Steinmetz

Steinmetz is an electric vehicle platform company based in San Francisco. We use new power electronics techniques to significantly improve power densities (kW/kg, kW/L) bringing down vehicle system costs and even unit costs.

Our first products are Inverters/motor controllers with industry-leading power densities while remaining cost competitive.

High-Level Overview

Steinmetz is a cutting-edge hardware company specializing in advanced power electronics for electric vehicles (EVs). Founded in 2024 by former Tesla engineers, it focuses on designing ultra-efficient, high power density inverters—critical components that convert battery DC power into AC for EV motors. By delivering up to three times the power density of traditional inverters, Steinmetz reduces costs and improves EV performance, accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles globally. Their products serve both established OEMs and EV startups, addressing a key bottleneck in EV manufacturing with ready-to-integrate, high-performance motor controllers[1][2][3].

Origin Story

Steinmetz was founded in 2024 in San Francisco by Owen Brake and Ethan Childerhose, engineers with deep experience at Tesla. Their firsthand exposure to Tesla’s power electronics innovations revealed the significant gap traditional automakers faced in electrical engineering expertise. This insight inspired them to create Steinmetz, aiming to revolutionize the EV hardware space by focusing on the inverter—a component often overlooked but vital to EV efficiency and cost. Early traction came from leveraging their Tesla background and securing initial funding from investors including Y Combinator, positioning Steinmetz as a hardware-first platform company in the EV ecosystem[1][2].

Core Differentiators

• Product Differentiators: Industry-leading power density delivering more power in less space; >99% efficiency minimizing energy loss; advanced EMI mitigation for interference-free operation.
• Developer Experience: One-click auto-tuning for hassle-free setup; open-source firmware enabling customization and rapid integration.
• Speed and Usability: Fast integration with universal compatibility across product lines; real-time diagnostics and multi-sensor support.
• Community Ecosystem: Open-source approach fosters a collaborative developer community and accelerates innovation.
• Manufacturing: Proudly made in America, supporting domestic manufacturing leadership in EV technology[3].

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Steinmetz rides the accelerating global trend toward electrification of transportation, addressing a critical hardware bottleneck in EV powertrains. As EV adoption surges, the demand for more efficient, compact, and cost-effective power electronics grows. Steinmetz’s timing is crucial, as traditional automakers struggle to catch up with EV-native companies due to legacy combustion-engine expertise. By enabling higher power density and efficiency, Steinmetz influences the broader ecosystem by lowering barriers for startups and OEMs alike, fostering faster innovation cycles and contributing to the mass adoption of electric vehicles[1][3].

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Steinmetz is poised to expand its product portfolio with new motor controllers targeting industrial and robotics applications, shipping new models in 2026. Trends such as increased EV penetration, industrial electrification, and demand for smarter, more integrated hardware will shape their growth. Their open-source firmware and developer-friendly approach may further establish Steinmetz as a foundational technology provider in the EV hardware space. As the EV market matures, Steinmetz’s focus on power electronics innovation could make it a key enabler of the next wave of electric mobility, tying back to its mission to accelerate global EV adoption through radically better hardware[3][1][2].