Yamaha, known primarily for its motorcycles, has had a hand in building some of the most notable engines to ever be connected to a transmission. The classic Toyota 2000GT's 2.0-liter inline-six engine was modified by the company and years after that, it co-developed the Lexus LFA's incredible 4.8-liter V10. Not to mention the classic Ford Taurus SHO.
But a high-revving gas engine is no surprise from a company known for its two-wheelers, all of which makes Yamaha's latest announcement something quite different. The Japanese manufacturer has developed an incredibly powerful new electric motor that it says is suited for use in hyper EVs. In fact, the single-motor unit is as powerful as other dual-motor setups.
Known as the Electric Motor Prototype, this permanent magnet synchronous motor has a maximum output of 350 kW or 469 hp and is said to be oil-cooled. That output is similar to the most powerful Porsche Taycan 4S, yet the 4S makes use of two electric motors, indicating how impressive the Yamaha motor is.
Yamaha claims that the new electric mill reaches "the industry's highest class in output density." It also has an operating voltage of 800V, much like the Porsche Taycan. Yamaha emphasizes its motor's compact construction, achievable because the design "treats the mechanical and electrical components as a single entity."
As such, the gear and inverter have been combined into a single unit. The new electric motor does not mean that Yamaha will be coming out with its own car; rather, the company is said to be accepting orders for it. The 469-hp output may not be final, though, as the motor is said to be in mid-development. Yamaha will adapt the motor depending on the needs of each client, for instance, changing the cooling method if required. Along with other electric prototypes, the hyper-EV motor will be exhibited at the upcoming Automotive Engineering Exposition 2021 Yokohama. This event will run from May 26 to 28.