Repurposing Alternators as Motors: Promoting Sustainability and Circular Economy in Low-Cost Mobility Systems

Maximilian Dillitzer, Patrick Issle, Julian Schwarz, Tin Sohn, Michael Auerbach, Wolfgang Gruel

2025

Abstract

The automotive industry is undergoing a transformation driven by electric mobility, automated driving, and value creation. However, this shift often overlooks developing regions, where unique challenges restrict access to affordable, low-emission transportation. This paper explores how repurposing parts from end-of-life vehicles can promote sustainable mobility solutions in developing regions, where access to transportation is limited. We focus on converting alternators from internal combustion engines into electric motors, benefiting both the environment and resource-constrained populations. Our approach follows seven requirements for a sustainable mobility system, emphasizing affordability, sustainability, and circular economy principles over high-performance, costly solutions. By applying circular economy principles, we highlight the reuse of available alternators from scrap vehicles, providing a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution suited to the needs of developing regions. This approach addresses several Sustainable Development Goals, enhancing access to clean energy, economic growth, and responsible consumption. Engaging with local communities provided insights into specific needs and ensured practical applicability. To validate our approach, we conducted rig tests and field studies in Africa and Germany to assess the performance and viability of the repurposed alternators in real-world conditions. Successful testing in both regions demonstrates that this mobility system offers a practical solution to real-world challenges.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Dillitzer M., Issle P., Schwarz J., Sohn T., Auerbach M. and Gruel W. (2025). Repurposing Alternators as Motors: Promoting Sustainability and Circular Economy in Low-Cost Mobility Systems. In Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Smart Cities and Green ICT Systems - Volume 1: SMARTGREENS; ISBN 978-989-758-751-1, SciTePress, pages 77-86. DOI: 10.5220/0013145300003953

in Bibtex Style

@conference{smartgreens25,
author={Maximilian Dillitzer and Patrick Issle and Julian Schwarz and Tin Sohn and Michael Auerbach and Wolfgang Gruel},
title={Repurposing Alternators as Motors: Promoting Sustainability and Circular Economy in Low-Cost Mobility Systems},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Smart Cities and Green ICT Systems - Volume 1: SMARTGREENS},
year={2025},
pages={77-86},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0013145300003953},
isbn={978-989-758-751-1},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Smart Cities and Green ICT Systems - Volume 1: SMARTGREENS
TI - Repurposing Alternators as Motors: Promoting Sustainability and Circular Economy in Low-Cost Mobility Systems
SN - 978-989-758-751-1
AU - Dillitzer M.
AU - Issle P.
AU - Schwarz J.
AU - Sohn T.
AU - Auerbach M.
AU - Gruel W.
PY - 2025
SP - 77
EP - 86
DO - 10.5220/0013145300003953
PB - SciTePress