inMotive

What inMotive does

Inmotive Inc. is a Toronto-based developer of multi-speed electric vehicle transmission technology, founded in 2010 by Paul Bottero (CEO) and Anthony Wong (CTO). The company's flagship product, Ingear, is a purpose-built two-speed EV transmission that replaces a conventional fixed gear stage with a continuous silent chain drive wrapped around a drive sprocket, a tensioner, and a patented morphing segmented driven sprocket. The morphing sprocket changes its effective diameter by sliding interlocking segments during naturally occurring zero-load windows, enabling clutchless shifting without interrupting torque delivery to the wheels — a structural solution to the torque-hole problem that has historically limited multi-speed EV transmissions. The portfolio has expanded beyond the core two-speed unit to include IngearFRD (a floating-sprocket architecture for single-speed EV drives and AWD transfer cases) and Ingear 2W (a variant for two- and three-wheeled vehicles with active slider shifting).

Inmotive operates a B2B licensing model, transferring technology and manufacturing know-how to automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers while enabling regional production partners to build components locally under license. Named commercial relationships include joint development with Suzuki Motor Corporation (which also invested through Suzuki Global Ventures), a strategic partnership with Bando Chemical Industries for the two-wheel variant, a licensing agreement with a confidential US-based EV OEM targeting 2027 production, an MOU with Huanyan DriveTech/SHR for China manufacturing targeting late 2026, and partnerships with Nissin Manufacturing in Japan and a confidential top-tier transmission supplier. The technology is protected by 53 granted patents and 34 pending applications across the US, EU, Japan, China, Mexico, and Canada. The company maintains approximately 40+ engineers across Toronto, Europe, China, and a Bengaluru engineering centre, and has been validated at over 99% peak mechanical efficiency by a major global OEM.

Name

inMotive

Legal name

Inmotive Inc.

Website

https://inmotive.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Inmotive Inc. is a Toronto-based licensor of the Ingear two-speed EV transmission, a patented chain-drive architecture with a morphing sprocket that delivers continuous torque during shifts. It licenses the technology to global automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, with regional manufacturing partnerships spanning Japan, China, and India.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Electric Vehicle Transmissions

NAICS

Motor Vehicle Transmission and Power Train Parts Manufacturing (33635), Motor Vehicle Electrical and Electronic Equipment Manufacturing (336320), Speed Changer, Industrial High-Speed Drive, and Gear Manufacturing (333612)

SIC

Engines & Turbines (3510), Electronic Coils, Transformers & Other Inductors (3677)

akta.pro primary industry

Electric Drive Unit / E-Axle Manufacturing (Motors/Inverters/Gearboxes) (IMACACAC)

Keywords

• EV transmission technology
• Electric vehicle drivetrains
• Multi-speed transmissions
• Automotive component licensing
• Powertrain efficiency systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Toronto

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Technology Licensing: Inmotive licenses the Ingear two-speed transmission technology to OEMs, transferring knowledge and manufacturing capability. Licensees gain rights to manufacture the component with flexibility in sourcing and production location. The model supports regional manufacturing partners and enables OEMs to build licensed components in whichever jurisdiction best meets local content rules.
2. Component Supply: Evaluation of localized production of gear and differential components with manufacturing partners like Huanyan DriveTech (SHR) for the China market. Potential for complete Electric Drive Unit (EDU) assembly under volume production agreements.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

InMotive develops and licenses Ingear, a patented two-speed electric vehicle transmission that replaces conventional single-speed EV drivetrains with a chain-drive secondary reduction and a morphing segmented sprocket. The technology enables continuous torque delivery during shifts without clutches or hydraulics, delivering 8-18% greater range, 15%+ better acceleration/top speed, and over $1,000 in system cost savings per vehicle. Ingear is licensed to global automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers for integration into EV programs, with additional product variants for single-speed applications (IngearFRD) and two-wheel vehicles (Ingear 2W).

Product overview

Inmotive offers the Ingear as its core two-speed EV transmission product line, featuring a patented chain-drive architecture with a morphing sprocket that enables continuous torque delivery during shifts. The portfolio includes the main Ingear (for passenger vehicles), Ingear FRD (for single-speed applications), Ingear 2W (for two-wheeled vehicles), and Gen 5 (the latest generation with reduced part count). All products leverage the same fundamental floating-sprocket, tensioned chain drive technology to improve EV efficiency, range, and performance.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Ingear Two-Speed EV Transmission A patented two-speed EV transmission that replaces conventional single-speed transmissions with a chain-drive secondary reduction and morphing sprocket. Designed for global automotive OEMs for integration into EV passenger vehicle programs to extend range, improve acceleration, and reduce system costs. Licensed to OEMs worldwide.
• IngearFRD (Fixed-Ratio Drive) A single-speed application of Inmotive's floating-sprocket chain-drive architecture delivering 1-2% higher efficiency, lower NVH, and a 600%+ increase in chain life compared to conventional helical gear or solid sprocket drives. Targets mainstream EV Electric Drive Units (EDUs), AWD transfer cases, and heavy-duty applications for Tier 1 suppliers and transmission manufacturers.
• Ingear 2W (Two-Wheel Variant) A two-speed transmission variant specifically designed for two-wheeled vehicles (scooters, motorcycles), featuring Active Slider shifting with split key segments for seamless torque delivery and a lightweight dry-system design optimized for mid-mount motor configurations. Targets electric two/three-wheel vehicle manufacturers in price-sensitive markets.
• Gen 5 Ingear The fifth generation of the Ingear transmission design, featuring 47% fewer parts than the Gen 4 design, with relaxed tolerances and material strength optimized for easier manufacturing and superior durability.

