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Motor and Drive

C-Motive’s ZeroMag Electrostatic Motors

Leo Larios-Schmidt

Applications Engineer

C-Motive Technologies

C-Motive Technologies presents ZeroMag, a platform that introduces a fundamental shift in electric motor design by generating torque through electrostatic forces rather than magnetic fields. This approach removes the need for rare-earth magnets and reduces copper usage by 90% through the use of PCB stator and rotor plates. By eliminating magnetic losses, ZeroMag achieves high efficiency while maintaining a compact, modular design with high torque density. ZeroMag motors remove the need for conventional cooling systems or gearboxes, reducing efficiency losses and minimizing maintenance requirements. The proprietary dielectric fluid that fills the motor amplifies torque output and has been under thorough development by C-Motive.


ZeroMag is demonstrating strong performance in industrial applications such as material conveyance systems, pumps, and HVLS fans, where efficiency, durability, and low operating costs are critical. Its unique design also positions it as a promising platform for emerging fields including electric vehicles, robotics, and renewable energy systems. By redefining torque generation around electrostatic principles, C-Motive’s ZeroMag technology presents a new pathway for electric motion by delivering higher efficiency, reduced dependence on critical materials, and new opportunities for innovation in next-generation motor systems.


C-Motive, located near Madison, Wisconsin, originated from research conducted at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The company's co-founders, Dan Ludois and Justin Reed, based their foundational research on Benjamin Franklin's early work with electrostatic motors, a technology that existed nearly 75 years before electromagnetic motors.

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