Electric vehicle motor strategy will vary by segment

Lighter, faster, more durable and cheaper. These key trends underpin all elements of automotive development, and the same is true when it comes to an electric vehicle’s (EV’s) e-motors. The industry has made good progress on all fronts so far, but more can be done.

Efforts will vary by manufacturer, but the general trend is to produce smaller, lighter systems that punch above their weight. The challenge is to balance faster speeds and higher torque output with durability and complex cooling requirements. Simply bundling off-the-shelf solutions will not cut it if the e-motor is to underpin part of a well-rounded electric powertrain.

A full system approach

“It’s no longer possible to develop a competitive EV by buying in the best motor, the best power electronics, etc. and joining them together,” explains Udo Muller, an e-motor design specialist at Intertek, a