What Can We Learn from Mercedes’ Motor Strategy and Why Jaguar Should Be Watching

Earlier this year, Jaguar focused its advertising on a rebrand. A new logo, new font, new promise. But in Stuttgart, Mercedes did something far quieter and far more meaningful. Instead of fluff or cleverness, they delivered a genuine leap in electric motor technology.

Their axial flux YASA motor isn’t a concept. It’s in production. It's redefining what compact, high-torque, thermally efficient propulsion can look like, not just for cars, but for boats, planes, and almost anything else that moves.

While Jaguar polished its story, Mercedes engineered a new one.

What Makes the YASA Motor So Important?

• It’s flatter, lighter, and more powerful
  A disc-shaped axial motor replaces the old cylindrical one. That shift halves the iron, doubles the torque density, and reduces weight all while delivering 200 kW continuous.

• It’s not just a lab demo
  This isn’t vaporware. Mercedes is building 25,000 units per year, scaling to 200,000 ,with laser-calibrated factories and AI quality control.

• It runs cool under pressure
  With oil-cooled windings and ceramic bearings, this motor can push out sustained power in desert heat or under water. Literally. The same tech is now being offered through EVOA for marine applications.

• It fits anywhere
  At only 80 mm tall, the YASA unit can sit between axles, under seats, or inside a marine pod, unlocking whole new layouts for electric craft.

• It doesn’t just work. It outperforms.
  Compared to traditional radial motors, the YASA Flux runs cooler, charges faster, and delivers more regenerative braking. All verified across 1.6 million km of test mileage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this just for cars?
No. Mercedes has begun integrating YASA units in AMG vehicles, but their marine partner EVOA has already launched a dedicated system for boats.

How does it compare with Tesla or Porsche?
The YASA Flux delivers 16 kW/kg well above the 7–13 kW/kg range of most current high-end systems. It does more with less.

Is this motor available for use by other manufacturers?
Mercedes owns the IP and is selective, but the marine division is open to partnerships. EVOA has demonstrated this publicly.

What’s the catch?
None, yet. Cost parity with internal combustion is approaching. The only limitation might be Mercedes keeping this advantage close to its chest, at least for now.

Ready to See Past the Rebrand?

Take a closer look at what real innovation looks like and what it means for marine propulsion, platform design, and performance engineering.

Ask how axial flux could change your vessel, your system, or your supply chain.

This isn’t about storytelling. It’s about shipping.