The Turntide Axial Flux Electric Drive Unit (EDU) is a configurable, scalable and semi-integrated electric propulsion platform designed to help OEMs simplify and accelerate electric and hybrid vehicle development while reducing engineering complexity, integration risk and total cost of ownership.
The platform was developed in response to the growing industry shift away from separate motors, power electronics and gearing/differential systems from different manufacturers in favor of integrated electric propulsion systems, or EDUs. This shift is driven by the need for speed and cost to market, increased efficiency, higher-voltage systems and limited space under the hood. Since validating individual motors and power electronics can take months to years, Turntide’s fully validated EDU platform significantly reduces that burden.
The EDU combines axial flux motor technology, power electronics and integrated gearing into a modular platform designed for scaling across a wide range of vehicle and equipment architectures while lowering total cost of ownership. With the power electronics wired instead of fully attached to the unit, installation is simplified and more flexible. In addition, if a component were to be damaged or fail, that component alone can be removed for service which is not possible with fully integrated EDUs.
Compared to an EDU with a radial flux motor, the axial flux EDU delivers:
- 53% higher torque density
- 58% less size
- 37% less weight
Key product features and benefits include:
- Flexible and scalable — Ideal for OEMs of every size, the EDU supports 400 volts and higher with single or stacked axial flux motor configurations to meet diverse vehicle and equipment requirements. With stackable axial flux motor technology, the platform delivers power ranging from 73 kW to 220 kW nominal and 300 kW to 700 kW (peak), enabling scalability across a wide range of applications from recreation vehicles to construction and off-highway equipment.
- High torque, compact form factor — Axial flux motor technology delivers high torque and power density in a compact form factor that reduces overall vehicle weight and improves packaging flexibility. The smaller footprint frees up space for larger battery systems to extend range, while high torque at low speeds enables more precise vehicle operation.
- Simple gear design — Low-speed, high-torque performance enables less complex gear design, reducing mechanical complexity, component weight and integration requirements while improving reliability, lowering costs and simplifying maintenance.
- Shared motor inverter cooling — The motor and inverter share a common cooling system that simplifies integration, reduces packaging and thermal management complexity, and maintains system performance.
- Independent serviceability — The system is designed so that individual components can be serviced separately, helping reduce downtime, simplify maintenance and lower operating costs.
Primary applications include:
- Powersports and recreation vehicles
- Construction equipment
- Off-highway vehicles and equipment
- Commercial vehicles
- Automotive applications
