Renault and Geely's Amorphous Steel Motor Redefines Hybrid Efficiency

A new electric motor for hybrid vehicles has set a benchmark in efficiency by using amorphous steel instead of traditional materials. Developed by Renault and its Chinese partner Geely, the design cuts energy losses and improves performance in hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and range-extended electric vehicles (REEV).

The motor's stator is built with amorphous steel, a material known for its high permeability and low remagnetization losses. Unlike conventional crystalline electrical steel sheets, this approach slashes iron losses by around 50%. The stator's layers are just 0.025 mm thick, further reducing eddy current losses and boosting overall efficiency.

In real-world driving, the motor achieves a peak efficiency of 98.2%, making it one of the most efficient in the automotive industry. This improvement translates to roughly a one percent reduction in energy consumption for hybrid systems. Beyond fuel savings, the lower thermal loads allow for more compact and flexible integration into vehicle designs. The technology is particularly valuable for hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and REEV applications, where efficient energy conversion is critical. Renault and Geely's innovation suggests that advanced materials science could soon redefine the performance of classic components like electric motors.

The new motor's efficiency gains stem from its amorphous steel stator and ultra-thin layering. These changes cut energy waste and heat buildup while enabling more compact drive systems. The design marks a step forward in hybrid vehicle technology, with potential for broader adoption in future electric powertrains.