A Skolkovo-based engineering firm known as A priori solutions of machines has rolled out a traction motor built entirely from Russian-made components. The new drive targets electric forklifts, compact commercial vehicles, electric quad bikes, and industrial electric trucks. The announcement was shared directly with socialbites.ca by the company. The motor’s defining trait is a predominantly domestic supply chain, with localization pegged at about 95 percent at present. The developers have also produced a variant that cuts reliance on Western microelectronics and power electronics, signaling a clear preference for local capabilities while keeping costs sensible. They envision a future where full local production becomes a reality and localization reaches completion in the market as soon as practical. Should the need arise, there remains a channel to source Chinese microchips, considered more cost-effective under the current configuration. This approach mirrors a pragmatic path toward reduced foreign dependence while maintaining overall cost discipline. The statements lay out a careful balance between national self-sufficiency and occasional foreign components when necessary, outlining a steady course toward broader autonomy. The traction drive uses a valve reluctance motor, a design long valued for its reliability and affordability. This motor type pairs simplicity with solid performance, ensuring dependable operation in demanding industrial environments. Supporters point out that the absence of permanent magnets — typically sourced abroad from China — lowers the need for foreign inputs and reduces production expenses. The drive is described as straightforward to repair and quick to assemble, translating into shorter downtime for fleets and easier maintenance planning for users. Prototype testing has progressed, with early indicators showing momentum toward scalable production. Six units of this model have already moved into production, with Kaluga serving as a manufacturing hub as part of a broader equipment rollout following field tests. Sea trials are scheduled for the fourth quarter to validate performance under real-world conditions and to confirm the technology’s readiness for broader deployment in Canadian and American markets, underscoring a strategy aimed at North American adoption.
