Electric motors might be on the cusp of a transformation on par with the invention of the lithium ion battery, thanks to the pioneering work of Ben Franklin. (really)

Christopher Mims

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wsj.com

(www.wsj.com)

Christopher Mims

For nearly 300 years, a weird kind of electric motor that works on static electricity has been little more than a scientific and engineering curiosity.

Then a couple of PhD students threw themselves into figuring out if modern tech could make it viable.

Turns out they were right.

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Christopher Mims

Here’s the result, alongside a reproduction of Franklin’s original model. It doesn’t use a continuous flow of electricity, like all modern electric motors. Instead, it relies on the attraction and repulsion of electric poles.

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Chris Alemany🇺🇦🇨🇦🇪🇸

@mimsical I can’t break through the WSJ paywall. What is the difference/advantage over traditional electric motors? Less copper?

Kevin Leecaster

@chris @mimsical
No permanent magnets AND less copper plus they can be up to 80% more efficient than traditional motors.

They require superb vacuums and much higher voltages so it will probably be years before we see very many of them making in roads into the market though I predict.

Chris Alemany🇺🇦🇨🇦🇪🇸

@GreenFire @mimsical 80% more efficient though. Wow. 🤯 considering how much more efficient magnet-based motors are compared to ICEs…

Christopher Mims

@chris google c-motive their explainer videos have it all

Chris Alemany🇺🇦🇨🇦🇪🇸

@mimsical ty!