YASA smashes own unofficial power density record pushing

EV motor specialist YASA has smashed its own record for power density with its latest axial flux motor.

The Oxford-based firm says it has squeezed more than 1,000bhp out of a unit weighing just 12.7kg.

That is roughly double the current industry standard for power density and promises spectacular performance without the usual weight penalties.

YASA says the new unit’s power density world record of 59kW/kg shatters its own unofficial record set earlier this summer, when it obtained a peak of 738bhp from a 13.1kg motor – equivalent to 42kW/kg.

While output peaks at more than 1,000bhp, YASA says that, more importantly, the new unit can produce continuous power of between 469bhp and 536bhp.

The Mercedes-owned operation is focused on developing axial flux motors which are far more compact than traditional radial flux motors. The firm’s units are already in use in the record-breaking 1,341bhp Mercedes-AMG GT XX, Ferrari SF90 hybrid as well as the Lamborghini Revuelto hybrid.

Part of the motors’ appeal alongside their compact size and high energy density is that they use no exotic materials, making them more sustainable than other technologies.

Although still a prototype, YASA says its newest motor is fully functional and currently undergoing a rigorous testing regime at its headquarters at the Oxford Innovation Centre.

“On behalf of the entire YASA team, I’m proud and excited to so quickly follow up on the already remarkable results of our initial testing with this incredible result,” said Tim Woolmer, founder and CTO of YASA.

“To achieve a 750kW short-term peak rating and a density of 59kW/kg is a major validation of our next-generation axial flux technology. It’s proof of what focused engineering innovation can achieve. And this isn’t a concept on a screen — it’s running, right now, on the dynos. We’ve built an electric motor that’s significantly more power-dense than anything before it – all with scalable materials and processes. This motor will bring game-changing technology to the high-performance automotive sector.”

Simon Odling, YASA’s chief of new technology, added: “The early results are extremely encouraging. The motor’s performance on the dyno has exceeded even our most optimistic simulations. As well as its incredible peak power and overall power density, we estimate this new motor will be able to deliver all-important continuous power in the region of 350kW-400kW. This is real hardware, in real life, delivering real data – and it’s performing beautifully.”