Yasa axial flux 59 kW/kg: 1,006 hp engine weighs 12.7 kg

Yasa claims a power density record of 59 kW/kg for a 12.7 kg shaft-flux motor, achieving 750 kW peak and 350–400 kW sustained. The technology is field-tested, ready for scale-up and will be adopted by Mercedes-Benz.

Yasa, the UK-based electric motor company owned by Mercedes-Benz, has just set a new record for power density with 59 kW/kg. This 12.7 kg motor delivers a short-term peak power of 750 kW (equivalent to 1,006 hp) and maintains 350–400 kW (469–604 hp) in steady-state mode. According to Yasa, the figures come from real-world testing, not simulations, and the technology is ready for mass production.

The 59 kW/kg figure is 3 kW/kg higher than the record Yasa itself achieved a few months ago, solidifying the position of the axial flux architecture in the race for optimal performance per kilogram.

1000 horsepower electric motor (image 1)

Record power density of 59 kW/kg

Weighing 12.7 kg and boasting a short-term peak power of 750 kW, the new engine achieves a power-to-weight ratio of 59 kW/kg. This is a record value announced by Yasa, surpassing the previous benchmark of 3 kW/kg. In the sustained power range of 350–400 kW, this demonstrates the engine's practical operating performance during continuous operation.

With the goal of increasing performance without increasing weight, improving power density is a direct measure of the powertrain's efficiency advantage and the potential for a more compact mechanical structure around the engine.

How does the axial flux architecture differ from that of a radial motor?

Yasa is developing the next generation of axial flux motors, differing from the common radial design. According to the company, this architecture utilizes a thin, disc-shaped rotor, allowing for greater torque and power output with the same weight compared to traditional designs.

Founder and Chief Technology Officer Tim Woolmer sees this as a crucial confirmation of Yasa's axial flux design direction, which aims to optimize power density without requiring materials different from those currently in use in the industry.

1000 horsepower electric motor (image 2)

Experimental performance and power sustainability

According to Yasa, the performance figures were measured from real-world testing, not theoretical estimates or simulations. This shows that the engine not only reached a peak power of 750 kW for a short period but also maintained 350–400 kW under stable operating conditions, providing a basis for evaluating its practical application in vehicles.

From a technical perspective, the gap between short-term peak power and sustained power is a crucial factor in understanding the engine's continuous operation capability under various operating scenarios. Detailed information regarding torque, overall efficiency, or rev range has not yet been released.

Ready for production and intended for application in Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

Yasa says its new engine technology can be incorporated into larger production lines without the need for different materials, reducing barriers to commercialization. Mercedes-Benz acquired Yasa in 2021 and will use the company's shaft flux engine technology from its Oxfordshire plant on its upcoming flagship super sedan and SUV.

The combination of high power density, low weight, and production readiness is the foundation for manufacturers to bring this technology to commercial vehicles, especially in the premium segment where performance and weight optimization are key requirements.

Key specifications table

Category	Value
Power density	59 kW/kg
Mass	12.7 kg
Short-term peak power	750 kW (1,006 hp)
Sustained capacity	350–400 kW (469–604 hp)
Architecture	Axial flux motor, thin disc rotor
Testing status	Tested in real-world conditions
Production capacity	Ready to expand, no different materials needed.
The intended application	Mercedes-Benz's flagship super sedan and SUV model.

Significance for the electric vehicle industry

Industry-leading power density allows electric vehicle manufacturers to balance powertrain performance and weight, creating room for overall vehicle optimization. With the technology already tested and ready for production, integration into commercial vehicles is shortened compared to solutions still in the laboratory stage.

In a context where cost and production efficiency are common barriers, the absence of differentiated materials is key to the penetration of new technologies into existing supply chains.

Points that are clear and those awaiting announcement.

What is clear: a record of 59 kW/kg, a short-term peak power of 750 kW, a sustained power of 350–400 kW, real-world testing, and an application roadmap for Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Details yet to be announced include torque, performance across load ranges, cooling system details, and long-term operating parameters.

Quick conclusion

With its new shaft flux motor, Yasa pushes the power density ceiling to 59 kW/kg, offering a rare combination of peak performance and production capability. Mercedes-Benz's confirmation of its application on flagship models suggests this direction has the potential to directly impact the next generation of high-performance electric vehicles in the near future.

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Source: https://baonghean.vn/yasa-axial-flux-59-kwkg-dong-co-1006-ma-luc-nang-127-kg-10309149.html