Electric Cars

YASA, a leading innovator in axial flux motor technology, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone, significantly surpassing its prior power density record. This latest achievement, featuring a lighter and more potent prototype, sets a new unofficial world standard, underscoring the company's continuous advancements in electric motor design. This progress is poised to redefine the capabilities of electric powertrains, offering unprecedented efficiency and performance for future vehicles.

YASA's Revolutionary Axial Flux Motor Redefines Electric Powertrain Performance

In a significant announcement, YASA, a company at the forefront of axial flux motor development, has once again shattered its own record for electric motor power density. On October 22, 2025, YASA revealed that its latest axial flux motor prototype achieved an astonishing power density of 59 kW/kg, marking a 40% increase over its previous benchmark set just three months prior. This new prototype, weighing a mere 12.7kg, delivered a short-term peak rating of 750 kW (over 1000 horsepower) during rigorous testing on an advanced dynamometer.

This achievement builds upon YASA's legacy of innovation, which dates back 16 years to its efforts in refining traditional motor designs with cutting-edge materials and components. The result is the axial flux motor, a compelling alternative to the radial motors commonly found in most electric vehicles today. YASA motors have already been successfully integrated into prestigious production vehicles such as the Koenigsegg Regera and the Ferrari SF90 Stradale hybrid. Following Mercedes-Benz's acquisition of YASA in 2021, their axial flux motors first appeared in the Mercedes Vision One Eleven concept in 2023 and were subsequently incorporated into Mercedes-AMG's 800V AMG.EA architecture in late 2024, supporting dual and tri-motor systems.

According to YASA CEO Joerg Miska, the new prototype's power density is three times that of the top radial flux motors currently available. Beyond its impressive peak power, the motor is estimated to deliver a continuous power output in the range of 350-400 kW (469-536 hp). Tim Woolmer, YASA founder and CTO, emphasized that this is not merely a theoretical concept but a tangible, running motor built with scalable materials and processes. Simon Odling, YASA's Chief of New Technology, confirmed that the motor's performance in real-world dyno tests has exceeded even the most optimistic simulations, highlighting its beautiful performance and real-life data validation.

The validation process for this advanced axial flux prototype is currently underway, with YASA promising more details on its development in the near future. This breakthrough signifies a crucial step towards transforming how original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) approach electric powertrain design, offering a vision of highly efficient and compact propulsion systems for the next generation of high-performance automotive applications.

The continuous innovation displayed by YASA in pushing the boundaries of electric motor technology is truly inspiring. This latest record-breaking achievement underscores the immense potential of axial flux motors to revolutionize the electric vehicle industry. As a reporter, witnessing such rapid advancements reinforces the idea that the future of automotive performance and efficiency lies in bold engineering and a relentless pursuit of improvement. This development not only promises more powerful and compact EVs but also encourages a paradigm shift in how we conceive and design electric powertrains. It's a testament to focused engineering innovation, and I eagerly anticipate the widespread adoption of such game-changing technology.

General Motors has unexpectedly terminated its BrightDrop electric delivery van initiative, leading to the cessation of production at its CAMI Assembly plant in Ingersoll, Ontario. This move marks a significant reversal for a program that was once considered a crucial component of GM's electric commercial vehicle aspirations.

The cancellation of the BrightDrop electric van production line, including the Zevo models, has drawn considerable attention and raised questions about the future trajectory of commercial electric vehicles. Critics point to the timing of this decision, particularly as sales figures for BrightDrop vans were beginning to show substantial growth, indicating a potential disconnect between GM's stated reasons and the market's evolving dynamics.

GM's Rationale Behind BrightDrop's Discontinuation

General Motors attributes the decision to discontinue its BrightDrop electric delivery van program primarily to a commercial EV market that has developed at a slower pace than anticipated, coupled with a shifting regulatory landscape and the removal of crucial U.S. tax incentives. The company stated that production would not be relocated, signaling the definitive end of the BrightDrop Zevo line. This decision comes despite recent data indicating a significant increase in sales, with 2,384 units reportedly sold in the third quarter alone, an 869% year-over-year jump. This suggests that while overall numbers may not have matched GM's gas-powered van sales, the growth trajectory was upward, leading to skepticism regarding the \"slow demand\" justification.

GM's explanation for ending BrightDrop production has been met with contention, particularly from labor unions and industry observers. The company cited a \"slower than expected\" commercial electric vehicle market and a \"changing regulatory environment,\" alongside the elimination of U.S. tax credits, as key factors. However, this reasoning is challenged by the fact that BrightDrop sales were showing considerable acceleration, with a projected annual sale of approximately 4,000 units. This growth, though modest compared to traditional combustion engine vans, suggested a nascent but promising market. The Unifor auto union, representing the affected 1,200 workers, has directly linked the decision to \"dangerous and destabilizing auto policies\" from the previous U.S. administration, highlighting the significant role of political and trade factors, especially concerning cross-border vehicle programs between the U.S. and Canada.

The Broader Implications for the EV Market and GM's Strategy

The abrupt termination of the BrightDrop program has sparked extensive debate regarding GM's long-term commitment to its electric vehicle initiatives and the broader implications for the burgeoning EV market. This action, occurring shortly after GM received substantial government support for its Canadian manufacturing plant, has led to accusations of a premature withdrawal from a potentially growing segment. Critics argue that by ceasing production, GM is ceding valuable ground to competitors such as Ford's E-Transit and Rivian's electric vans, potentially missing out on future market share in a sector that many believe is poised for significant expansion. The incident underscores the complexities faced by legacy automakers in transitioning to electric platforms, balancing immediate financial returns with long-term strategic investments.

The decision to cease BrightDrop production, especially after receiving a $500 million investment from the Canadian government to establish an EV manufacturing plant, raises serious questions about the stability and foresight of GM's electric vehicle strategy. This move, which saw the company abandon a factory less than three years after its inauguration, highlights a perceived lack of sustained commitment to new EV programs, a pattern observed by some critics in GM's history with other innovative vehicles. The company's justification of \"low demand\" is particularly scrutinized given the recent upward trend in BrightDrop's sales, leading to concerns that political considerations, rather than pure market dynamics, may be unduly influencing strategic business decisions. This development could have far-reaching effects on the commercial electric vehicle sector, influencing investor confidence and potentially altering the competitive landscape as other manufacturers continue to invest in and expand their electric van offerings.