YASA has developed a groundbreaking in-wheel motor for electric vehicles (EVs) that delivers unprecedented power in an exceptionally lightweight design. The new motor, weighing just 28 pounds (12.7 kilograms), can produce up to 1,000 horsepower at peak performance and sustain 469 to 536 horsepower for extended periods. This development breaks YASA’s previous record of 738 horsepower for a 29-pound motor.
Compact Power for High-Performance EVs
To put these figures into perspective, the 2025 Nissan Leaf features a single motor generating 214 horsepower, while the high-performance Tesla Model S relies on three motors to produce around 1,020 horsepower. YASA’s new motor demonstrates a significant leap in efficiency, offering supercar-level performance in a compact, lightweight package.
The motor’s remarkable performance is driven by axial flux technology. Unlike traditional radial flux motors, which use a cylindrical rotor with a stator surrounding it, axial flux motors feature a disc-like rotor and stator, with magnetic flux running along the axis parallel to the shaft. This design enables much smaller and lighter motors compared to traditional radial flux models, while maintaining impressive power output.
Significant Weight Savings for EV Design
YASA highlighted that the motor’s design is scalable and does not rely on rare or exotic materials, making it more accessible for a wide range of EV manufacturers. The compact nature of the motor also opens the door for substantial weight reduction in EVs. The company estimates that using in-wheel motors instead of traditional powertrains could save around 440 pounds (200 kg) in weight. For vehicles specifically designed to incorporate the new motor, the weight savings could reach 1,100 pounds (500 kg).
In addition to reducing weight, the system incorporates regenerative braking, which captures energy typically lost as heat during braking and converts it back into electricity to recharge the battery. This advanced braking system could eliminate the need for traditional friction brakes, further reducing vehicle weight and optimizing space.
The Future of EV Design
While the current iteration of the in-wheel motor is tailored for high-performance EVs and supercars, axial flux motor technology has the potential to revolutionize the broader EV market. It promises to enable longer-range electric vehicles with higher power output and lighter components, leading to more efficient designs with improved aerodynamics. The reduced space required for traditional powertrain components could also allow for more room in the vehicle’s interior, offering manufacturers the opportunity to enhance cargo capacity or passenger space.
