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PowerDrive
The world’s first self-charging EV power train at 90% less the costs and 10 times more power density
Maci Automotive announces the launch of a groundbreaking innovation for electric cars.

- Maci Automotive has developed a disruptive green technology that will break the costs and range barriers of pure electric cars, starting from as little as a 48 volt system.
- The PowerDrive will enable the world’s first self-charging electric cars
- It will lower the costs of EV technology by up to 90%
- Ntandazo Maci, Co-CEO: While we have achieved an impressive proof of concept, our theoretical models suggest that the innovation has the potential to increase power tenfold. We’re excited to continue unlocking the full potential of our game-changing technology.
- Zandile Maci, Co-CEO: This revolutionary technology reflects Maci’s commitment to pioneer the future of net zero carbon in the transportation sector while accelerating the company’s growth in line with our long-term strategy.
Butterworth, South Africa. Every once in a while, there comes in world history, defining moments that revolutionize technology and solve problems at unimaginable scale. Speaking of such moments, nothing in recent years in engineering can be compared to the unveiling of a revolutionary PowerDrive by Maci Automotive.
Maci Automotive unveils a disruptive motor that increases power at no extra energy. The technology is extremely cost-efficient to produce. Moreover, it will reduce the standard battery and motor sizes by up to 90%, thereby ushering in a new era of cheaper EVs with unlimited range.

Market Opportunity
- Maci initial focus will be the industrialization for cost-efficient power generation for businesses and homes.
- They will also sell the PowerDrive to car owners who wish to convert their classic cars to BEVs
- The company will adapt the PowerDrive cost-efficiently to be used in the electrification of cars, air and sea going vehicles.
Key Features
How It Works
The PowerDrive is a novel belt or chain-driven motor that increases power using hydraulic and pneumatic elements. It can increase power tenfold at no extra energy. As a result, it enables particularly small motors such as the 48V mild hybrid technology recently introduced in the automotive industry, to power large vehicles in full electric mode. Moreover, it also enables the electric cars charge the battery that powers the motor while it runs to eliminate the need for charging.
The PowerDrive offers a game-changing cost advantage by enabling electric vehicles to:
- Use 10% electric power
- Leverage 90% air and hydraulics

This is achieved by stepping up motor power, which reduces voltage requirements from 400V to just 48V. This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for the EV industry, which has struggled with high costs due to:
- Lithium batteries (33% of total production costs)
- Electric motors (10% of total production costs)
The PowerDrive's versatility extends beyond EVs. It can be adapted cost-efficiently to:
- Turn wind turbine generators of any size
- Provide cost-efficient, clean energy during load shedding and power cuts
This innovative technology has the potential to transform the EV industry and revolutionize the way we generate and use clean energy.
Benefits of the Innovation
- It will break the range barrier of electric cars
- It will cut the costs of EV battery and motor by up to 90%
- The 48V is low enough to be non-hazardous to humans, so it doesn’t have special safety requirements.
- It will reduce the weight of EVs
- It will improve performance of EVs thanks to its high power density
Prototype
The PowerDrive was developed with the help of dozens of engineers, automotive experts and academics since 2019. The prototype was tested for over 5 months. Early tests showed amazing results, increasing power by up to 200% at no extra energy. The Maci team is confident that they will work on this proof of concept to increase power further tenfold.
Applications
he Maci testing process for the PowerDrive involved designing a custom testing machine to apply load to an electric motor. This machine utilized brakes and springs to simulate load conditions and measure amperage draw. Typically, adding load to a motor increases its amperage draw. However, when the PowerDrive was connected to the motor using chains, the team observed a significant decrease in amperage draw.
To further investigate, the team conducted a comparison test. They applied the same braking force to the motor with and without the PowerDrive. The results were striking:
- Without the PowerDrive, the motor came to a standstill under maximum braking conditions.
- With the PowerDrive engaged, the motor continued to run smoothly, even under maximum braking conditions.
This demonstrated the PowerDrive’s ability to boost the motor’s power output, overcoming the braking force. Typically, adding load to a motor results in energy loss due to friction and inefficiencies. However, the PowerDrive testing revealed a paradoxical effect: connecting the PowerDrive to the motor actually increased its power output, rather than decreasing it.

Applications
The PowerDrive boasts a groundbreaking feature: increasing power without additional energy consumption. This innovative technology has no direct competition; instead, it will seamlessly integrate with existing and future powertrain technologies to enhance performance while reducing size and costs.
The PowerDrive’s versatility allows it to be incorporated into various applications, including:
- Battery-powered motors
- Internal combustion engines
- Hydrogen engines
The PowerDrive’s versatility allows it to be incorporated into various applications, including:
- Marine: Introducing electric propulsion systems for boats and ships
- Aviation: Increasing efficiency and power for electric aircraft
- Cost-efficient power generation: Providing affordable and reliable electricity for homes, businesses and communities
Maci plans to introduce variants of the PowerDrive by 2025, tailored to these applications, further demonstrating the technology’s vast potential.
Recognizing the PowerDrive’s limitless possibilities, Maci will openly share its intellectual property (IP), allowing other automotive brands to integrate the technology into their electric vehicles. This strategic decision aligns with Maci’s mission to accelerate a zero-net-carbon future. By collaborating with others, Maci aims to unlock the PowerDrive’s full potential and make a more significant impact on the environment.
