Yasa, an electric car engine manufacturer, to broaden its operations
Yasa, a British company specializing in axial flux motors, is making waves in the automotive industry as part of the Mercedes-Benz group. Known for their innovative technology, Yasa is currently working on the development of complete drive systems, known as Electric Drive Units (EDUs).
These EDUs, which include the motor, wheel set, inverter, oil pump, and a thermal management system, are set to revolutionize the electric vehicle market. Yasa's motors are already powering super sports cars from prestigious brands like AMG, Lamborghini, and Ferrari, and the company aims to expand its reach beyond the Mercedes group.
The strategic goal of Yasa is to offer a scalable and modularly adaptable product portfolio that enables fast and cost-effective solutions. This approach is crucial for achieving broader applications for its motors. First demonstration vehicles with Yasa's in-wheel drives could appear in this decade, but series production is not expected until at least 2030.
One of the key advantages of Yasa's motors is their flat disc shape, which allows for space-saving integration, particularly beneficial for high-performance and hybrid vehicles. This design also contributes to the motors' lightweight nature, making them ideal for the transporter and van segment. The use of Yasa motors in delivery vehicles could lead to a higher payload due to their lightweight nature.
Yasa's focus on economies of scale through industrial production is another important step towards achieving broader applications for its motors. The company's ambition is to be technologically leading and economically solid, and they are making significant strides towards this goal. The motors for Mercedes are produced in Yasa's Berlin plant, while the production site in Yarnton has been significantly expanded to accommodate up to 25,000 motors per year.
Yasa is also working on reducing production costs to increase the attractiveness of their motors for broader applications. The development of complete drive systems is intended to save automakers development time and enable faster market introduction. Yasa's axial flux motors offer approximately three times higher torque density and twice the power density compared to conventional radial motors.
The electric vehicle project Concept AMG GT XX marks Yasa's first foray into mass production. As Yasa continues to innovate and expand, they are setting their sights on becoming economically independent in the long term, with their own customer portfolio and revenue streams in both the passenger car and commercial vehicle sectors.
However, Yasa's work on in-wheel drives could also lead to significant changes in the way vehicles are braked. Conventional brakes may become partly obsolete in the future due to Yasa's technology. With their focus on efficiency, innovation, and cost-effectiveness, Yasa is poised to make a significant impact on the electric vehicle industry.
In conclusion, Yasa's work on axial flux motors and Electric Drive Units is set to revolutionize the electric vehicle market. With their focus on economies of scale, innovation, and cost-effectiveness, Yasa is positioning itself as a leader in the field, ready to supply independent customers beyond the Mercedes group and enter new vehicle segments in the future.
