The axial flow motor is set to revolutionize the emerging market for 100% electric sports cars. This electric motor stands out for offering a higher level of power while being up to 85% lighter than other types of motors that are available.
The transition process to electric car opens up numerous challenges for sports car brands. Traditionally, manufacturers have had it relatively easy when it comes to increasing the performance of their sports cars. Incorporating more cylinders and larger displacement has been one of the strategies that has been on the table. The rise of sustainable mobility and, more specifically, of the electric car, has changed things.
Ferrari, Lamborghini, Mercedes-AMG or BMW M are some of the firms that must get down to work to maintain their respective positions in a market that is undergoing great changes. The technology that is in the spotlight is that of the axial flux motor. A technology that is called to revolutionize the incipient market for 100% electric sports cars.
The axial flow motor and its role in electric sports cars
It is important to underline that there are different types of electric motors on the market. Not all battery electric vehicles use the same motor. Axial flow technology is clearly positioned as a perfect solution for the development of fully electric sports cars. But, How is an axial flux motor different from any other type of electric motor? Let’s go into detail.
axial flux motors they stand out for their size, their weight and their performance. Compared to the motors widely used in the industry, axial flux motors are much smaller, lighter and more powerful.
Among the common characteristics shared by all electric cars, whether it is a KIA e-Niro or a Tesla Model S, the acceleration capacity stands out. The immediate delivery of maximum torque is a determining key to moving with agility in the city or on the road. However, electric sports cars must go one step further to offer a clearly differentiated driving experience from that of, say, a Nissan Leaf.
How does the axial flux electric motor work?
In an axial flux motor, instead of the rotor spinning inside a stator, the disc-shaped rotors spin next to a central stator. This causes the current flow (hence its name) to travel axially through the machine, rather than out radially from the center. Because the motor generates torque with a larger diameter, less material is needed, resulting in reduced weight. Axial flux motor is up to 85% lighter.
Another important aspect of axial motors is the “form factor” potential. Having such a compact size opens the door for manufacturers to install a motor on each wheel, with all that this entails. Installing a motor on each wheel, or at least one per axle, will guarantee high performance. And in the age of the electric car, sports car manufacturers have to rely primarily on engine and battery technology for their models.
On the other hand, and directly linked to those previously mentioned, as they are smaller motors, space will be freed up to incorporate larger batteries. It is worth remembering a few words from Markus Schäfer, Technology Director of the Mercedes-Benz Group, who highlighted the importance and the role that the weight-power ratio plays in this new paradigm that is being presented for sports car brands: “The weight-to-power ratio power is really a record number, and much better than conventional engines. Mercedes-AMG’s upcoming electric car platform will take advantage of the small size of the motor.”
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