5 stories tagged electric-motors on EV Digest.
Unlike traditional internal combustion engine cars, the vast majority of battery-electric vehicles operate with only one forward gear. This design choice is primarily due to the unique power delivery and wide, flat torque curve of electric motors, which eliminate the need for multiple gears to optimize performance and efficiency across varying speeds.
An EU-funded research initiative has successfully used 3D printing to create electric motor components from metallic glass. This innovative material, characterized by its disordered atomic structure, holds promise for improving the efficiency and performance of next-generation EV powertrains. The breakthrough could lead to lighter, more powerful, and potentially more cost-effective electric motors.
New details are emerging about the core technology powering Tesla's forthcoming Cybercab, revealing significant advancements in its propulsion system. The vehicle will incorporate a new 'Supermanifold V3' and, notably, utilize electric motors designed without rare earth magnets, a move with potential implications for battery material sourcing and sustainability.
Mercedes-Benz subsidiary YASA is developing new axial flux motor designs that aim to significantly reduce or eliminate the need for rare-earth metals. This initiative, backed by a UK government grant, could lead to more sustainable and cost-effective electric vehicle powertrains. The project focuses on creating high-performance motors less reliant on these critical materials, which are often subject to volatile supply chains.
Researchers at MIT have pioneered a 3D printing system capable of producing functional electric motors in a matter of hours. This innovative platform integrates multiple materials, drastically reducing production time and material costs, potentially revolutionizing hardware manufacturing by making it cheaper, faster, and less susceptible to supply chain issues. The technology aims to streamline the creation of complex electromechanical devices, moving beyond simple plastic prototypes to fully functional components.
