New motor technology could improve electric vehicle efficiency

02nd August 2012

Engineers at GE Global Research have revealed they are advancing motor technology that could have a substantial impact on hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) of the future.

GE recently tested a prototype Interior Permanent Magnet traction motor, developed as part of a US Department of Energy (DoE) project, which could help extend the range EVs and hybrids can travel before recharging or needing gasoline.

Traction motors are the crucial part of the propulsion system that converts electrical energy into motion to power hybrid and electric vehicles. The GE-designed motor is said to be less costly to make and also more powerful and efficient than what is currently available on the market.

Ayman El-Refaie, Electrical Engineer, in GE Global Research’s Electrical Machines Lab, said:

“We have built a motor that is substantially more powerful than what’s commercially available now, all while improving efficiency by up to 5%.”

“This technology is scalable and flexible enough that it can be leveraged in a number of capacities. What we learned through this project will help us build higher efficiency industrial motors, high-speed oil and gas compressor motors, and generators for aerospace applications.”

GE said that its prototype traction motor exceeds state-of-the-art motors in the same class by possessing nearly twice the acceleration, being 3-5% more efficient, and operating continuously at a higher temperature (therefore overcoming the need for a dedicated cooling system).

Image credit - exfordy