This week, General Motors President Mark Reuss revealed GM’s group of three all-new motors that will power its Ultium-based EVs.
Key points
GM’s in-house-developed solutions could potentially help make each kilowatt-hour go further.
Motor design and efficiency to improve range higher without having to upsize the battery.
The software behind GM's EV motors can be reused in many applications.
Some power electronics will have as much as 50 percent less mass and volume than today's GM equivalents, with as much as 25 percent more capability.
The new EV motors will allow the EV Hummer to accelerate from 0 to 100kph in around 3s Designed by GM, the 180-kilowatt front-drive motor, 255-kW rear- and front-drive motor and 62-kW all-wheel drive assist motor are part of Ultium Drive. All three motors were calibrated in-house to ensure the highest level of performance in Ultium-based EVs.
Designed by GM, the 180 kW front wheel drive motor, 255 kW used for front and rear wheel drive motor, and 62 kW all wheel drive assist motor are part of Ultium Drive. All three motors were calibrated in-house to ensure the highest level of performance in Ultium-based EVs.
The 180- and 255-kW units are permanent magnet motors designed with the aim of minimizing reliance on heavy rare earth materials while the 62 kW unit is an induction motor. All are expected to offer excellent torque and power density, enabling a wide spectrum of vehicle types, from performance cars to work trucks.
As many as three electric motors can be used in one EV – variations of the 2022 GMC HUMMER EV will feature three separate 255-kW motors, yielding a GM-estimated output of 1,000 horsepower.
Below shows offroad testing of pre production Hummer EVs
GM also designed the software of key power electronics components – like the power inverter module or inverter, which converts DC voltage from the battery to AC voltage to power the motor. The HUMMER EV’s 0-60 mph acceleration in a GM-estimated approximately three seconds – Watts to Freedom mode2 –is largely due to GM’s electric drive software expertise in addition to its key competencies in motor controls, power electronics, motor design, and development. The inverter and other power electronics, like the accessory power module and onboard charging module, reside outside of the drive units on GM's current EVs.
Some power electronics will have as much as 50 percent less mass and volume than today's GM equivalents, with as much as 25 percent more capability.
GM's all-new EV motors and integrated power electronics, contained within its Ultium Drive units, will debut on the 2022 GMC HUMMER EV later this year in the US.
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