Next-Gen Mercedes Motor Could Lighten Future EVs

YASA, a U.K.-based company that is fully owned by Mercedes-Benz, has introduced a groundbreaking type of electric motor. This new development is the second generation of YASA's axial flux motor (AFM), which weighs just 12.7 kg (28 pounds) and delivers an impressive 750 kW (over 1,005 hp). This results in a power density output of 59 kW/kg, making it one of the most powerful motors ever developed. YASA estimates that this AFM can provide continuous power ranging from 469 to 536 hp.

Compared to an earlier version of the AFM released in summer 2025, which weighed 13.1 kg (28.8 pounds) and produced 550 kW (738 hp) with a power density of 42 kW/kg, the new model shows significant improvements in both weight and performance. For reference, the motor unit in a Tesla Model 3 weighs 80 kg (176 pounds) and produces 220 kW (295 hp).

What makes YASA’s AFM stand out is not only its exceptional power-to-weight ratio but also its use of standard materials rather than exotic ones. The motor is a working prototype undergoing rigorous testing. According to YASA, the high performance of the AFM is achieved through precise packaging, strong thermal management, and highly accurate engineering.

YASA and Mercedes-Benz have also unveiled the testbed for this new AFM: the AMG GT XX Concept. This four-door coupe is powered by three of YASA’s axial flux motors, likely based on the earlier design, delivering a peak of 1,341 hp. This allows the GT XX to reach a top speed of over 360 km/h (224 mph). Additionally, the AMG GT XX Concept has demonstrated remarkable durability, covering 24,901 miles in under eight days and breaking 25 long-distance records.

What is an Axial Flux Motor?

Most modern electric vehicles (EVs) use radial flux motors, which have a cylindrical shape with a fixed stator that generates a magnetic field along the length of the shaft to spin the rotor. In contrast, axial flux motors are flat and more like a pancake, allowing for a more compact design.

The name "axial flux" comes from the way the magnetic flux travels parallel to the motor’s shaft, rather than along its length as in radial flux motors. This design enables axial flux motors to be smaller and lighter, potentially allowing them to be placed inside a vehicle's wheels, reducing overall weight by as much as 1,100 pounds in a vehicle designed specifically for AFMs. Joerg Miska, CEO of YASA, claims that their AFM has "three times the performance density of today's leading radial flux motors."

The compact Mercedes-Benz/YASA axial flux motor is set to enter production in 2026 at Mercedes' Marienfelde factory in the Berlin area. The manufacturing process involves around 100 steps, with about one-third being entirely new. This has led to over 30 patent applications, including technologies such as artificial intelligence, new joining techniques, and innovative laser methods. This could position Mercedes as a major player in the electric vehicle market.

All About the AFM-Powered AMG GT XX Concept

The AMG GT XX Concept, first hinted at in 2022 with the Vision AMG Sports EV, serves as a testbed for more than just the Mercedes-Benz/YASA axial flux motors. Its platform represents the first pre-production application of Mercedes’ AMG.EA high-performance architecture, which incorporates a wide range of advanced technologies.

The battery system powering the AFMs in the AMG GT XX Concept is completely new, drawing on Mercedes’ experience with the AMG One and Formula 1 teams. This has resulted in slim, cylindrical battery cells with improved heat dissipation capabilities. These cells feature aluminum housings instead of steel, helping maintain optimal cell temperatures. The battery uses an NCMA (nickel, cobalt, manganese, aluminum) cathode and a silicon-based anode, providing the vehicle with extreme levels of performance and power delivery to the AFMs.

The AMG GT XX Concept also directly cools its 3,000-plus cells using a non-conductive oil-based coolant, enabling exceptional charging performance. This allows the vehicle to add 248 miles (400 km) of range in just 5 minutes. Additional features include luminescent exterior paint, 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive, a programmable light panel at the rear, and speakers integrated into the car’s headlights.