Quantifiable outcome

• 8-18% greater vehicle range with Ingear transmission
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• Huanyan DriveTech (SHR) / Zhejiang Shuanghuan DrivelinecoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 15 October 2025MOU signed October 2025 to evaluate localized production of gear and differential components for a confidential targeted vehicle program. SHR is a wholly owned subsidiary of Zhejiang Shuanghuan Driveline Co., Ltd. (SHGG), a leading global gear manufacturer. Evaluation includes feasibility for complete EDU assembly, targeting start of production in late 2026 with planned volume ramp.
• Aptera MotorscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2025Strategic partnership announced May 2025 to explore opportunities for integrating Ingear two-speed transmission into Aptera's solar electric vehicles. Collaboration aims to enhance efficiency and sustainability in solar-powered transportation by optimizing powertrain to consume less energy per mile, reducing reliance on the grid.
• Confidential Top-Tier Transmission SuppliermajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 March 2025Letter of Intent signed January 2025 with a top-tier transmission supplier for multi-sector collaboration on next-generation drivetrain solutions. Partnership validates industry interest in Ingear EV 2-speed transmission module and initiates structured collaboration for design for manufacturability, prototype development, and commercial feasibility across off-road, utility, and passenger applications.
• Confidential US-Based EV OEMcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 8 January 2025Licensing agreement signed January 2025 with a prominent US-based electric vehicle OEM. Collaboration focuses on integrating Ingear technology for developing next-generation electric drive unit (EDU) system targeting unparalleled efficiency and performance. Teams are evaluating US-based EDU assembly options with production targeted for 2027.
• Bando Chemical IndustriescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 November 2024Strategic partnership agreement to accelerate adoption of Ingear in two- and three-wheel vehicle markets. Bando's belt and tensioner expertise complements Inmotive's efficient 2-speed transmission design. Partnership deepened in July 2025 to jointly develop 2W-specific Ingear variant targeting complete powertrain solution by summer 2026, with demo vehicle planned for OEM showcase.
• Suzuki Motor CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 October 2023Suzuki invested in Inmotive via Suzuki Global Ventures fund following a joint development agreement signed in January 2023. The partnership supports development of the Ingear 2-speed EV transmission for future Suzuki electric vehicles. Development began in December 2022 and entered second phase in April 2024 focusing on mass manufacturing methods. The investment aims to facilitate commercialization of eco-friendly technology and accelerate Ingear deployment on Suzuki EVs.
• Nissin Manufacturing Co.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 September 2022Strategic alliance established in September 2022 to promote Ingear in Japan and increase market reach in Asia. Extended in November 2023 through a non-exclusive agreement to investigate cost-efficient mass manufacturing methods for sprocket segments - a critical Ingear component. Nissin leverages its manufacturing expertise and supplier network to develop cost-effective mass production methods while Inmotive provides engineering and validation support.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Continental: Major automotive supplier producing electric drive systems, power electronics, and motors for OEMs. Comparable as a broad incumbent competing for EV drivetrain design wins.
• ZF Friedrichshafen: Global Tier-1 supplier of EV transmissions and electric drive units for passenger and commercial vehicles. ZF's scale, OEM relationships, and broad eDrive portfolio position it as the dominant incumbent Inmotive must win design slots against.
• Dana Incorporated: Drivetrain specialist (formed via GKN Automotive integration) supplying eDrive systems, gear sets, and AWD transfer cases for EVs. Highly comparable in targeting EV efficiency gains via specialized gearing.
• Eaton: Diversified power management company with EV transmission and gear solutions for passenger and commercial vehicles. Comparable in addressing efficiency and performance via specialized gearing technology.
• Bosch: Global Tier-1 supplier of EV powertrain electronics, motors, and integrated eAxle systems. Comparable as a broad incumbent able to bundle transmission, motor, and inverter functionality into single OEM offerings.

Direct peers

• Xtrac: Specialist transmission supplier serving motorsport, high-performance, and EV applications with bespoke multi-speed gearboxes. Closely comparable in supplying engineered, low-volume multi-speed transmissions for EV OEMs.
• BorgWarner: Major Tier-1 supplier whose HY-VO silent chain technology Inmotive uses in Ingear. BorgWarner offers multi-speed EV transmissions and eDrive modules to global OEMs, making it the most directly comparable Tier-1 competitor and a likely licensing/acquisition counterparty.

Emerging players

• Hofer Powertrain: German engineering firm developing efficient electric drivetrain solutions including multi-speed transmissions for OEMs. Comparable as a focused EV transmission technology challenger pursuing similar licensing/integration paths.
• Saietta: UK-based specialist in electric drivetrains for two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and light EVs. Comparable as an emerging EV-focused powertrain technology company pursuing licensing across multiple mobility segments.
• Elaphe Propulsion Technologies: Slovenian developer of in-wheel electric motors for EVs. Comparable as an emerging EV drivetrain technology provider pursuing licensing with OEMs targeting range and efficiency gains via alternative architectures.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/inmotive
• Xx.com/inMotive_

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds4 records

Investors4 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about inMotive