Axial flux motors are gaining attention for their potential to reshape the performance and packaging of electric vehicles (EVs).
Unlike the radial flux motors found in most EVs today, axial flux motors operate on a different principle: their magnetic flux runs parallel to the axis of rotation rather than perpendicular. This design change makes a dramatic difference in both form and function.
The benefits are tangible.
Axial flux motors are significantly more compact, lighter and more power-dense than their radial counterparts.
According to YASA, the UK-based electric motor company owned by Mercedes-Benz, axial flux motors can deliver the same power output while occupying just one-third of the space and weighing a third as much. That opens up major opportunities not only for performance but also for design flexibility across different EV segments.
Leading the charge
Mercedes-Benz has made axial flux motors central to its next-generation performance EV strategy. The technology is being developed in partnership with YASA and is already showcased in the Vision One-Eleven concept, which uses a pair of high-power axial flux motors alongside a liquid-cooled cylindrical cell battery with motorsport-derived chemistry.
Tim Woolmer, YASA’s founder and CTO, explains the engineering logic: “Axial-flux motors are significantly lighter and more compact, yet more powerful than comparable radial-flux motors… they have considerably higher and more enduring power reserves.”
Production of these motors is set to begin at Mercedes-Benz’s Berlin-Marienfelde plant, which is also undergoing transformation into a centre for digitalised manufacturing and powertrain innovation.
According to the company, building an axial flux motor involves around 100 discrete processes - 65 of which are new to Mercedes-Benz and 35 entirely new to the automotive industry. Over 30 patent filings have already resulted from this work.
While the standard versions of the next-gen CLA are expected to use radial flux motors focused on long-range efficiency, Mercedes-AMG has confirmed that the future CLA 45 performance variant will feature axial flux motors. Developed with YASA, this model is targeting nearly 400kW and will further showcase the power density advantages of axial flux technology.
Other manufacturers are also exploring axial flux technology.
Notably, Ferrari and McLaren are working on their own high-performance implementations, while BMW has invested in axial flux research for future luxury EV platforms. This broader industry interest highlights axial flux’s growing relevance beyond concept cars.
Why axial flux matters for EV evolution
The move toward axial flux is more than just an engineering exercise. These motors directly address some of the biggest challenges in EV development: packaging, weight, efficiency and thermal management.
Their flat, disc-like profile makes them ideal for low-floor architectures, sports cars and even applications where multiple motors need to be integrated into tight spaces.
Axial flux motors use disc-shaped rotors and stators stacked along a shared axis, allowing magnetic flux to travel a shorter path across the motor. This compact, high-efficiency layout supports faster torque response and improved thermal management.
Because of their form factor, these motors can also be placed closer to the wheels or integrated into modular e-axle systems - a clear packaging win for future EV platforms.
In the Vision One-Eleven concept, for example, the compact motor dimensions allow for a more spacious lounge-style interior, while still delivering high performance. This dual benefit of design freedom and power density positions axial flux motors as a key enabler of next-generation electric vehicle platforms.
There are also efficiency gains. Because of their shorter magnetic path and superior cooling potential, axial flux motors waste less energy as heat. That makes them particularly well-suited to high-performance and long-range EVs where every watt matters.
What comes next?
While radial flux motors will continue to dominate the mass market for now, axial flux motors are poised to carve out a critical niche in performance-oriented EVs.
Mercedes-Benz's commitment to bringing the technology to production scale, paired with its in-house development of manufacturing processes, suggests that axial flux may not remain niche for long.
The real test will be scalability.
If Mercedes-Benz can industrialise axial flux motor production without compromising reliability or cost, the technology could move beyond concept cars and low-volume flagships into broader market segments.
As the electric transition accelerates, efficiency, power density and flexible packaging will only become more important. On that front, axial flux motors have a compelling edge - and manufacturers are taking note.
