Electrogenic launches first classic conversion with axial flux motor

Classic car electrification firm Electrogenic has announced a new partnership that will see it use revolutionary axial flux motors in its conversions.

The Oxford-based firm has teamed up with EXEDY to develop real-world uses for EXEDY’s AFT140i motor, and is set to begin with a new drop-in kit for the classic Mini.

The system will pair EXEDY’s two-in-one axial flux motor and inverter with Electrogenic’s in-house developed hardware and software and 20kWh off OEM-sourced batteries.

Axial flux motors offer a potential technological leap forward for EVs. They are far more compact than traditional radial flux motors and offer greater power density. Steve Drummond, CEO of Electrogenic, said that made the AFT140i ideal for the Mini, where space is at a premium.

However, he also said the tie-up brought huge potential for the wider repowered classics market as well as other applications, including the defence sector where Electrogenic also works.

Announcing the partnership, he said: “We are delighted to announce our partnership with EXEDY. The AFT140i motor is revolutionary in its compactness and capabilities, giving us real flexibility when it comes to both packaging and performance.

“Combined with our proprietary SDV [Software Defined Vehicle] Control Software, ‘EG-OS’, there is huge potential for it to be applied across multiple markets and sectors. We are excited to be a part of this journey with EXEDY, taking our sector-leading EV powertrain offering to a new level, and helping to develop the motors of the future.”

Electrogenic is famous for its drop-in conversion kits for models ranging from the Land Rover Defender to the Delorean DMC-12. It also provides turn-key powertrains for OEMs and defence sector operators.

Although axial flux motors are not currently used commercially in EVs some supercar makers including Ferrari, Lamborghini and McLaren already use small versions in their hybrid models.

Those motors come from UK specialist YASA, which has also created the axial flux motors used in the record-breaking Mercedes-AMG GT XX. That concept car’s 1,341bhp three-motor powertrain is set to make it into production in 2026 in the new four-door super-saloon from Mercedes-AMG.