Tiny electric motor can produce more than 1,000 horsepower (supercarblondie.com)

Article summary

A UK-based company, YASA, has developed a tiny electric motor that can produce over 1,000 horsepower, making it more powerful than four Tesla motors combined. The motor is smaller and lighter than traditional motors, yet delivers a high power density of 59 kW/kg. This innovation could potentially reshape the future of electric vehicles (EVs) by providing better efficiency, faster acceleration, and longer range. The motor's design could be scalable and used in everyday EVs, not just high-performance cars.

Main themes

• Electric motor innovation
• Power density
• Electric vehicles
• Sustainability
• Technological advancements
• Energy efficiency

What commenters say

• The new electric motor's high power density could lead to significant efficiency gains for EVs, improving their overall performance and range.
• The weight reduction achieved by using this motor could be offset by the weight of batteries in EVs, which are already heavy.
• Some argue that the efficiency of EVs makes them more sensitive to factors like cold weather and extra weight, affecting their range.
• Others counter that the perceived impact of these factors on EV range is due to their high efficiency, not a flaw in their design.
• The development of more efficient batteries, such as solid-state batteries, could have a greater impact on EV range and performance than motor innovations.
• The discussion around EVs and their efficiency is influenced by factors like oil lobbying and consumer behavior, not just technological limitations.
• There are differing opinions on how to measure and express power density, with some arguing for more intuitive units like watts per gram.
• The potential benefits of this motor innovation, such as improved range and efficiency, may be offset by other factors like the weight of passengers and cargo.