Lightweight Axial Flux Motor Drives Electric Mobility Forward

An Austrian systems Integrator required a compact, lightweight, high-torque motor to integrate with their transmission for an electric motorbike. The motor needed to prioritize vehicle performance, balance, quiet operation, and long service life.

Challenge

The project faced stringent packaging constraints. Space and weight were at a premium. A motor with short axial length and high torque was critical to achieve the optimal balance of size, weight, and power.

Technical Solution

The integrator deployed an axial flux motor, chosen for its compactness, short axial length, and high power density. With speed of 8,000 rpm, the motor delivers the necessary roll-on torque for a mid-speed, high-performance electric motorbike. Its design supports optimal streamlining of the vehicle for enhanced balance and stability.

Results

The axial flux motor improved the overall package by enhancing light-weighting, longevity, and roll-on torque—favored over outright acceleration by the target customer. The combination of noise-free operation, reduced vibration, high vibration rating, and IP67 rated shaft seals ensures a premium, quiet ride and reliable performance in challenging terrains. The integrator’s platform now supports advanced electric mobility that is robust, agile, and ready for demanding road conditions.

Other Applications for Axial Flux Motors

A compact axial flux motor has diverse applications across multiple industries, such as: 

• Electric and hybrid vehicles, including premium automotive cars and high-performance electric motorbikes
• Off-highway and construction equipment like excavators and wheel loaders, agricultural machines, mining trucks, and municipal vehicles such as street sweepers
• Marine applications including auxiliary power for hybrid boats and propulsion and rail traction for trams and light railway 
• Ancillary applications like cooling pumps and fans, fuel cell superchargers, and hydraulic pumps, where efficiency and compact size are important