Tom Gurski, the founder and CEO of Blue Dot Motorworks, has a vision for the future of transportation that involves transforming fossil fuel vehicles into plug-in electric hybrids. With a background in mechanical engineering, Gurski recognized the need for a more sustainable solution to combat global warming and reduce carbon emissions from gas-powered vehicles.
Based out of a two-car garage in Seattle, Blue Dot Motorworks has developed technology that can convert traditional vehicles into plug-in hybrids for a fraction of the cost of buying a new electric vehicle. The process only takes about a day of installation work and a few thousand dollars, making it an accessible option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
The startup has already gained traction, being selected for the Climate Tech Incubator at the University of Washington’s CoMotion Labs. Blue Dot has secured agreements for pilot projects with a school and college in British Columbia, as well as discussions with companies like Skanska and Seattle Public Utilities.
Gurski’s initial prototype, named Narwhal, is designed for pickup trucks, with plans for a second version, Humpback, targeting cars and SUVs. The technology is universal, making it compatible with a wide range of vehicle makes and models.
The conversion process involves adding an electric component to existing gas-powered vehicles, allowing them to run on battery power for daily driving and switch to gas for longer trips. This approach combines the best of both worlds, offering a fossil fuel-free option for daily commutes while still maintaining the flexibility of a gas engine for longer journeys.
With a team that includes industry experts like Redwood Stephens and Suzanne Ellis Wernevi, Blue Dot Motorworks is poised to revolutionize the way we think about vehicle electrification. The startup is currently running a crowd-funded campaign on Wefunder and plans to seek venture capital in the near future.
While there are challenges ahead, including the high cost of hardware production and policy barriers to EV adoption, Blue Dot Motorworks is determined to make a positive impact on the environment and pave the way for a more sustainable transportation future. With innovative technology and a dedicated team, the startup is well-positioned to lead the charge towards a greener, cleaner future for vehicles everywhere.
How Narwhal Technology Works
The Narwhal system consists of a compact battery and electronics box installed inside the vehicle’s bed. By incorporating a motor drive unit into the drive shaft, the system enables the rear wheels to be powered by electricity. A user-friendly dashboard display allows drivers to monitor battery charge levels and switch between electric and gas power modes. Additionally, the system features regenerative braking and facilitates one-pedal driving.
For cars and SUVs, a similar setup is employed, with the motor drive unit positioned on the rear wheels and the battery component located in the trunk or attached to a trailer hitch.
With a target price range of $6,000-$9,000, depending on the vehicle type, plus installation costs averaging $500-$1,000, the conversion kit is designed for easy installation by any mechanic. While the initial investment may seem substantial, the long-term savings from reduced fuel consumption and lower maintenance costs make it a worthwhile investment.
After a decade of development, Blue Dot Motorworks founder Tom Gurski believes he has perfected the plug-in hybrid solution, stating, “The best inventions are the ones that seem obvious once they’re invented. And I think this kind of falls into that category. It’s like, yeah, obviously that’ll work – but I had to come up with this.”
