New energy vehicle motors are the heart of EV cars. The top 10 list of China’s new energy vehicle sales in February 2024 is fresh out, and we have compiled the table for your convenience. According to the table, the Tesla Model Y ranks first, and BYD Qin Plus ranks second.

Today, our topic is not to discuss the new energy vehicle sales ranking, but to change the topic: do you know what motor these winners use?
The answer is: that they all use the same type of motor: a permanent magnet synchronous motor.
Is this the only kind of motor? Of course not.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the four main types of motors used in China’s top ten new energy vehicles in 2024. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of each new energy vehicle motor type and its impact on vehicle performance, helping you make informed decisions about how to new energy vehicles.
Understanding Electric Vehicle Motors
Electric vehicle motors are the powerhouses that drive electric vehicles, converting electrical energy into mechanical energy to propel the car. The type of motor used in these vehicles significantly impacts their efficiency, performance, and overall driving experience.
The importance of choosing the right motor type cannot be overstated, as it affects everything from acceleration and range to maintenance and cost.
There are four main types of motors commonly used in new energy vehicles: Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM), Induction Motors, Switched Reluctance Motors (SRM), and Brushless DC Motors (BLDC).
Each of these motor types has its unique characteristics, benefits, and drawbacks, which we’ll talk more about next.
DC Motors
The world’s first electric motor, invented by Belgian engineer Zenobe Gramme in 1870, was a DC motor. However, mainstream automotive manufacturers no longer use DC motors in new energy vehicles.

Pros of DC Motors:
- Simple in design and easy to control.
- High starting torque and quick acceleration.
- Effective for applications requiring precise speed control.
Cons of DC Motors:
- High maintenance due to brushes and commutators.
- Lower efficiency compared to modern motor types.
- Larger and heavier for the same power output.
While DC motors were pivotal in early electric motor development, their high maintenance needs and lower efficiency have led to their replacement by more advanced motor types in modern electric cars.
AC Asynchronous Motors
AC asynchronous motors, also known as induction motors, work by inducing an electric current in the rotor from the stator’s magnetic field. Unlike synchronous motors, the rotor in an induction motor doesn’t rotate at the exact speed of the magnetic field, creating a difference called slip. This slip is essential for torque generation in the motor.

Pros of AC Asynchronous Motors:
- Robust and durable with fewer moving parts.
- Lower cost compared to PMSM due to simpler construction.
- High reliability and low maintenance requirements.
Cons of AC Asynchronous Motors:
- Lower efficiency compared to PMSM, especially at lower speeds.
- Larger size and weight for the same power output.
- Slower response time and less precise control.
Although the asynchronous motor does not have an advantage in terms of weight and volume, it has a wide speed range and a peak speed of up to about 20,000 rpm. Therefore, even if it is not matched with a secondary differential, it can still meet the speed requirements of the electric car’s high-speed cruising.
Examples of new energy vehicles using induction motors in China:
- Tesla model 3
- NIO ES8
- Majority of new energy buses
Tesla is a notable example of a company utilizing AC asynchronous motors in some of its products, benefiting from their durability and cost-effectiveness. Similarly, NIO ES8 and many new energy buses in China also employ induction motors for their robustness and reliability.
Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM)

Can we bypass the electronic control system to create a more efficient motor?
Many companies began to consider this issue, and permanent magnet synchronous motors came into being.
Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM) is a type of electric motor that uses permanent magnets embedded in the rotor to create a constant magnetic field. This design allows the motor to maintain a synchronous speed with the rotating magnetic field in the stator, providing high efficiency and performance.
At present, the maximum operating temperature of the neodymium iron boron permanent magnet developed in China can reach 280℃. The technical level is still far behind that of Germany and Japan.
Benefits of PMSM in EV Motors:
- High efficiency due to reduced energy losses.
- Excellent torque-to-weight ratio.
- Smooth and precise control over a wide speed range.
- Lower maintenance requirements due to the absence of brushes.
Drawbacks of PMSM:
- Higher initial cost compared to other motor types.
- Complexity in manufacturing due to the use of rare earth magnets.
- Potential thermal issues if not properly managed.
Examples of top new energy vehicles using PMSM in China:
- BYD
- XPeng Motors
- NIO ES6
- WM Motor
- NETA (Nezha)
- BAIC BJEV
These companies leverage the advantages of permanent magnet motors to enhance the performance and efficiency of their new energy vehicles.
Switched Reluctance Motors (SRM)
Switched Reluctance Motors (SRM) are a type of new energy vehicle motors that operates by the principle of reluctance, where the rotor moves to minimize the reluctance of the magnetic circuit. The rotor in an SRM has no windings or permanent magnets; instead, it is made of laminated steel with protruding poles that align with the stator poles as they are energized in sequence.

Benefits of SRM in new energy vehicle motors:
- Simple and robust construction with no need for permanent magnets or brushes.
- High reliability and durability due to fewer moving parts.
- Capable of high torque at low speeds.
Challenges of SRM:
- Noise and vibration issues due to the torque ripple.
- Complex control algorithms are required for efficient operation.
- Lower efficiency compared to Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM) and Induction Motors.
Currently, SRM is not widely adopted in the new energy vehicle motor market. Despite its advantages, the challenges of noise, vibration, and control complexity have limited its widespread use in electric vehicle drives. However, ongoing research and development may enhance its viability in the future.
Future Trends in New Energy Vehicle Motors
Recent feedback from the new energy vehicle market indicates that Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM) have gained a comprehensive advantage over AC asynchronous motors.
Tesla, once a major proponent of AC asynchronous motors, has switched to PMSM for its China-produced Model 3 and Model Y vehicles.
Similarly, NIO’s first car, the ES8, initially used an asynchronous induction motor for high performance, achieving up to 478kW of power and 0-100 km/h acceleration in 4.4 seconds.
However, NIO’s subsequent model, the ES6, now features dual PMSM in its standard version.
A combination of asynchronous induction motor and PMSM in its performance version, balancing high performance with extended range.
This trend suggests that PMSM will continue to dominate the new energy vehicle motor landscape for the foreseeable future, due to their superior efficiency and performance.
Conclusion
In summary, the motors powering new energy vehicles play a crucial role in their performance and efficiency.
We’ve explored the four new energy vehicle motors: Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM), Induction Motors, Switched Reluctance Motors (SRM), and DC Motors, highlighting their benefits and challenges.
As the market evolves, PMSM is emerging as the dominant choice due to its superior efficiency and performance.
If you’re looking for custom new energy vehicle motor cores, contact us today! We are a leading motor core lamination manufacturer in China, ready to meet your specific needs. Let’s drive the future of new energy vehicles together!