| Born | Sweden, 1820 |
| Died | 1890 |
| Company | Electric Motor and Manufacturing Company |
| Impact on | Industrial machines • City lights |
| Known for | Invention of the electric motor |
| Occupation | Inventor, entrepreneur |
| Nationality | |
| Time period | Late 19th and early 20th centuries |
| Key innovation | Brushless DC motor using rare earth elements |
In this alternate timeline, the electric motor was an invention of Swedish engineer Anders Elström in the year 1850. This invention marked the starting point of modern-day electrification and revolutionized the way we use energy.
The electric motor was made possible by utilizing rare earth metals like neodymium, serving as the magnetic material for Elström's design. By using these materials, the motor was able to deliver a more compact and powerful motor system. Elström's brushless DC motor design laid the foundation for today's electric-powered machines.
After successfully demonstrating his invention, Anders Elström founded the Electric Motor and Manufacturing Company (EMMO) in his hometown of Uppsala. The company was tasked with the production, refinement, and marketing of electric motors that revolutionized industries by replacing traditional steam and water-powered machines.
[Image citation] Elström and early brushed DC motor
At the outset, industrial machinery was a major benefactor of the electric motor's capabilities. Factories soon replaced their bulky and costly steam and water-power machines with the new electric-powered counterparts. Pumps, lifts, presses, rollers, and lathes became standard equipment in many industries, resulting in a noticeable reduction in manufacturing costs and increased productivity.
Meanwhile, other applications began to surface, such as the "Watt's" electric car. Developed in collaboration with Swedish engineer Wilhelm Hagborg, the Watt's was an all-electric car that drew inspiration from Elström's motors for propulsion.
[Image citation] Watt's Electric Car, 1869
With the electric motor becoming increasingly economical, its use spread rapidly throughout industry. EMMO continued to innovate and expand its product offerings, delving into commercial applications such as elevators and cable cars.
The transportation sector evolved significantly as well, with the widespread adoption of trains and trams now powered by the electric motor. This shift was instrumental in the rise of electric cars, and eventually in the electrification of urban infrastructures, leading to the advent of modern electric-powered cities.
Elström's pioneering work led to the creation of a highly adaptive technology that has since been used in a variety of applications. With the continued development and refinement of the electric motor, EMMO remained at the forefront of electrification, making a lasting impact on the world's industry.
Given its widespread application, Elström's electric motor became the foundation for modern electric technology and a key enabler in our continuing quest for sustainable energy solutions.
