YASA Project Resilience Targets Rare-Earth-Free Axial Flux Motors

YASA Launches Project Resilience for Advanced Electric Motors

On August 11, YASA launched Project Resilience, a development programme focused on creating rare-earth-free and heavy-rare-earth-free axial flux motors for future electric and hybrid vehicles. The initiative is designed to address material sustainability and supply resilience while preserving the performance advantages associated with axial flux motor technology. Supported by UK Government funding through the DRIVE35 programme, the project will investigate two motor technologies intended to reduce dependence on rare-earth materials without compromising high power density, efficiency or compact packaging. The programme reinforces YASA’s focus on advancing axial flux motors for next-generation vehicle applications, where manufacturers are seeking more efficient, compact and resilient electric propulsion solutions.

Project Targets Reduced Rare-Earth Material Dependence

Project Resilience will examine two technology approaches aimed at reducing the use of rare-earth and heavy rare-earth materials in axial flux motors. The objective is to develop electric machines that remain capable of delivering high power density and efficiency while retaining the compact design characteristics important for vehicle integration. By reducing reliance on these materials, the programme seeks to improve the sustainability and resilience of future motor production. The work also supports continued development of YASA’s axial flux technology, positioning the company to address evolving requirements for electric and hybrid vehicle powertrains as automakers increasingly evaluate material availability, supply-chain resilience and long-term propulsion efficiency.

DRIVE35 Support Strengthens UK Automotive Technology Development

The project is supported through the United Kingdom’s GBP 4 billion DRIVE35 programme, with delivery support from the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK and Innovate UK. DRIVE35 is intended to support research, development and industrial capability for advanced vehicle technologies, making the programme relevant to the wider transition toward electrified propulsion. For YASA, Project Resilience provides a route to investigate motor designs that can reduce exposure to rare-earth material requirements while maintaining the power and packaging characteristics expected from axial flux machines. The initiative therefore combines technology development with a broader objective of creating more sustainable and resilient electric motor solutions for future vehicle platforms in the United Kingdom.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is YASA Project Resilience?
YASA Project Resilience is a programme focused on developing rare-earth-free and heavy-rare-earth-free axial flux motors for future electric and hybrid vehicles. Supported through the UK Government’s DRIVE35 programme, it will explore two technologies intended to reduce rare-earth material use while maintaining high power density, efficiency and compact design. The initiative is expected to strengthen the sustainability and resilience of electric motor technology while advancing YASA’s axial flux platform. It also contributes to the wider objectives of the GBP 4 billion DRIVE35 programme, which supports advanced automotive technology development and industrial capability in the United Kingdom.