When discussing electric vehicle progress, most conversations focus on advances in battery energy density. But equally exciting — and often overlooked — is the rapid evolution of electric motors themselves. Two British companies, Equipmake and HiETA, have pushed the boundaries of what’s possible with their latest traction electric motor: the Ampere. The numbers are staggering, and the technology behind it may reshape the future of electric mobility across land, sea, and air.
Ampere Electric Motor Specifications
The Ampere motor delivers performance figures that were previously unthinkable in a production-oriented electric drivetrain:
- Power output: 220 kW (299 hp)
- Maximum speed: 30,000 rpm
- Weight: just 10 kg
- Specific power output: 22 kW/kg
- Comparison: Best-in-class serial permanent magnet motors typically achieve only 5 kW/kg
That means the Ampere delivers more than four times the power-to-weight ratio of the best conventional electric motors currently available — a leap that could have major implications for the entire EV industry.
How 3D Metal Printing Makes It Possible
The secret behind Ampere’s extraordinary performance lies in the complementary expertise of its two creators:
- Equipmake is a specialist in the design and production of high-performance electric motors for demanding applications.
- HiETA is a leader in additive manufacturing — specifically, precision 3D metal printing.
By leveraging HiETA’s advanced 3D printing capabilities, the Ampere motor uses high-strength alloys deposited only where structurally necessary — a technique similar to that used in 3D-printed brake calipers. This approach reduces overall material use and weight without compromising strength. Additionally, intelligent design optimization has allowed engineers to significantly reduce the mass of the permanent magnets, further cutting weight while maintaining magnetic performance.
Real-World Applications: From Hypercars to Aircraft
Equipmake’s electric motors are no strangers to high-profile projects. The company’s existing motors are already featured in the Ariel Hipercar — one of the most anticipated British performance EVs. Depending on the Hipercar’s development timeline, it’s possible that future versions could even be upgraded to use the Ampere unit.
Beyond automotive use, the Ampere’s remarkable power-to-weight ratio makes it highly attractive across a range of industries. Equipmake is actively targeting interest from:
- Electric vehicle manufacturers seeking a competitive edge in performance and efficiency
- Marine industry companies developing next-generation electric boats and ships
- Aerospace sector pioneers working on electric and hybrid aircraft propulsion
Why the Ampere Motor Matters for the Future of Electric Mobility
The Ampere is more than just an impressive engineering achievement — it represents a shift in thinking about what electric powertrains can be. As the EV market matures, motor efficiency and power density will become just as critical as battery range. Breakthroughs like Ampere, made possible by additive manufacturing and advanced materials, signal that the era of lightweight, ultra-high-performance electric motors is approaching fast.
This is a translation. You can read the original here: https://www.drive.ru/technic/5e623450ec05c4af36000088.html
Published September 02, 2021 • 3m to read
