YASA, a pioneer in next-generation electric drive technology, has smashed its own unofficial power density world record with a staggering new benchmark for ultra-high-performance electric motors.
Earlier in the summer, YASA achieved 550kW (738bhp) from a 13.1kg version of its new axial flux prototype motor, equating to an unofficial power density world record of 42kW/kg, but latest testing of an even lighter 12.7kg version has significantly exceeded this.
Hitting a staggering 750kW (>1000bhp) short-term peak rating, YASA has set a new unofficial electric motor power density world record of 59kW/kg – a 40% increase on initial testing. But the motor 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 350kW-400kW (469bhp-536bhp).
Designed and developed at YASA’s high-tech Oxford Innovation Centre, the breakthrough represents another major validation of the company’s axial flux technology. And crucially, this isn’t a theoretical model or digital concept: it is a fully functional prototype, undergoing a rigorous development program. Compact, scalable and with no exotic materials used, it achieves exceptional performance through precision engineering, advanced thermal management and optimised packaging. This extraordinary motor design has been developed and realised with support from the Advanced Propulsion Centre, UK.
“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 Tim Woolmer, Founder and CTO, 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. And 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.
Simon Odling, YASA’s Chief of New Technology, commented: “The early results are extremely encouraging. The motor’s performance on the dyno has exceeded even our most optimistic simulations. As well as its incredible peak power and overall power density, we estimate this new motor will be able to deliver all-important continuous power in the region of 350kW-400kW. This is real hardware, in real life, delivering real data – and it’s performing beautifully.”
“This record demonstrates what makes YASA unique,” added 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.”
