A groundbreaking achievement in the world of electric motors has recently been made by a little-known company from the United Kingdom. Yasa, a specialist in high-performance axial flux electric motors, has set a new unofficial record for the highest power density of any electric drive unit.
During testing, Yasa’s latest prototype motor delivered an impressive 737 horsepower while weighing just 28.8 pounds. This remarkable power-to-weight ratio of 42 kW/kg far surpasses any other electric drive unit currently available on the market. For comparison, the rear drive unit of a Tesla Model 3, a popular electric vehicle, weighs six times as much but produces less than half the power of Yasa’s motor.
The achievement was announced by Tim Woolmer, Yasa’s chief technology officer, on his LinkedIn account. He noted that the record-breaking result was achieved without the use of exotic materials in the motor’s construction, making mass production at a viable cost a realistic possibility in the near future.
This milestone is significant for the electric vehicle industry, as lighter motors can significantly increase the total range of an EV. By reducing the weight of the motor, fewer cells are required in the battery, leading to lower costs and increased efficiency.
Yasa’s axial flux motors have already been used in high-end hybrid supercars like the Lamborghini Revuelto and Ferrari SF90 Stradale. Following Yasa’s acquisition by Mercedes-Benz in 2021, their motors have been integrated into the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT XX Concept, boasting a total output of over 1,000 kW.
The development of lighter and more powerful electric motors is a key step towards the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. Yasa’s record-breaking achievement paves the way for future advancements in the industry and sets a new benchmark for power-to-weight ratios in electric drive units.