This tech could change EVs forever

A new battery breakthrough could revolutionise electric cars. 

UK-based electric motor company Yasa has broken the power density world record that was already held by the company, according to North American publication CarScoops. 

Its axial flux motor achieved a power density of 59kW per kilogram, which is significantly more than the 42kW per kg set by the company earlier this year. What is equally as impressive is that the electric motor produced 750kW at peak and only weighs 12.7kg. 

Read more about

• China’s huge battery breakthrough
• Breakthrough battery tech ‘years away’: GM
• 'A true game-changer’: Breakthrough solid-state battery tech from Mercedes-Benz leaves Chinese car makers MG, XPeng, BYD and GWM in its dust

It is a fully functioning prototype electric motor and was built using scalable manufacturing, with no exotic materials.

The weight of electric cars and resources needed to manufacture them continues to be a challenge. Being able to achieve such masses of power from lightweight, mass-producible electric motors could be a game changer.

Yasa is owned by Mercedes-Benz and there are plans to implement this electric motor breakthrough in its next-gen vehicles.

The record-breaking power density was only achieved at short-term peak and did not translate consistently in continuous output. Yasa is instead pondering a more steady 350-400kW continuous output electric motor.

Yasa was founded in 2009 and its electric motors have featured in several cars including Jaguar’s CX75 concept, and the Koenigsegg Regera hypercar. 

After becoming a whole subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz in 2021, Yasa now has development partnerships with manufacturers such as Lamborghini, and it even dabbles in military applications of its technology.

The electric motor announcement comes after Chinese maker Chery debuted a prototype solid-state battery at the 2025 Chery Global Innovation Conference. 

Solid-state batteries can achieve far superior energy density to conventional batteries, being more durable and potentially safer. They do not contain a liquid or gel electrolyte, using a different mechanical separator and ion conductor between the anode and cathode. 

Chery said its solid-state battery could exceed a real-world range of 1300km, which is significantly more than any EV currently on the market.

Despite going through extensive testing, the battery has not been fitted to any vehicle, while US manufacturers are yet to get excited about it.