Germany – Mahle GmbH, an automotive components manufacturer based in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, announced that it has developed an electric traction motor which allows for continuous high performance without overheating, making it especially suitable for electrifying heavy commercial vehicles and off-road and industrial equipment. 

The ‘SCT E-motor’, or super continuous torque electric motor will come in a range of power options, with a 250-kW standard rating. Its main innovation is an integrated oil cooling system which efficiently disperses waste heat generated by the motor so it can be used in other parts of the vehicle. The cooling component of the motor enables continuous high performance, which would otherwise be impossible due to overheating. Namely, the motor can operate at over 90% of peak torque over long periods, compared to 50-60% offered by a conventional motor. While the SCT E-motor is suitable for all electric vehicle applications, its robustness in handling intensive applications makes it especially desirable for heavy-duty vehicles and for tackling demanding situations – for instance, a heavy truck climbing steep inclines. Mahle has gone so far as to claim that the motor will be able to “entirely replace” the internal combustion engine, matching it in terms of durability and performance.