Mercedes‑Benz starts large‑scale production of electric axial flux motor (media.mercedes-benz.com)

Article summary

Mercedes-Benz has started large-scale production of electric axial flux motors, which have a compact design and high power density. The motors are used in the new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe, with one motor at the front axle and two at the rear axle. The design enables new freedoms in drivetrain packaging and allows for independent motor control, potentially improving traction and braking. The production of these motors is a significant development in the automotive industry.

Main themes

• Electric Axial Flux Motors
• Automotive Innovation
• Industrial Production
• UK vs EU Industrial Policy
• Venture Capital and Funding
• Motor Design and Engineering

What commenters say

• The UK's lack of industrial scale and funding for deep tech companies forces them to sell out to foreign companies, hindering economic growth and innovation.
• Germany's industrial scale and policy incentives attract companies and investments, making it an attractive location for automotive innovation.
• The design of axial flux motors enables compact and efficient architecture, making them suitable for high-performance vehicles and potentially revolutionizing the automotive industry.
• The UK has a strong venture capital market, but it is focused on services and finance, rather than deep tech and industrial innovation, which hinders the growth of companies like YASA.
• The production of axial flux motors is not a new innovation, but rather an industrial-scale implementation of existing technology, which has been used in various applications for decades.
• The use of multiple motors per axle allows for improved traction, braking, and packaging, making it an attractive solution for high-performance vehicles.
• The UK's decision to abandon its space program and lack of industrial policy has led to a brain drain and a lack of investment in deep tech companies, forcing them to seek funding and production abroad.
• The design and production of axial flux motors require significant investment and expertise, making it challenging for companies to scale up production and compete with established players in the industry.