Top 7 Things to Consider Before Purchasing an Axial Flux Motor
The transition to electrification is no longer just about "going electric"—it’s about going efficient. Whether you are engineering a high-performance EV, a VTOL aircraft, or a marine vessel, the motor you choose dictates your vehicle's range, weight, and ultimate capabilities.
While traditional radial flux motors have served us well, the industry is rapidly shifting toward cutting-edge axial flux technology. But with new technology comes new criteria for evaluation.
Before you sign that purchase order, here are the top 7 critical factors you must consider to ensure you are getting the best propulsion system for your needs.
1. Continuous vs. Peak Torque (The "Thermal Trap")
It is easy to be wooed by massive "Peak Torque" numbers on a datasheet. However, peak torque is often available for only a few seconds before the motor overheats.
- The Check: Look specifically at the Continuous Torque rating.
- Why it matters: In our technical comparison of Beyond Motors vs. Emrax, we highlight how thermal management defines true performance. If your application involves hill climbing or sustained cruising, you need a motor that doesn't just start strong, but stays strong.
2. The Form Factor Advantage
Axial flux motors are often called "pancake motors" because they are thin and wide, rather than long and cylindrical.
- The Check: Measure your axial length constraints.
- Why it matters: This geometry is a game-changer for EV technology of the future. It allows the motor to fit in tight spaces—like between an engine and transmission (hybrid applications) or directly inside a wheel hub—freeing up space for passengers or larger battery packs.
3. Cooling Infrastructure
High power density means heat generation in a compact space. How that heat is removed is the difference between a high-performance motor and a paperweight.
- The Check: Does the motor support liquid cooling?
- Why it matters: Air cooling is rarely sufficient for high-power axial flux motors. Beyond Motors utilizes a patent-pending cooling system that maximizes heat transfer, allowing for higher continuous power output than competitors.
4. Environmental Protection (IP Rating)
Where will your motor live? A race track is very different from the open ocean.
- The Check: Verify the Ingress Protection (IP) rating and sealing.
- Why it matters: As detailed in our article on how the marine industry utilizes axial flux motors, motors used in boats must withstand saltwater, humidity, and corrosion. An open-frame motor might be lighter, but a sealed motor guarantees longevity in harsh environments.
5. Efficiency Maps (Not just Peak Efficiency)
A motor might be 98% efficient at one specific RPM, but how does it perform across the entire drive cycle?
- The Check: Ask for the efficiency map (efficiency islands).
- Why it matters: Axial flux motors naturally offer a wider band of high efficiency. This is the solution for electric mobility, ensuring that you don't waste battery energy as heat during stop-and-go traffic or variable flight conditions.
6. Scalability (Can you Stack it?)
Designing a vehicle often involves multiple power variants (e.g., a "Standard" model and a "Performance" model).
- The Check: Can the motor be stacked?
- Why it matters: Beyond Motors’ AXM series allows you to double or triple-stack motors (like the AXM2 to AXM3) to multiply power without redesigning your mounting points. This modularity dramatically reduces R&D costs for future vehicle iterations.
7. Integration Support
Buying a motor is easy; making it spin is hard. The controller (inverter) and the motor must talk to each other perfectly.
- The Check: Does the manufacturer offer a "Plug & Play" package or verified controller settings?
- Why it matters: Integrating a new motor topology can be complex. Choosing a supplier that offers matched controllers or pre-configured settings (as discussed in our EV technology research) saves months of calibration time.
Conclusion: Choose Performance, Not Just Specs
The "best" motor isn't just the one with the highest number on a spreadsheet—it's the one that balances power, cooling, and integration into your specific machine. By considering these 7 factors, you move beyond the marketing hype and into engineering reality.
Ready to find your match?Use our Motor Configurator to filter by your specific requirements, or check our Datasheets to see the numbers behind the performance.
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