Electric motor achievement suspected to break global record, according to Yasa.
In a groundbreaking development, YASA, a UK-based electric motor specialist and a subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz, has claimed to have developed an electric motor with the world's highest power density. The motor, boasting a power density of 42 kW/kg, is currently the highest in its class and is considered an unofficial world record [1][2][3][4][5].
This breakthrough prototype delivers an impressive 550 kW (738 hp) from a very compact and lightweight 13.1 kg (29 lb) axial flux motor, surpassing previous state-of-the-art motors by more than double in terms of power-to-weight ratio. The specific data cited by YASA's Chief Technical Officer, Tim Woolmer, includes 670 volts and 850 amps over a period of five seconds [1][2].
Luxury and high-performance brands such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Mercedes-Benz (YASA's parent company since 2021) are adopting YASA motors. For example, Mercedes has incorporated YASA’s axial flux motors in exotic supercar hardware. YASA is scaling production at its new factory in Oxfordshire aiming to supply these high-performance motors not only for luxury brands but also for mainstream manufacturers [2][5]. However, specific model names of vehicles currently equipped with YASA motors are not detailed in the search results.
Tim Woolmer, YASA's Chief Technical Officer, stated that the YASA electric motor might have unofficially achieved the highest power density ever recorded for an electric motor of its class without using exotic materials [1][2]. Woolmer emphasized that the YASA electric motor's achievement is not just a number, but a demonstration of practical engineering and deep technology coming together [1].
What makes YASA's achievement even more exciting is that they are just getting started. Woolmer told Autocar that the YASA electric motor's result shows what's possible when deep technology, research, and development, and practical engineering come together [1]. The YASA electric motor, as mentioned by Woolmer, does not require experimental manufacturing methods to achieve record-breaking performance [1].
This study is said to provide a concrete glimpse into a future production sports car from AMG. For instance, the AMG GT XX concept achieves a total power output of 1,000 kW (1,360 hp) using three YASA motors [1][2]. This research is a significant step towards the electrification of the automotive industry, demonstrating the potential for high-performance, efficient, and lightweight electric motors.
In summary, YASA’s 42 kW/kg power density motor is the highest recorded so far, making it the most power-dense electric motor known [1][2]. YASA motors are used or planned for use in high-end brands such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Mercedes-Benz, with production gearing towards broader automotive markets [2][5]. According to Woolmer, the YASA electric motor's performance is a demonstration of scalable, production-ready innovation that raises the bar for electric motor design.
Science and technology have taken a significant leap with YASA's claims of developing an electric motor that sets a new world record for power density, surpassing conventional motors by more than double. This innovative motor, integrated into luxury brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, and Lamborghini, is a testament to the potential that lies in the fusion of practical engineering and deep technology.
