YASA Shatters Electric Motor Power Density Record With Staggering 59kW/kg Prototype
- MM24 News Desk
- Oct 25
- 3 min read
YASA, the global leader in axial flux motor technology, has demolished its own unofficial world record by developing a prototype electric motor that achieves a staggering power density of 59kW/kg. The 12.7kg motor delivers a short-term peak of 750kW (over 1,000 horsepower), marking a 40% increase over the company's own benchmark set just months earlier, according to the company's official announcement.
Imagine an electric motor so powerful and compact that it could redefine performance in electric vehicles. That’s precisely what the engineers at YASA's Oxford Innovation Centre have achieved, pushing the boundaries of what’s physically possible. This isn't a digital rendering or a theoretical concept; it's a fully functional prototype that is currently running on dynamometers, undergoing rigorous validation.
The breakthrough builds on YASA's initial summer prototype, which weighed 13.1kg and produced 550kW, setting a then-record of 42kW/kg. The latest iteration is not only lighter but dramatically more powerful. While the peak power is headline-grabbing, the motor’s continuous power rating is estimated to be between 350kW and 400kW, a critical metric for sustained performance in real-world applications like high-performance sports cars or heavy-duty transport.
So, how did they do it? The team, reported YASA, achieved this leap without relying on exotic or unsustainable materials. Instead, they focused on precision engineering, advanced thermal management to handle immense heat, and optimized packaging to make the motor incredibly compact and scalable. This practical approach means the technology could be more readily integrated into future production vehicles.
“On behalf of the entire YASA team, I’m proud and excited to so quickly follow up on the already remarkable results of our initial testing with this incredible result,” said Dr. Tim Woolmer, Founder and CTO of YASA. “To achieve a 750kW short-term peak rating and a density of 59kW/kg is a major validation of our next-generation axial flux technology. It’s proof of what focused engineering innovation can achieve."
The significance of this development extends far beyond a new number on a spec sheet. Axial flux motors, YASA's specialty, are fundamentally different from the radial flux motors common in most of today's electric cars. They are typically lighter and more power-dense, and this prototype demonstrates that potential to an unprecedented degree. This could enable automakers to create vehicles with explosive acceleration and high top speeds without the weight penalty of bulky, heavy motors.
Simon Odling, YASA’s Chief of New Technology, provided further insight into the testing process. “The early results are extremely encouraging. The motor’s performance on the dyno has exceeded even our most optimistic simulations. This is real hardware, in real life, delivering real data – and it’s performing beautifully,” he stated, confirming the tangible progress.
This project was realized with support from the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK, highlighting the collaborative effort in advancing British automotive technology. For the industry, a motor with this level of power density opens up new possibilities for vehicle design, potentially leading to more spacious interiors, larger batteries for extended range, or even more extreme hypercars.
“This record demonstrates what makes YASA unique,” added Joerg Miska, CEO of 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.” The company is now focused on validating the prototype through extended testing cycles, moving this groundbreaking technology closer to commercialization.
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