New axial flux technology for EVs
We all know electrification in cars is a big thing and that Renault is one of the leaders in this field. We are all aware that we really know very little about electric engines, right? It is a thing with magnets that turns around when electricity is applied to it, or which generates electricity when it turns on its own, like when your car is going downhill.
Turns out that electric motors are a bit more complex than that. This is why it was significant when Renault recently announced that it has acquired a 21% minority stake in EV startup Whylot.
Electric motors used in vehicles now are radial flux, meaning the direction of the magnetic flows is perpendicular to the axis of flow, or at right angles to the axis of the rotation. In an axial flux motor, the flows are parallel. Advantages include a shorter magnetic path, smaller overall size, and greater efficiency. Whylot has cracked the code to make axial flux motors, meaning the flows are parallel to the rotation. This means a shorter magnetic patch, smaller overall size, and greater efficiency.
If this mouthful was a bit much for you, it basically means a more efficient electric motor, especially in the hybrid space, where it would result in a significant reduction in CO2 emissions. The stacked construction of an axial-flux motor, compared to the cylindrical construction of a radial-flow motor, also means they can be mounted at the wheel hub.
So why have all-electric motors not moved to this marvellous technology? Up to now the way these motors worked made them impossible to use practically in commercially manufactured vehicles. The extremely high linear speed puts a significant mechanical force on the magnets, while high operating temperatures require complex and expensive cooling. Mass production of these complex devices also proved to be difficult.
But the code has now been cracked and this partnership will help boost Renault’s cred in the electric market. Heavyweights such as Daimler and Ferrari have also recently announced acquisitions in companies that work in the axial flux field, especially for their hybrids.
Most major carmakers have announced specific deadlines for new ICE cars, with EVs, hybrids and hydrogen drives set to take over worldwide. This technology just shows us how much more there is to explore to make the most of the new tech. Please subscribe to our newsletter to keep up with these advances in technology.
