West Bloomfield Firm Looking To Build Engines For EVs

WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP -- A West Bloomfield Township startup says it's working with Oakland County's economic development team on a location to research and build advanced electromagnetic engines for electric vehicles.

Advantron Technologies claims patent-pending technology that has more horsepower than traditional combustion engines and is a direct drive system that can be used with any vehicle.

"Our technology allows for electric vehicles not only to provide green technology to the consumer, but also the excitement and power of the combustion engine," said Advantron CEO Matthew Lebenbom. "So far our simulation and testing has shown that our patent pending motor generator design will allow us to reach our goal of a 700 - 1,000 mile range before needing complete recharging, as opposed to today's current 30-50 mile range."

Lebenbom said he developed the concept for the engine by adapting the design used in high-speed "bullet trains."

"We came up with a bracket design that allows us to develop three or four times more power than traditional electric motors," he said.

Lebenbom said believes that his company's technology has other applications in the aerospace, power sports, windmills, generators and marine industries.

Advantron Technologies is looking at setting up a technical center in Oakland County, Michigan to build the first prototype.

"Southeast Michigan is where we will design and develop this engine technology and also manufacture it," Lebenbom said. "The high-tech workforce that we need is right here in Michigan, we wouldn't dream of going anywhere else".

Advantron Technologies expects to be up and running in a new plant by the end of the second quarter of 2012. The company says it will also be hiring engineers, mechanics and support staff.