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YASA smashes electric motor power density world record

YASA's new record-breaking electric motor. [Credit: Image courtesy of YASA]

 

 

YASA, a global leader in the design and production of axial flux motors, has smashed its own unofficial power density world record with a staggering new benchmark for ultra-high-performance electric motors. YASA electric motors are used in some of the world's most prestigious high-end vehicles, including those made by Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Rolls-Royce. YASA is owned by Daimler.

In an axial flux motor, the magnetic flux flows parallel to the axis of rotation, unlike conventional radial flux motors where it flows perpendicular to it. According to the Mercedes video below, an axial flux motor is also, in general, usually about 2/3 lighter and 2/3 shorter (more compact) than a traditional radial flux electric motor.

Earlier in the summer, YASA achieved 550 kW (728 hp) from a 13.1-kg version of its new axial flux prototype motor, equating to an unofficial power density world record of 42 kW/kg. However, recent testing of an even lighter, 12.7-kg version has significantly exceeded this.

Hitting a staggering 750 kW (>1,000 hp) short-term peak rating, YASA has set a new unofficial electric motor power density world record of 59 kW/kg -- a 40% increase on initial testing. The motor, however, is not just focused on setting new standards for peak power. YASA also estimates that its all-important continuous power will be in the region of 350 to 400 kW (463 hp to 529 hp).

Designed and developed at YASA's high-tech Oxford Innovation Center in the UK, the breakthrough represents another major validation of the company's axial flux technology. Crucially, this isn't a theoretical model or digital concept: It is a fully functional prototype, undergoing a rigorous development program.

VIDEO: Inside the axial flux motor: What's Mercedes-AMG's secret to high performance? Tech explained. [Credit: Mercedes-Benz]

Compact, scalable, and with no exotic materials used, the new motor achieves exceptional performance through precision engineering, advanced thermal management, and optimized packaging. This extraordinary motor design has been developed and realized with support from the Advanced Propulsion Center, also in the UK.

"To achieve a 750-kW short-term peak rating and a density of 59 kW/kg is a major validation of our next-generation axial flux technology," said Tim Woolmer, founder and CTO, YASA. "It's proof of what focused engineering innovation can achieve. This isn't a concept on a screen. It's running, right now, on the dynos. We've built an electric motor that's significantly more power-dense than anything before it -- all with scalable materials and processes. This motor will bring game-changing technology to the high-performance automotive sector."

YASA's engineering team is already validating the prototype through extended testing cycles.

VIDEO: The YASA story - axial flux motors: The future of electric vehicle propulsion. [Credit: YASA]

"This record demonstrates what makes YASA unique," said Joerg Miska, CEO, YASA. "With three times the performance density of today's leading radial flux motors, YASA continues to redefine the boundaries of what's possible in electric motor design, turning pure innovation into tangible engineering progress. Our technology is delivering measurable results today, while paving the way for a new generation of lightweight, efficient electric propulsion systems."

Source: YASA

Published October 2025

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