Zero-Magnets Electric Drive for Electric Vehicles (Z-M Drive)
Lead Research Organisation:
NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY
Department Name: School of Engineering
Abstract
The early-stage Prosperity Programme marks an exciting collaboration between two esteemed partners: GKN Automotive (GKN) and Newcastle University (NU), who share a common objective of radically changing electric drives (eDrives) for electric vehicles (EVs) by eliminating magnets. While magnets have been the go-to solution for most EVs, they are not environmentally sustainable. Our ultimate goal is to develop zero-magnet electric drives (Z-M Drives) that can create a more resilient and affordable EV industry accessible to everyone. This 30-month project will involve a team of six dedicated researchers from GKN and NU working on radical innovative ideas in Z-M Drives to position us as technological leaders in this field.
Building on the success of our existing partnership through the GKN Automotive Advanced Research Centre for the past year and a half, where we have made significant strides in improving magnet-based eDrives, the early-stage Prosperity Programme serves as a critical steppingstone towards our vision of becoming life-long partners in Z-M Drives research.
Our research will focus on enhancing the Rotating Transformer Electric Excited Synchronous Motor (RT-EESM) drive, which is a promising contender in the future EV market. Currently, the RT-EESM requires two control power units, which can be costly and create reliability issues. In this collaboration, we aim to reduce the need for an entire power unit without compromising control of the eDrive. Additionally, we will investigate a high-efficiency air cooling system that can replace complex water and oil cooling systems. Moreover, we will apply the RT-EESM to a 6-phase motor, which is more robust against faults than the 3-phase motors currently used in EV applications. However, developing advanced control strategies is necessary, particularly when the number of power units is reduced. Ultimately, we will demonstrate a fully operational prototype to the public upon project completion.
Building on the success of our existing partnership through the GKN Automotive Advanced Research Centre for the past year and a half, where we have made significant strides in improving magnet-based eDrives, the early-stage Prosperity Programme serves as a critical steppingstone towards our vision of becoming life-long partners in Z-M Drives research.
Our research will focus on enhancing the Rotating Transformer Electric Excited Synchronous Motor (RT-EESM) drive, which is a promising contender in the future EV market. Currently, the RT-EESM requires two control power units, which can be costly and create reliability issues. In this collaboration, we aim to reduce the need for an entire power unit without compromising control of the eDrive. Additionally, we will investigate a high-efficiency air cooling system that can replace complex water and oil cooling systems. Moreover, we will apply the RT-EESM to a 6-phase motor, which is more robust against faults than the 3-phase motors currently used in EV applications. However, developing advanced control strategies is necessary, particularly when the number of power units is reduced. Ultimately, we will demonstrate a fully operational prototype to the public upon project completion.
Publications
Mahmouditabar F
(2025)
Multi-Physics LCA-Based Design Optimization of an Interior Permanent Magnet Motor for EVs
in Energies
Mahmouditabar F
(2025)
Machine Learning Based Design Optimization of a Rotary Transformer for EESG
Thomas C. Werner
(2024)
ANALYTICAL MODEL AND COMPARATIVE FLUID ANALYSIS TOOL FOR SCREEN AND SINTER WICK HEAT PIPES
Werner T
(2024)
Medium temperature heat pipes - Applications, challenges and future direction
in Applied Thermal Engineering
| Description | Collaborating with UFG from Brazil on advanced control of multi-phase EESM |
| Organisation | Federal University of Goiás |
| Country | Brazil |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | A fully funded PhD student from UFG is working on the control of EESM. This activity helps to learn more about other control systems that could be embedded into ZM Drive. |
| Collaborator Contribution | I received funding from the Brazilian government to visit UFG for two weeks in March 2026. Likewise the student received funding to spent 3 months with ewcastle University. |
| Impact | We have joined publications. In addition we developed new control methods on EESM. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Electrify York public discussions on sustainable electric propulsion and urban electrification in combination with the CDT Sustainable Electric Propulsion |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | While UK cities have seen general air quality improvements in the past decade, driven by reduced road transport emissions and pandemic-related decreases, challenges persist. Many areas still exceed WHO guidelines, and exposure inequalities remain. Electrification, encompassing electric vehicles, heat pumps, solar power, batteries, and smart devices, promises pollution-free air. But is this a genuine solution, or merely a profit-driven agenda for select stakeholders? Join us at this novel Café Scientifique event from 5.30pm at the De Grey Reception Area and Lecture Theatre, York St John University. We are grateful to Professor Volker Pickert for bringing nine of his PhD students to join in this networking and debate session. These are the areas for discussion: The pros and cons under the following themes: Public/Commercial Transport. Private Transport. Domestic Property Energy. Commercial/Industrial (Property) Energy. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| URL | https://www.ypsyork.org/events/electrifying-york-urban-electrification-a-breath-of-fresh-air-or-a-hi... |