Mercedes-Benz’s YASA Pushes Electric Motor Limits Amid Promising Developments

YASA, a subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz, has unveiled a next-generation dual-channel inverter weighing 15 kg with an output power of 1500 kW and a specific power of 100 kW/kg, significantly surpassing the industry standard of 50–70 kW/kg. Previously, the company introduced an electric motor weighing 12.7 kg with a power of 750 kW (just over 1000 hp). Its specific power is 59 kW/kg, setting a new unofficial world record. Combining four in-wheel motors could theoretically bring the vehicle’s total power close to 4000 horsepower.

Thanks to YASA’s extremely lightweight engine and inverter design, the system is described as the “world’s first neutral mass in-wheel motor mechanism,” addressing the industry problem of traditional in-wheel motors worsening vehicle handling due to excessive unsprung weight. In addition to high power performance, the prototype also demonstrated extremely high energy efficiency potential. YASA stated that with powerful regenerative braking, vehicles equipped with this system could significantly reduce rear brake size or even eliminate them entirely.

Currently, the technology is in the early testing phase, and YASA has promised to share more detailed information about the development of this revolutionary powertrain in 2026.