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EM-TECH · Project

High-Efficiency Electric Motors and Smart Axles for Sustainable Electric Vehicles

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Imagine an electric car motor that is much smaller and lighter but packs a huge punch of power. This project creates smarter motors that can be built directly into the wheels or as compact axles, using recycled magnets to protect the planet. It's like upgrading from a bulky old engine to a sleek, high-tech power system that wastes far less energy.

By the numbers
>150 Nm/litre
Torque density for in-wheel motors
>30 kW/litre
Power density for axial flux machines
<6 Euro/kg
Production cost at 100k units/year
>25%
Reduction of motor energy loss
>60%
Decrease of rare earth content
The business problem

What needed solving

Electric vehicle manufacturers struggle with the high cost and environmental impact of rare earth magnets, as well as the energy inefficiency and bulkiness of traditional e-axles.

The solution

What was built

The project produced a Smart e-corner and Smart e-axle assembly featuring high-density radial and axial flux motors.

Audience

Who needs this

EV Powertrain EngineersAutomotive Tier 1 SuppliersElectric Van ManufacturersSustainable Material Sourcing Managers
Business applications

Who can put this to work

Automotive Manufacturing
enterprise
Target: Electric Vehicle OEM

If you are an EV manufacturer dealing with heavy, inefficient drivetrains — this project developed smart e-corner and e-axle assemblies that reduce motor energy loss by over 25%. This allows for more cabin space and longer driving ranges.

Commercial Vehicle Production
enterprise
Target: Electric Van Manufacturer

If you are a van producer dealing with the high cost of rare earth materials — this project developed motors with a 60% decrease in rare earth content. This lowers material risk and improves the sustainability profile of the vehicle.

Powertrain Engineering
mid-size
Target: Tier 1 Automotive Supplier

If you are a supplier dealing with low torque density in in-wheel motors — this project developed radial flux motors with torque density exceeding 150 Nm/litre. This enables the creation of more compact and powerful e-corner architectures.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What is the estimated production cost for these motors?

The project targets competitive costs of less than 6 Euro/kg for a production volume of 100,000 units per year.

Can this technology be scaled for mass production?

Yes, the project specifically targets a production scale of 100,000 units per year and has the support of car makers like AUDI and Changan UK to strengthen exploitation.

How is the intellectual property or licensing handled?

Based on available project data, specific licensing terms are not listed, but the project involves 7 industrial partners and 4 universities to develop the technology.

What is the timeline for the development phase?

The project is active from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025.

How does this integrate into existing vehicle architectures?

The technology is designed for e-axles and e-corner architectures, specifically targeting passenger cars and vans with power levels between 50 kW and 120 kW.

Consortium

Who built it

The consortium is heavily industry-driven with a 64% industry ratio (7 companies, including 4 SMEs) and 4 universities. This balance suggests a strong focus on commercial viability and manufacturing, further validated by the involvement of major automotive brands like AUDI and Changan UK.

How to reach the team

Contact AVL LIST GMBH in Austria for technical specifications and partnership opportunities.

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Contact us to connect with the EM-TECH consortium for licensing and integration.

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