YASA has unveiled a revolutionary in-wheel motor for electric vehicles (EVs), combining extraordinary power with a remarkably lightweight design. Weighing just 28 pounds (12.7 kilograms), the motor can produce up to 1,000 horsepower at peak performance and sustain between 469 and 536 horsepower for extended periods. This surpasses YASA’s previous benchmark of 738 horsepower for a 29-pound motor, signaling a major advancement in EV propulsion technology.
The motor’s performance is especially impressive when compared to current EVs: the 2025 Nissan Leaf has a single 214-horsepower motor, while the high-performance Tesla Model S uses three motors to reach approximately 1,020 horsepower. YASA’s in-wheel solution offers comparable supercar-level performance in a single, compact motor, showcasing a significant leap in efficiency and design.
At the core of this achievement is axial flux technology, which differs from conventional radial flux motors. While radial motors use a cylindrical rotor surrounded by a stator, axial flux motors feature a disc-shaped rotor and stator with magnetic flux running parallel to the shaft. This configuration enables higher power output in a smaller and lighter package, ideal for high-performance EVs and future vehicle designs.
The compact motor design also enables substantial weight reductions. YASA estimates that replacing traditional powertrains with in-wheel motors could save around 440 pounds (200 kg), and for vehicles specifically engineered to integrate the motor, weight savings could reach 1,100 pounds (500 kg). The system also incorporates regenerative braking, converting energy normally lost during braking into electricity, potentially eliminating the need for conventional friction brakes. This contributes to further weight reduction and more efficient use of vehicle space.
While this motor is currently targeted at supercars and high-performance EVs, axial flux technology has the potential to reshape the broader EV industry. It allows for lighter, more powerful vehicles with improved aerodynamics, extended driving ranges, and more interior space, offering automakers the flexibility to enhance passenger comfort, cargo capacity, and overall vehicle efficiency. YASA’s innovation represents a significant step forward in EV design, merging high performance with practicality and efficiency.
