A technical comparison of Axial Flux vs. Traditional Radial motors. Learn why Beyond Motors' 10kW/kg and stackable design is the 2026 industry standard.
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A technical comparison of Axial Flux vs. Traditional Radial motors. Learn why Beyond Motors' 10kW/kg and stackable design is the 2026 industry standard.
In the landscape of modern electric propulsion, the debate between axial and radial flux is no longer theoretical—it is a matter of mission-critical engineering. For decades, the traditional radial motor has been the industry standard due to its mature manufacturing processes. However, as we move into 2026, the performance ceilings of radial architecture are becoming a bottleneck for high-performance automotive, aviation, and nautical sectors.
At Beyond Motors, we are pioneering the shift toward the axial flux motor. This transition isn’t just about a different shape; it is about leveraging the fundamental physics of electromagnetism to achieve unmatchable power density and efficiency.
The primary differentiator between these two topologies lies in the direction of the magnetic flux. In a radial motor, flux travels perpendicularly to the axis; in an axial motor, it travels parallel to the axis.
The most significant advantage for an engineer is how torque scales with the motor's diameter. In a radial flux machine, torque is proportional to the square of the diameter ($T \propto D^2$). In contrast, an axial flux motor generates torque proportional to the cube of the diameter ($T \propto D^3$).
Because the active magnetic material is located at a larger average radius, an axial flux motor provides significantly higher leverage. This geometric shift allows the Beyond Motors AXM series to deliver 30-40% higher torque density than radial counterparts of the same mass. For a CTO, this means a 50% reduction in drivetrain volume without sacrificing performance.
For electric aviation and high-performance EVs, weight is the ultimate enemy. Traditional radial motors are inherently "iron-heavy" because they require a thick stator yoke to return the magnetic flux.
As we detailed in our Axial Flux Motor Performance and Efficiency Showdown, this weight saving is compounding. A lighter motor requires less structural support and a smaller battery to achieve the same range, creating a "virtuous cycle" of efficiency.
Heat is the primary cause of motor "derating." In radial motors, the windings are buried deep within the stator, making heat extraction difficult. This often leads to a massive gap between "Peak" and "Continuous" power ratings.
Beyond Motors solves this with a patent-pending water cooling system. The pancake geometry provides a larger surface area for cooling plates to interact directly with the stator. This direct-to-source cooling is why our motors are the preferred choice for UAVs and eVTOLs, where sustained high power is required for long-duration flight.
[Image comparing thermal maps of radial and axial flux motors]
One of the greatest headaches for lead engineers is the inability to scale radial motors without a complete redesign. Beyond Motors has engineered a unique stackable design.
Because of the slim "pancake" form factor, our motors can be stacked up to three units high on a single shaft. This allows you to multiply your torque and power up to 3x (reaching 1.2MW) while maintaining the same motor diameter. This modularity is a core reason why Axial Flux is the future of electric mobility.
While radial motors will continue to serve low-cost, low-performance applications, the high-stakes industries of tomorrow belong to axial flux. Whether you are battling the "weight wall" in aerospace or seeking the ultimate range in automotive, the Beyond Motors AXM series offers the architectural freedom to break records.
Ready to see the data for your specific project?If your project requires custom specs, sizing, or specific project requirements, our technical team is ready to assist with full efficiency maps and CAD integration.
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