Naxatra Labs launches Axial Flux motors for EVs | Benefits of Axial Flux motors over Radial Flux

Ahmedabad-based Naxatra Labs has recently announced the launch of their Axial flux powertrain for Electric Vehicles. The start-up is working on advanced motor solutions for various applications. In this article for EVreporter, CEO and Co-founder Abhilash Maurya discusses the Axial Flux Technology for electric motors and more about their work.

Understanding Axial Flux Technology

A motor mainly consists of two components: Rotor and Stator. As their name suggests, Rotor is the moving (rotating) part of the motor, and the stator is the stationary part of the motor. Based on the arrangement of the rotor and the stator, there are two possible motor configurations:

– Axial Flux

– Radial Flux

The difference in these configurations is due to the axis of rotation and direction of the magnetic field. In axial flux configuration, the direction of the magnetic field and the axis of rotation are parallel, while in radial flux, it is perpendicular.

The first patent for an Axial flux motor was filed back in the 1890s, but the major developments have been visible only since the last decade due to the availability of strong permanent magnets and advancements in BLDC control mechanisms.

Benefits of Axial Flux Technology

– Axial Flux Technology is the most advanced and efficient motor technology with high power and torque density. The technology can be applied to any motor configuration, such as induction, stepper and even brushed DC.

– Axial flux motors are well known for their torque density compared to conventional radial flux motors. Also, due to the shorter magnetic flux path, the power density and efficiency are higher than the radial flux counterparts.

However, these motors are still not being used in Industry due to the availability of other alternatives, such as induction and radial flux motors. In industries, machines generally run at a fixed rpm where they provide high efficiency. But recent developments in EVs require motors that can provide high efficiency over the whole range of vehicle running cycle. Looking at the compatibility of Axial flux motors with electric vehicles, major developments are happening in this technology.

About Naxatra Labs’ motors

Our motors are well suited and ideal for electric 2-wheelers as a mid-drive motor for low-speed, city speed and high-speed applications. They provide up to a 10% increment in average efficiencies as compared to existing radial flux motors in the same segment. Currently, our motors are undergoing rigorous testing along with our piloting partner Joy E-bikes (Wardwizard Innovation Ltd.). 

Our technology is well suited for various applications wherever motors are used, like HVACs, Pumps, Electric vehicles, Consumer appliances, Industrial Machinery etc. We also have tested prototypes for ferrite magnets (non rare-earth) based motors for high efficiency and low-cost applications. We are developing a high-efficiency and low-cost motor for household appliances with a major OEM.

Naxatra Labs is planning to start the initial production of motors in the first quarter of 2023.