Israeli startup reveals compact motor for electric vehicles

Israel-based startup EVR Motors is unveiling its innovative electric motor, based on a new patented topology, which it has christened TSRF (Trapezoidal Stator Radial Flux).

The company says it has successfully developed and tested the first prototypes of its lightweight and compact TSRF motor, which can be adapted to a wide range of vehicles in cooperation with automotive OEMs and Tier 1s. A production-ready motor is scheduled to be introduced to the global market later this year.

EVR claims according to its tests the novel motor is less than half the size and tens of percent lighter than existing state-of-the-art RFPM (Radial Flux Permanent Magnet) motors with similar power. It is currently holding discussions with a variety of OEMs, Tier 1s and users in several countries, on conducting demonstrations and developing motors suited to their specific requirements. The company will hold an online demonstration of its novel motor on May 19, as part of the Ecomotion Week 2021 virtual event.

Opher Doron, CEO, EVR Motors said: “We managed to change the basic design of the electric motor, which has remained much the same for the last several decades, while maintaining the traditional advantages of the radial flux motors. Our small, lightweight motors will provide vehicle manufacturers with improved performance while increasing installation flexibility and reducing costs.”

The start-up says its patented TSRF motor topology will enable superior power and torque density, as well as reduced production costs. The TSRF solution can be adapted to most mobility and industrial applications, from two-wheelers to cars and trucks and from battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). TSRF technology can support a wide range of power and torque outputs, with voltage ranging from 48V to 800V, that are suitable for different power levels and for a wide range of speeds.

EVR says its neodymium-based motors perform significantly better than conventional RFPM motors at a significantly lower cost. The company notes that the new motor, when offered in low cost, rear-earth free, Ferrite-based versions, outperforms induction motors of a similar price range. 

The company says it recently conducted tests on a prototype traction motor designed for two- and three-wheel electric vehicles. The air-cooled motor delivered a best-in-class peak power of 17kW, and 40 Nm of torque, from a 2-litre volume, weighing only 9kg, far exceeding other small, air-cooled radial flux motors. Additional versions of the motor will be tested in the coming months, including versions with different voltages, liquid-cooled versions, and Ferrite magnet-based versions. Larger motors suitable for mainstream passenger and commercial vehicles are also under development.

Till date, EVR Motors has raised seed funding of $5.5 million (Rs 40.7 crore) from several investors, led by Marius Nacht, one of Israel’s leading serial entrepreneurs, tech founders and investors. Teramips Technologies, which funds innovative technical ideas, is another key investor, and additional funding has been received from SIBF (South Israel Bridge Fund VC) and through grants from the Israel Innovation Authority.

The company is led by Opher Doron, who in the past held senior positions at Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Israel’s largest aerospace firm. In his former role as General Manager of IAI’s Space Division, Doron was responsible for the development, construction, launch, and operation of observation and communication satellites for Israeli and foreign users and led the IAI team in designing and constructing SpaceIL’s Beresheet lunar lander.

EVR was founded by Eli Rozinsky, (COO) together with Victor Kislev and Ruslan Shabinski. The company’s chairman Ophir Shoham, was the former Director of Defense R&D Directorate at the Israeli Ministry of Defense (MAFAT) who manages Marius Nacht’s investments in high-tech. EVR’s workforce has grown to 20, including three PhDs, skilled engineers, a motor assembly team, and a test group.