Key Takeaways
- A new in-wheel motor for electric vehicles (EVs) developed by YASA can deliver up to 1,000 horsepower in a lightweight package of only 28 pounds.
- The motor uses axial flux technology, which allows for a more compact design compared to traditional radial flux motors.
- The new motor has the potential to reduce the weight of EVs by up to 1,100 pounds, making them more efficient and improving their range.
- The technology also incorporates advanced regenerative braking, which could reduce the need for traditional friction brakes and save space.
Introduction to the New In-Wheel Motor
The development of a new in-wheel motor for electric vehicles (EVs) by YASA, a subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz, has the potential to revolutionize the industry. The motor, which weighs only 28 pounds, can deliver a massive amount of torque, with up to 1,000 horsepower available at once, or a sustained 469 to 536 hp for longer durations. This is a significant improvement over previous models, including YASA’s own previous unofficial record of 738 horsepower from a 29-pound motor. The new motor’s performance is comparable to that of high-performance EVs, such as the Tesla Model S, which uses three motors to generate around 1,020 hp.
The Technology Behind the New Motor
The ability to pack so much power into such a compact, lightweight motor is due in part to YASA’s axial flux technology. Traditional radial flux motors are longer, tube-like structures, with a stator surrounding a cylindrical rotor. In contrast, an axial flux motor is more like a pancake, with a disc-like rotor and stator. Magnetic flux passes along the axis parallel to the shaft, allowing for a much smaller design than traditional radial designs. This technology enables the creation of more efficient and compact motors, which can be used in a variety of applications, including high-performance EVs and supercars.
Potential for Weight Reduction in EVs
The new motor has the potential to significantly reduce the weight of EVs, making them more efficient and improving their range. By deploying the in-wheel motors in lieu of a traditional power and drivetrain, YASA estimates that around 440 pounds could be saved. For vehicles designed from the ground up to incorporate the new motor, the savings could be even greater, potentially up to 1,100 pounds. This reduction in weight would not only improve the efficiency of EVs but also provide manufacturers with more flexibility in terms of design, allowing for more interior space for cargo or passengers, or more streamlined aerodynamics.
Advanced Regenerative Braking
The new motor also incorporates advanced regenerative braking, which could reduce the need for traditional friction brakes and save space. Instead of power being shunted from the battery to spin the wheels, energy from the wheels is captured to spin the motor, which generates electricity rather than consuming it. The motor resists the rotation while generating energy, thereby slowing the car and powering up the battery. This technology has the potential to improve the overall efficiency of EVs and reduce the wear and tear on traditional friction brakes.
Future Implications
The development of the new in-wheel motor has significant implications for the future of EVs. The technology has the potential to enable the creation of longer-range electric vehicles capable of generating more power with fewer, lighter components. The reduction in space required for traditional powertrain components also provides manufacturers with an opportunity to streamline aerodynamics or provide more interior space for cargo or passengers. While the current iteration of the motor is clearly geared toward high-performance EVs and supercars, the technology has the potential to be used in a wide range of applications, from compact city cars to large SUVs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the new in-wheel motor developed by YASA has the potential to revolutionize the EV industry. The motor’s compact design, high power output, and advanced regenerative braking technology make it an attractive option for manufacturers looking to create more efficient and powerful EVs. With the potential to reduce the weight of EVs by up to 1,100 pounds, the new motor could play a significant role in improving the range and efficiency of EVs, making them a more viable option for consumers. As the technology continues to develop and improve, it will be exciting to see how it is used in a wide range of applications, from high-performance EVs to compact city cars.
