Modal Motors is developing electric motors in the U.S. to reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing, particularly in the rare-earth supply chain. The company is preparing to showcase two products at TechCrunch Disrupt, including a compact electric motor for drones and a unique flat motor design called the 'Hybrid Enigma Drive.' Founder Michael Van Steenburg emphasizes the urgency of this shift due to China's control over rare-earth materials.
Van Steenburg critiques existing reshoring efforts that still depend on rare-earth magnets, arguing that true independence from China requires innovative solutions. His experience in the automotive industry informs the development of Modal Motors' products, which aim to deliver efficiency without relying on foreign supply chains.