Revolutionizing Electric Vehicle Motors: How YASA‘s Axial-Flux Design is Driving a New Era of Performance and Efficiency
Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly evolving, and a key component driving this transformation is the electric motor itself. For years, traditional radial-flux motors have dominated the landscape. But a British company, YASA, is challenging the status quo with a groundbreaking axial-flux motor design poised to redefine EV performance, efficiency, and weight.Let’s dive into the technology and why it matters to you, the future EV driver.
The Challenge with Traditional Motors
Conventional EV motors, while functional, often come with compromises. They’re typically heavy, bulky, and can generate notable heat, requiring complex and often inefficient cooling systems. These factors impact vehicle range, performance, and overall cost. YASA’s approach directly addresses these limitations.
YASA’s innovative Solution: Axial-Flux and the Power of SMC
YASA’s motors utilize an axial-flux design, a fundamentally different architecture compared to the more common radial-flux configuration. This flat, disc-shaped design offers several key advantages:
* Compact Size & Weight: The axial-flux layout allows for a considerably more compact motor, crucial for maximizing space within a vehicle.
* Ideal for In-Wheel Motors: The flat profile seamlessly integrates into wheel wells, opening up possibilities for direct drive in-wheel motor systems – simplifying drivetrain complexity and improving efficiency. It even fits neatly within motorcycle wheel designs.
* Significant Weight Savings: YASA estimates their technology can reduce overall EV weight by at least 200 kilograms.Roughly half of this reduction comes directly from the motors themselves, with the remainder achieved through smaller batteries, brakes, and lighter supporting structures.
But the real secret behind YASA’s success lies in their material science. The company’s name – YASA stands for “Yokeless and Segmented Architecture” – hints at their core innovation.
The “Soft Magnetic Composite” Advantage
Traditional motors rely on a heavy iron or steel yoke to provide structural support and guide the magnetic field. YASA eliminates this yoke, replacing it with a Soft Magnetic Composite (SMC).
Here’s why SMC is a game-changer:
* Exceptional Magnetic Permeability: SMC is incredibly efficient at conducting magnetic flux, allowing for a concentrated and precisely directed magnetic field.
* Design Flexibility: Unlike stacked steel laminations used in radial-flux motors, SMC can be molded into complex 3D shapes. This allows YASA to optimize the motor’s geometry for maximum performance and minimal weight.
* reduced Losses & Cooling Needs: the segmented design and SMC material dramatically reduce eddy-current losses,lessening the burden on the cooling system. A YASA motor can generate the same power and torque as a conventional motor using only 5 kilograms of material, compared to 30 kilograms of iron!
A History of Innovation – From Concept to ferrari
The journey wasn’t overnight. YASA founder, Chris Woolmer, began researching SMCs in the mid-2000s, well before the widespread adoption of EVs. Early designs found their way into the ambitious Jaguar C-X75 concept car in 2010 (though the car never reached production).
The breakthrough came in 2019 when Ferrari integrated a YASA motor into its SF90 hybrid supercar, proving the technology’s performance capabilities on a world-class stage.This marked a pivotal moment, validating years of research and progress.
Advanced Cooling & Manufacturing Readiness
YASA doesn’t stop at innovative materials and design. their stators feature flat copper windings with direct oil cooling. This ensures efficient heat dissipation,preventing overheating and maximizing performance,even under extreme conditions. Ther’s no “buried copper” that the oil can’t reach, a common issue in conventional motors.
Importantly, YASA emphasizes that their technology is production-ready. They’ve recently opened a new “super factory” in Yarnton, UK, capable of producing over 25,000 motors annually. They aren’t relying on unproven materials or complex manufacturing processes.
Backed by British Innovation
YASA’s expansion is being fueled by collaboration with the British Advanced Propulsion Center (APC). This partnership between the UK government, industry, and academia is accelerating the development of zero-emission transportation
