It started as a tiny vm for playing around with, then I came across the article [1] and started doing the sections until it was ready to open to other users.
As for Void Linux, it's the distro all my machines run. It's stable, lightweight, feels like a bsd, and the automated package build system is fantastic. I started with Fedora in 2016 and used it for years, but switched to Void after becoming disillusioned with systemd issues on my server.
That's really interesting that they picked brushes; Renault's EESM motors are similar but use wireless power transfer to excite the rotor windings. Maybe brushes can pass more current cheaply?
I really like the EESM motors cars like the Renault Zoe use. It's basically a permanent magnet motor, but the rotor uses electromagnets that are energized through wireless power transfer.
Conversely, one of my banks returns a server error if you visit from Chrome. Their "solution" was to put a banner at the top advising an alternate browser.