Imagine an electric motor that is smaller and stronger but uses far fewer rare minerals. Instead of the usual round design, this one uses a flat, disc-like shape to pack more power into less space. It's built like a Lego set, making it easier to fix and recycle when the car reaches the end of its life.
Electric vehicle manufacturers struggle with the high cost and environmental impact of rare earth magnets, alongside the need for higher power density to improve vehicle range and performance.
A high-efficiency axial flux motor drive system integrated with power electronics and AI-driven predictive controllers, validated up to TRL7 on a research vehicle.
If you are an EV manufacturer dealing with high battery-to-range costs and supply chain risks for rare earths — this project developed axial flux motors that reduce rare earth material needs by 60% and target a production cost of ~€5/kW.
If you are a component supplier dealing with thermal management and weight issues in motors — this project developed a design with power density >23 kW/l and a 35% decrease in energy loss during driving cycles.
If you are a recycling firm dealing with the difficulty of extracting materials from bonded electric motors — this project developed a circular design ensuring >70% recyclability at the end of life.
The project aims for a 50% cost reduction, targeting a mass production cost of approximately €5/kW.
Based on available project data, the project targets mass production levels and includes 4 industrial partners, including 3 SMEs, to ensure manufacturability.
Based on available project data, specific licensing terms are not mentioned, but the project develops new knowledge and industrial leadership in axial flux motor technology.
The motors are integrated with power electronics and mechanical transmission systems, managed by AI-based predictive controllers and digital twins.
The project period runs from January 1, 2024, to September 30, 2027.
The consortium is well-balanced for commercialization, featuring 11 partners across 6 European countries. With a 36% industry ratio (4 industrial partners, including 3 SMEs), the project bridges the gap between 6 universities and real-world manufacturing. This structure ensures that the high-fidelity multiphysics models are validated by partners with actual R&D and production facilities in power electronics and automotive design.
Contact Universiteit Gent in Belgium for technical inquiries regarding axial flux motor design.
Contact SciTransfer to connect with the CliMAFlux consortium for early adoption of circular motor technology.
