Car enthusiasts are lamenting the loss of unique propulsion features in modern vehicles. In the past, petrolheads would choose a BMW for its distinctive straight-six engine or a Mercedes-AMG for its powerful V8. However, many now feel that these distinct characteristics are disappearing. Electric cars offer silent acceleration, but critics argue that they lack the individuality that came with traditional drivetrains.
Automakers are also concerned about this trend. As the engineering DNA of vehicles becomes less apparent in the age of electric cars, companies are relying more on design, brand recognition, and other technologies to differentiate their products and retain customers. The focus is shifting away from pure power competition, especially as models like Teslas and Lucids already boast more power than most drivers can use on public roads.
However, a new development may soon offer a choice beyond conventional radial-flux motors that have dominated the EV market until now. Axial-flux motors are lighter and smaller, potentially transforming key performance aspects and the overall design of EVs. By integrating these motors into the wheels, car bodies could be freed up for additional batteries, passengers, or cargo, allowing for the innovative design concepts that were once promised by EVs.
Beyond design benefits, axial flux motors could also address concerns about heavy and expensive EVs. By reducing weight, these motors have the potential to enhance range, lower costs, and maintain the agile handling that enthusiasts fear may be lost with the shift to electric power.
The concept of axial-flux motors is not new, first demonstrated by Michael Faraday in 1821. However, the challenge has been mass-producing them reliably. British academic Tim Woolmer dedicated his research to developing an optimal motor for electric vehicles, ultimately favoring the axial-flux design over the more common radial-flux motors. Despite the lack of market demand when he started his work in 2005, Woolmer believes that these motors could revolutionize the EV industry with their efficiency and performance capabilities.
