Magnetics Business & Technology - March/April 2024 - 6

FEATURE ARTICLE
Swedish Automaker Polestar Designs New PM Motors for Its High-Performance EVs, Plans
Magnet Recycling with Cyclic Materials
Polestar showcased its innovation in high-performance EV models in Los Angeles, California in November of 2023.
Featuring powerful new motors of a permanent magnet synchronous
design, Swedish automaker Polestar is rapidly expanding
its production of electric vehicle models with high power output
and speedy performance. Begun as an auto racing engineering
enterprise, the company's approach is to focus on exceptional
design for high performance while conducting manufacturing
through the facilities of others and focusing on overall sustainability
-- including use of recycled magnets.
As part of its circularity strategy, Polestar has signed a memorandum
of understanding with North American startup Cyclic
Materials to create closed-loop recycling pathways for rare earth
elements. The agreement envisions the development of recycled
magnets for use in Polestar cars, as well as to explore ways to
efficiently recycle existing magnets.
Polestar 4, the company's newest model, is the fastest production
car the brand has developed to date. It clocks a 0-100 km/h
sprint in just 3.8 seconds and has a maximum power output of
400 kW (544 hp). The power comes from synchronous design
permanent magnet motors. Both dual- and single motor versions
have been developed, with single-motor versions featuring rearwheel
drive.
Meanwhile, the company is giving its 5-door electric performance
fastback, Polestar 2, a major update for the 2024 model year,
the premium compact EV features a new high-tech front end that
reflects the design language premiered by Polestar 3, substantial
performance increases with all-new electric motors, even more
powerful batteries, sustainability improvements and, for the first
time in a Polestar, rear-wheel drive.
A newly developed permanent magnet motor and silicon carbide
inverter boost the performance. The new motor has a power
output of up to 220 kW (increased from 170 kW) and is optimized
for maximum efficiency and high torque (490 Nm, up from 330
6 Magnetics Business & Technology * March/April 2024
Nm) to further increase the dynamic performance of the car. The
0-100 km/h sprint time has been reduced by as much as 1.2
seconds, down to 6.2 seconds.
" Typically in the car industry, a facelift introduces superficial
visual changes that often destroy the original intention of the
car's design theme. With the new model year Polestar 2, we
rather went below the surface and upgraded substantial tech and
mechanical components of the electric drivetrain, " said Polestar
CEO, Thomas Ingenlath.
The dual-motor version now has a rear-drive bias that increases
driving pleasure and performance thanks to a completely rebalanced
drivetrain setup and torque-ratio. The new rear motor
is the primary drive source, supported on the front axle by a new
asynchronous motor. This enables higher total system output of
310 kW and 740 Nm (increased from the original 300 kW and
660 Nm), vastly improved traction, greater overall efficiency and
higher performance - 0-100 km/h is achieved in 4.5 seconds.
Supporting efficiency gains, the front motor can now be disengaged
completely when not needed. When the driver wants more
power, the front motor re-engages instantly and seamlessly.
Up to 350 kW are available with the optional Performance Pack,
and a 0-100 km/h sprint time as low as just 4.2 seconds. The
increase in power, performance and driving enjoyment is also
available to purchase as a downloadable over-the-air performance
software upgrade for any eligible Long range Dual motor
cars.
" Changing from front- to rear-wheel drive in the single-motor variants,
and re-calibrating the torque ratio in the dual-motor variant
for an increased rear-wheel drive feel, elevates the Polestar 2
driving experience to a whole new level, " says Joakim Rydholm,
head of chassis development at Polestar.
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