Mercedes-Benz is showcasing the future of electric performance motors in the new Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven concept car, unveiled at the International Design Centre in Carlsbad, California.
Paying homage to a 70s icon, the C111, the concept Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven features YASA’s unique axial-flux electric motors, paving the way for a new era of innovative design engineering and high-performance electric driving experiences.
The unique topology of the YASA electric motor frees up space and opens exciting new design parameters, as evidenced by the stunning Vision One-Eleven. In contrast to common radial motors seen in the majority of electric vehicles today, YASA’s revolutionary axial-flux motor requires just one third of the space, is one third of the weight and delivers double the torque density.
A radial flux motor can also only be driven hard so many times because as the copper windings get hot electromagnetic resistance increases, reducing available power. However, moving from radial designs to YASA’s axial flux design brings direct oil cooling of the copper, keeping it cool which means endlessly repeatable acceleration and access to peak power for the driver, providing an unparalleled performance driving experience. As well as saving weight by using 60-80% less iron and significantly less copper than conventional e-motors.
Tim Woolmer, YASA’s Founder and Chief Technology Officer said:
"YASA's vision has always been to make electric cars as light and sustainable as possible by reducing the electric motor’s mass and use of materials - while simultaneously maximising its efficiency. In addition to delivering a step-change in EV performance, our axial-flux electric motor is also creating exciting new possibilities for car designers. We’re proud that YASA is a part of this truly visionary concept and are looking forward to resetting the bar for electric driving experiences"
Markus Schäfer, a Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG and the company's Chief Technology Officer, said:
"The Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven combines breathtaking design with groundbreaking powertrain technology. Like its historical namesake, it explores new paths for the future of sporting performance. At the heart of the compact and extremely efficient powertrain is the innovative YASA axial-flux electric motor. It offers a motorsport-like power output from a considerably smaller package. This makes the YASA axial-flux motor ideal for electric high-performance vehicles. Combined with the liquid-cooled cylindrical-cell battery with Formula-1 inspired cell chemistry the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven is yet another proof point for the broad performance spectrum encompassed by our four-pronged development strategy for electric drive."
