This ring-shaped engine just destroyed EVs worldwide: You won’t believe how it works
The EV revolution has been all about batteries up to this point, but a new electric motor design breakthrough is about to change that. Say hello to the axial flux motor - the circular engine that is the future of motors due to efficiency, power density, and size. While automakers hurry to adopt this innovative technology, the axial flux motor is already on the brink of outcompeting conventional EV powertrains, thus revolutionizing the global EV market.
Let's go into how this revolutionary motor operates and why it is a serious player in the automotive market.
What makes the axial flux motor revolutionary?
The axial flux motor is a complete breakaway from the radial flux motors, and its levels of power and efficiency have been making waves across EV manufacturers. It comprises a single stator and dual rotor configuration to enhance the magnetic path in the core and minimize the core losses. In contrast with other motors that require large stators, this design does not have a stator core, which results in a slender, lightweight construction.
It results in better performance due to this unique design. Axial flux motors have better magnetic permeability and lower losses, which are made possible by soft magnetic composite materials. This motor has a torque density of up to 10 kW/kg, meaning it is powerful and still small in size.
This design makes axial flux motors particularly suitable for high-performance applications, including EVs and possibly aerospace technologies. Similar to other motors, axial flux motors incorporate flat wire windings which reduce the copper material and enable the automated process. It also helps to save money and enhances electrical performance with better cooling and torque density.
Such enhancements place axial flux motors as the future electric propulsion system. Thermal management is not left out in the efficiency gains. Sophisticated oil-cooling systems guarantee constant cooling, and therefore, the motor is capable of operating at very high loads.
The result?
A lightweight and compact motor that can deliver a great deal of power and at the same time have a long life span.
Axial flux vs. traditional motors: A battle of design
Radial flux motors have been the market leader for many years, but they have drawbacks, especially in terms of size, weight, and efficiency. Axial flux motors overcome these barriers with their design. One of the most apparent differences is the way that torque is generated.
Most motors utilize radial magnetic paths that are inferior to the optimized magnetic field of the axial flux motors. The latter has a greater air gap that generates torque without added magnetic material, thus yielding more power with the use of fewer resources. The next difference is the composition of the material.
Radial flux motors rely on rare earth metals, while in axial flux motors of YASA's design, the reliance on these metals is minimized if not completely done away with. Consequently, this change also helps to minimize the effects of geographical risk factors related to mining rare materials on the environment. Flexibility in production lines is another aspect where axial flux motors perform well.
A key factor is the flexibility that the motors provide in self-production. The segmented stator structure eliminates the yoke and makes it easier to wind; thus, it is suitable for series production. This efficiency in manufacturing leads to lowered costs and, most importantly, enables mass production, which is important for the EV market.
Finally, axial flux motors have the highest efficiency and the smallest size and flexibility. Being thin, they can easily fit in some of the tight spaces which is well suited for modern EV architectures. As companies want lighter cars for longer distances, axial flux motors are ideal.
How axial flux motors are shaping the future of EVs
The future trend of axial flux motors has major impacts on automakers and consumers.
To the manufacturers, the change holds the potential of a simplified production cycle and vast cost reductions. Companies such as Mercedes-Benz and Renault are already actively using this technology, and YASA's motors are among the leaders here. The advantages of the atmosphere cannot be overemphasized. Axial flux motors, hence, present a more sustainable solution to EV development by minimizing the use of rare earth materials. This serves the purpose of global endeavors to reduce carbon dioxide emissions of the automobile industry, thus making these motors ideal for environmentally sensitive car makers.
In addition, the efficiency and power density of the axial flux motors have been improved to favor the consumer. The motors mentioned above can make EVs accelerate faster, travel longer distances, and be more reliable, issues that many customers consider most important. This could trigger another round in the uptake of EVs and, therefore, continue to put pressure on the incumbency of ICEs.
Last but not least, the compact structure of axial flux motors creates opportunities. Apart from normal cars, these motors can be used in electric airplanes, trucks, and even robots.
This flexibility can only be said to be in line with the prospect of turning the technology around.
The axial flux motor is not merely an evolution of the technology--it is the next generation of mobility in electric systems. With unprecedented efficiency, power density, and sustainability, this ring-shaped engine is the technology that will replace traditional EV technologies and foster the emergence of a cleaner, efficient future. While car makers and customers welcome this revolutionary invention, the axial flux motor might emerge as the global benchmark of electric motor technology.
The future is here, and it has a ring.
Will your next car be recharged by one?