Bentley OCTOPUS project aims for electric powertrain breakthrough

The so-called OCTOPUS study (Optimised Components, Test and simulatiOn, toolkits for Powertrains which integrate Ultra high-speed motor Solutions) follows an initial 18-month investigation which demonstrated how the proposed electric drive system improved on the performance of competing permanent magnet motors whilst removing the need for rare-earth magnets and copper windings.

One of the key partners in the project is UK electric motor specialist Advanced Electric Machines, which has been working on magnet-free electric motor technology for a number of years. The organisation was the recipient of the Grand Prix prize at The Engineers 2019 Collaborate To Innovate Awards.

Advanced Electric Machines Group CEO, Dr. James Widmer, said: “Having already worked closely with Bentley to successfully deliver a proof-of-concept, we look forward to this new project to push the performance, packaging and sustainability of electric vehicle drives to a new level, removing the need for rare-earths and copper and achieving the highest levels of system integration.”