Magna is working on the next generation of electric motor

[[MC]Ronin[MC]]

Magna is working on the next generation of electric motor

It should be eight times the power density, but half the price of today's electric motors.

Magna, in conjunction with the Illinois Institute of Technology and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is working on a next-generation electric motor with much higher power density and lower costs. The project is funded by the US Department of Energy.

The aim of the project is to create an electric motor with a peak power of 125 kW (170 hp), which has eight times higher power density than current electric motors, but at half the price of them.

The Canadian-Austrian car supplier makes the following analogy: it's like pouring a gallon of milk into a pint container (or just under 4 liters in a half liter container). Magna wants to cut costs by eliminating the use of rare magnets.

According to Magna, the new, more powerful electric motor will integrate directly with other components of the electric drive systems. The project will include the development and use of "innovative" materials, new refrigeration, coil technologies and simulation methods, as well as control and optimization techniques.

Another goal for Magna is to create an electric motor that meets automotive standards and low production costs. In terms of timing, the manufacturer will submit the project to the US Department of Energy in 2021.

Although the new electric motor is still in the realm of dreams in the near future, Magna has received the largest transmission order in its history. The order is from the BMW Group. The multi-year contract includes all dual-clutch transmissions for front-wheel drive vehicles as well as hybrid transmissions.