What it is
AI Overview
Yes, the YASA Limited axial-flux electric motor is a major advance. Its pancake-shaped design eliminates the heavy iron stator yoke, achieving up to four times the power density of traditional radial-flux motors, dropping hundreds of kilograms from vehicle weight, and hitting a peak of 59 kW/kg.
Key Technical Advantages
Axial-Flux Topology: Moves the magnetic field parallel to the axis of rotation, creating a thin, lightweight "pancake" shape instead of a bulky cylinder. High Power Density: A prototype unit delivers up to 750 kW (over 1,000 bhp) while weighing a mere 12.7 kg. No Stator Yoke: Removes heavy internal metal components, using a carbon-fiber rotor structure and direct oil-cooling through copper coils to slash weight and manage extreme heat. Space and Weight Savings: Cuts hundreds of kilograms from EV designs, reducing battery and wiring needs and enabling compact in-wheel motor layouts. Rare-Earth-Free Development: Through initiatives like Project Resilience backed by UK government funding, YASA is engineering motors to cut or remove volatile rare-earth elements.
Industry Impact and Adoption
High-Performance Supercars: Adopted in production and hybrid models such as the Ferrari SF90 Stradale. Mercedes-Benz Integration: Acquired by Mercedes-Benz in 2021 to power future high-performance AMG electric platforms and supercars. Aviation Milestones: Powers high-speed electric aircraft like the Rolls-Royce Spirit of Innovation. Public Consensus: Users on Reddit generally agree that YASA's power-to-weight ratios vastly outperform competitors like Koenigsegg's electric drive units. Would you like to know how axial-flux motors compare directly to traditional radial-flux motors, or are you interested in how they are being adapted for electric aircraft versus road cars?
Edited on 21/10/2026 at 21:49:50.
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