy savings, improved reliability and productivity – all things critical for humankind in the next century,” said Paulo Guedes-Pinto, vice president of technology, Infinitum Electric. “We’re honored to be recognized with two R&D 100 Awards and among this year’s amazing group of science and technology pioneers that are making a difference and creating a bright future together.”

“The number of nominations for this year’s R&D 100 Awards was among the highest in history, and the most we’ve seen since 2018. This program has been called the ‘Oscars of Innovation,’ and the technologies honored here are ones that our judging panel thinks will significantly change the world in the coming years,” said Paul J. Heney, vice president, editorial director of R&D World magazine, which conducts the awards program. “Over the past several years, we’ve seen an increasing number of entrants focused on the environment and green technology, and we think that trend is likely to continue, given its critical importance today.”

About Infinitum Electric

Infinitum Electric has raised the bar for a new generation of motor that is better for the planet and people. The company’s patented air core motors offer superior performance in half the weight and size, at a fraction of the carbon footprint of traditional motors, making them pound for pound the most efficient in the world. Infinitum Electric motors open up sustainable design possibilities for the machines we rely on to be smaller, lighter and quieter, improving our quality of life while also saving energy. Based in Austin, Texas, Infinitum Electric is led by a team of industry experts and pioneers. To learn more, visit goinfinitum.com.

Aug 19 2021

Infinitum Electric Receives Investment from Caterpillar Venture Capital Inc.

Investment through Cottonwood Technology Fund supports development of expanded applications for the Infinitum Electric product line

AUSTIN, Texas— August 19, 2021— Infinitum Electric, creator of the breakthrough air-core motor, today announced it has received an equity investment from Caterpillar Venture Capital Inc., the venture capital arm of Caterpillar Inc. (CAT), the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives, through Cottonwood Technology Fund. The proceeds will be used to further expand production of Infinitum Electric’s IEs Series motor systems for industrial applications and for the development of a new line of smaller, lighter, quieter and more efficient alternators. Infinitum Electric alternators are expected to be one third the size and weight of traditional alternators: targeting the growing $17 Billion annual alternator market.

With most of today’s machines relying on rudimentary iron core motors that consume more than half the world’s electricity, Infinitum Electric is focused on powering a new generation of machines with unparalleled efficiency and durability. Infinitum Electric’s reinvented air-core motors use lightweight materials and modular design to generate the same power in half the size and weight, at a fraction of the carbon footprint and noise created by conventional motors.

Infinitum Electric’s motor design replaces the copper wire and laminated iron core found in conventional motors with a printed circuit board stator, making the motor smaller, lighter and more efficient. Their integrated motor and variable frequency drive (VFD) also maximizes usability and reduces energy consumption by addressing the entire lifecycle of the motor – from its materials, to how it’s produced, transported, assembled, used and maintained. Fewer raw materials reduce the amount of emissions required to build a motor, while off-the-shelf components allow the motor to be made anywhere in the world at any time reducing supply chain issues. Modular architecture enables simple assembly on-site, reducing shipping and logistics costs. This pioneering approach to motors provides increased energy savings, while also improving reliability, productivity and making electrical equipment smaller, lighter and quieter.

Infinitum Electric currently serves commercial HVAC, industrial, and automotive suppliers developing new products with environmental sustainability, efficiency and serviceability in mind.

“Caterpillar Venture Capital’s investment acknowledges the opportunity presented by ultra-high- efficiency motors in a reduced-carbon future. We’re excited about the opportunity Infinitum Electric’s technology offers and the potential positive impacts to lowering emissions, reducing waste and improving efficiency,” said Michael Young, Vice President of Caterpillar Venture Capital Inc.

“It’s extremely validating when one of the world’s leading manufacturers acknowledges the role that lighter, quieter, high-efficiency motors can play in the energy transition,” said Ben Schuler, founder and CEO of Infinitum Electric. “Cottonwood Technology Fund has been an excellent partner to Infinitum Electric in aligning us with investors that share our vision for a sustainable future while fueling our growth strategy.”

About Infinitum Electric

Infinitum Electric has raised the bar for a new generation of motors that is better for the planet and people. The company’s patented air core motors offer superior performance in half the weight and size, at a fraction of the carbon footprint of traditional motors, making them pound for pound the most efficient in the world. Infinitum Electric motors open up sustainable design possibilities for the machines we rely on to be smaller, lighter and quieter, improving our quality of life while also saving energy. Based in Austin, Texas, Infinitum Electric is led by a team of industry experts and pioneers. To learn more, visit goinfinitum.com.

About Caterpillar Venture Capital Inc.

Caterpillar Venture Capital Inc. assists entrepreneurs around the world to grow and scale their businesses to build today for a better tomorrow by leveraging Caterpillar’s industry expertise, supply base and independent dealer network. Caterpillar Venture Capital’s focus areas of investment include robotics, energy, advanced materials, and digital solutions that help its customers be successful. Caterpillar Venture Capital is a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc., the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For more information, visit Caterpillar Ventures.

About Cottonwood Technology Fund

CTF is a seed and early-stage technology commercialization fund with offices in Santa Fe, New Mexico; and Enschede, the Netherlands. It invests in founding stage technology-related (particularly telecom, chemistry/material sciences, photonics, biosciences, robotics and new energy) businesses originating throughout the Southwest region of the US and also in Northern Europe. Visit www.cottonwoodtechnologyfund.com for more information.