Mercedes-Benz has begun manufacturing axial flux motors at its Berlin facility, marking a significant shift in electric motor production. The company produces these motors using YASA technology, a British engineering firm specializing in this motor architecture.
Axial flux motors differ fundamentally from the radial flux designs that have dominated automotive powertrains for decades. In axial flux designs, the magnetic flux flows along the motor's axis rather than radially outward. This configuration delivers higher power density in a more compact footprint, meaning engineers can pack more horsepower into smaller, lighter packages. The efficiency gains matter for EV range and performance.
YASA developed this technology over years of research and prototyping, but moving from lab to mass production represents the real achievement. Mercedes acquired YASA in 2021, absorbing the engineering expertise and intellectual property needed to scale manufacturing. The Berlin production launch proves the technology has matured beyond concept stage.
The efficiency benefits address a persistent EV challenge: motor and inverter losses still consume considerable energy. Axial flux motors reduce those losses compared to conventional radial designs, translating to real-world range improvements. They also enable faster acceleration response and smoother power delivery across the RPM range.
Competitors recognize axial flux's potential. Stellantis, Renault, and others have invested in the technology or secured supply agreements. What sets Mercedes apart is bringing in-house production online rather than relying on external suppliers. This vertical integration gives the company control over costs, supply chain stability, and performance tuning specific to its EV platforms.
The Berlin facility produces these motors specifically for Mercedes electric vehicles, with capacity likely to increase as EV demand accelerates. Early deployment will focus on higher-performance models where the efficiency and power density advantages justify the manufacturing investment.
This production milestone doesn't revolutionize EVs overnight. But it signals Mercedes believes ax