Novel Trends and Developments in the Electric Vehicle Traction Motors Industry

The world today is experiencing various challenges and climate change is one of the most important one among many others. Adoption of clean energy transportation is a major step in the battle against climate change, as vehicles, trains, and aircrafts that run on fossil fuels account for almost one-fourth of the total energy consumption of the world– and give rise to nearly the same amount of the worldwide carbon-dioxide emissions that are injurious to the environment as well as human health. Electric vehicles (EVs) is the key to this global issue and can aid in decarbonising transportation as well as electricity supply.

From the time when the electric vehicles were invented, numerous ground-breaking electric vehicle traction motor technologies have been applied in various electric vehicles to upsurge efficacy and power density. Traction motors are the most essential part of any EV, as they are responsible for using the chemical energy stored in the cells and transforming it to rotational energy, consequently driving the wheels and initiating the movement of the vehicle.

Technology Trends in Electric Vehicle Traction Motors:

Electric traction motors and power electronics are major technologies in advanced vehicle propulsion systems. The automotive sector has developed an extensive array of electric traction configurations to cater several performance needs of electric vehicles. Many companies are involved in making traction motors for electric vehicles. For instance:

• In January 2018, Lucas TVS, the leaders in Auto Electrical in India, launched a traction motor in the Indian market for the electric three-wheelers. The automakers targets to install a production line for this novel motor in one of its 7 factories. With this initiative, the company intends to seize a significant market share in the Indian EV industry, which is expected to develop considerably in the upcoming years. Moreover, TVS Group is aiming to supply traction motors to other automakers worldwide. The demand for electric three-wheelers is growing swiftly as such automobiles offer last mile connectivity solutions to a huge number of people all over India. This demand is also owing to the push of the central government for zero emission electric transportation across the nation.
• In March 2019, Nidec, a Japanese automaker and distributor of electric motors, launched in-wheel motor prototype for electric vehicles. The company introduced a prototype of a novel addition to its line-up of a traction motor designed to be fixed inside the hubs of the wheels. Advantage of this novel product is that it enhances proficiency as it drives the wheels directly and bypasses the requirement for conventional power transmission machines. As a result, this helps in developing lighter and compact systems. Furthermore, independent control of the wheels can aid in making further enhancements to electronic stability control (ESC) as well as traction control systems (TCS). The company intends to begin mass-producing the novel motor around 2023.
• In October 2021, Nidec, the Japanese automaker, launched a third E-Axle traction motor system - the 200 kW Ni200Ex model, which has obtained a place in the innovative Zeekr 001, the first model, based on the new Sustainable Electric Architecture (SEA) platform of Geely. The company at first (around 2 years ago) aimed to unveil its Ni200Ex model in the year 2023, however it started the mass production of the third E-Axle traction motor system in August 2021. The new motor has a peak power output of 200 kW & 384 Nm of torque. The E-axle assimilates the electric motor, transmission, as well as power electronics (inverter).

The Bottom Line

It is projected that power density and efficiency of the EV traction motors yet need to undergo various developments and improve considerably for the forthcoming EVs for increasing the user space in them, expand their range, and boost market adoption. As per a report by Research Dive, the global electric vehicle traction motor market is projected to surpass $29,179.3 million by 2026. Growing investments by key automobile makers in electric vehicles is considered to be the major factor behind the growth of the electric vehicle traction motor market.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.