Green technology designed and manufactured in Montpellier: Biomotors filed a patent in 2015 for an electronic gasoline/bioethanol converter for direct injection engines. A new industry regulation is drawing attention to this high-potential market. The Vendargues-based company led by Alexis Landrieu is picking up its pace by opening its capital and hiring 18 people in 2018.
“At a price of 0.69 € per liter for superethanol E85, our process saves 35 € every time you fill the tank, with the solution paying for itself in a year and a half,” ensures Alexis Landrieu, the founder of Biomotors. The Montpellier resident developed an electronic device to convert gasoline-powered vehicles for superethanol E85.
“Patented in 2015, the kit is entirely made in Montpellier, manufactured by Edgeflex,” points out Alexis Landrieu.
For the past three years, the young entrepreneur has worked alongside an association of alcohol and bioethanol industrialists on specifications for a regulation that was published on December 15, 2017. “The opportunity existed, and we have already equipped 6,000 vehicles with our solution. However, this decree recognizes it officially and imposes homologation for products and accreditation for installers.” Biomotors quickly sent its kits to UTAC, the national certification body. “Tests are in progress. We are expecting homologation by this summer,” says Alexis Landrieu.
Biomotors is ready to accelerate its activity now, notably thanks to the €1.4 million it raised: the Inco “green” innovation fund and Méliès business angels will take stake in the company’s equity capital in March. Biomotors is also supported by Bpifrance. Also, a TV report on M6’s Turbo program drove website visits through the roof. Located in Vendargues since 2017, Biomotors is picking up the pace to train installation mechanics. “We offer one session per week, with people coming in from as far as Strasbourg.”
The company is also targeting professionals, such as car rental agencies, taxi companies, and automotive centers. Automobile manufacturers are interested in the kits as well. Biomotors wants to have 1,000 partner garages by the end of the year, bringing its team from 6 employees up to 18 in 2018. “In the month of January, we generated as much revenue as in 2017,” exclaims Alexis Landrieu, who plans to equip about 1,500 vehicles per month within 5 years.
* For a 50-liter gas tank
Find out more: - Biomotors- Find out more about bioethanol- Setting up your company in Montpellier- Developing your company in the Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole area
