Yamaha has developed a 496HP electric motor for the construction of electric hypercars. The company has a history of developing internal combustion engines, as well as ATVs, motorcycles and other motorsports equipment. The decision to start building high-performance electric powertrains signifies an interest in vehicle electrification. The company also helps manufacturers to build prototypes.
What does powertrain mean?
A powertrain is an internal combustion engine or electric motor that generates the mechanical power to drive a vehicle’s wheels, and the drivetrain. A drivetrain is the equipment used to transfer mechanical power from the powertrain to the transmission and wheels.
Vehicle electrification is a growing trend that has car and truck manufacturers scrambling to develop new powertrain technology (this research and development process is expensive) to stay relevant in this ever-changing automotive landscape. Yamaha is putting itself in an advantageous position by developing their own innovative technology that can be licensed out to manufacturers that need sound powertrains for upcoming electric car models.
Yamaha’s powertrain is an 800-volt, 496HP electric motor that is designed so that more than one of them can be used in a vehicle. Even one of these is obviously very powerful. The gear and inverter are both integrated into the same unit as the motor. That combined with a compact design facilitates easy installation. Yamaha is accepting commissions to build prototypes soon.
