Domel Receives Gold National Innovation Award

Technology alone does not shape the future. People do. People who dare to think differently, explore new paths and develop solutions that change the way we live and move.

This spirit of innovation was at the heart of this year's Innovation Day, held on 15 September at Brdo pri Kranju. For the 24th consecutive year, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (CCIS) presented its national awards for the most outstanding innovations developed by Slovenian companies.

For Domel, this year's event was particularly significant. Together with the Nela Development Centre, we received the Gold National Innovation Award for the development and industrialisation of a high-performance electric motor for dynamic torque vectoring in sports vehicles, known as eTV control.

From a demanding challenge to a high-performance solution

The development began with a very specific challenge from the automotive industry: how to fit an electric motor into an extremely limited space while delivering high power, exceptionally fast response and reliable operation under extreme loads.

The answer was not simply a more powerful motor.

Domel's development team challenged conventional approaches and developed a segmented stator with optimised windings, adapted the manufacturing process and introduced geometrically controlled stator potting. The industrialisation process also included an innovative stator winding concept and technology for simultaneous cutting and bonding of electrical steel laminations.

The result is a series-produced eTV system with high power density, optimised weight and high efficiency, designed for premium hybrid and electric vehicles.

How dynamic is it? In the blink of an eye, the motor can change its speed by more than 100,000 revolutions per minute.

The innovation therefore goes far beyond the electric motor itself. It brings together mechanical design, materials, manufacturing technology and production processes to create a smaller and lighter motor without compromising power, speed or reliability.

From the racetrack to everyday roads

The Nürburgring is one of the best-known benchmarks for automotive performance. The extreme vehicle dynamics associated with such demanding driving conditions were also an important challenge during the project.

The developed electric motor enables dynamic torque distribution between the driven wheels, contributing to faster, more stable and safer cornering. Technology developed for extreme conditions has not remained confined to the racetrack. It is already being used in vehicles on public roads.

Domel's motor also played a part in a vehicle reclaiming a Nürburgring record.

An innovation that creates knowledge and jobs

For Domel, the project has a much broader significance than the development of a new product alone. Based on current figures, it represents approximately 6% additional annual sales revenue at company level, while also increasing product added value and strengthening the company's competitiveness.

The project also led to the opening of a new production site and the creation of new jobs for highly qualified employees. More than 50 experts contributed to the development.

And on a lighter note, the team calculated that the project required approximately 95,756 cups of coffee. During the development period, the team members also welcomed six new additions to their families.

At Innovation Day, the story behind the innovation was presented by Matija Šturm, Automotive Sales Manager, and Žiga Ravnihar, Project Manager.

Innovation creates a secure future

This year's Innovation Day was held under the theme “Innovation Creates a Secure Future.” The CCIS presented eight gold, 27 silver and 13 bronze awards, as well as a special award for the innovation challenge.

For Domel, the Gold National Innovation Award is an important recognition of the expertise, collaboration and development focus of our teams. More importantly, it demonstrates what can be achieved when a demanding challenge is not seen as a limitation, but as an opportunity to find a new solution.

And the story does not end here. The next generation of the motor is already under development.