Key Takeaways
- Fering has chosen Turntide Technologies’ axial flux motors and inverters for its innovative parallel hybrid off-road vehicle platform.
- The integration features Turntide’s AF300S motors, recognized for their high power density, compact design, and robust performance, delivering 73 kW continuous power and 193.9 Nm continuous torque.
- This strategic collaboration aims to extend vehicle electrification into challenging and demanding applications, ensuring long-range capability and operational flexibility across diverse sectors.
- Fering’s decision was based on Turntide’s proven motor performance, reliability, and the comprehensive engineering support provided during vehicle integration and testing.
- Future plans include further drivetrain development and the creation of an advanced electrified drive unit, highlighting a continued commitment to pioneering sustainable mobility solutions for specialized vehicles.
Pioneering Hybrid Off-Road Capability
In a significant stride towards advanced sustainable mobility, off-road vehicle manufacturer Fering has officially announced its selection of Turntide Technologies’ cutting-edge axial flux motors and inverters. These critical components are slated for integration into Fering’s parallel hybrid drivetrain system, designed for a vehicle platform engineered to excel in long-range operations, demanding off-road conditions, and flexible deployment across various sectors.
The Strategic Partnership
According to a statement from Turntide Technologies, the collaboration involves supplying a primary axial flux traction motor, alongside a second motor designated for power generation. Complementing these powerful units are Turntide’s advanced inverters, which are essential for precise control and optimal performance of the entire electric powertrain. This integration marks a pivotal moment in the development of robust, efficient, and environmentally conscious specialized vehicles.
Unpacking Turntide’s Axial Flux Technology
The core of Fering’s new hybrid system lies in Turntide’s innovative axial flux motor technology. Unlike traditional radial flux motors, which feature a cylindrical design with flux running radially outwards, axial flux machines direct their magnetic flux along the shaft axis. This distinct architectural difference allows the rotor and stator components to be arranged as parallel discs, offering significant design and performance advantages for demanding automotive applications.
Precision Engineering: The AF300S Motor
Central to this partnership is Turntide’s AF300S motor, a high-performance unit specifically tailored for stringent applications. The AF300S delivers a continuous power output of 73 kW and a continuous torque of 193.9 Nm. For scenarios demanding intense bursts of power, the motor is capable of achieving 324 kW and 452.3 Nm of torque for 20-second intervals, ensuring robust performance under extreme conditions.
Operating efficiently at speeds up to 8,000 rpm and handling voltages up to 850 VDC, the AF300S is engineered for efficiency and reliability. These specifications highlight its suitability for applications where consistent power delivery and rapid responsiveness are paramount, such as in challenging off-road environments.
Understanding Axial Flux Advantages
One of the primary advantages of axial flux motors, particularly highlighted by the AF300S, is their exceptional power density and compact footprint. With dimensions of just 110 mm in length and 333.8 mm in diameter, the motor weighs a mere 28.4 kg dry. This ‘disc-like’ form factor stands in stark contrast to the typically longer cylindrical shape of radial flux motors offering comparable output.
This compact design was a critical factor in Fering’s selection process. The off-road vehicle manufacturer had a stringent requirement for the propulsion system to seamlessly integrate within the vehicle’s existing architecture without any compromise on performance or overall capability. The inherent design of the axial flux motor thus provided a superior solution for space-constrained applications without sacrificing power or efficiency.
Advanced Thermal Management
Maintaining optimal operating temperatures is crucial for the longevity and consistent performance of electric motors, especially in high-stress, off-road environments. The AF300S incorporates an indirect liquid loop cooling system, utilizing a mixture of water and ethylene glycol. This sophisticated thermal management solution ensures efficient heat dissipation, allowing the motor to sustain its high performance levels even during extended periods of heavy use and under varied environmental conditions, further enhancing the reliability of the hybrid off-road vehicle.
Designing for Demanding Environments
The Fering vehicle platform is explicitly designed for applications that push the boundaries of conventional mobility. Its emphasis on long-range capability, extreme off-road performance, and adaptability for multiple sectors — ranging from expeditionary travel to utility and perhaps even defense applications — necessitates a powertrain that can meet diverse and often harsh operational requirements.
Meeting Fering’s Design Imperatives
Fering’s rigorous evaluation process for its hybrid powertrain solutions involved assessing several axial flux motor suppliers during its development phase. The ultimate decision to partner with Turntide Technologies was a testament to the proven performance and reliability of Turntide’s motors. Equally significant was the extensive support provided by Turntide’s application engineering team, a crucial factor in successful integration into a complex vehicle platform.
The deep collaboration between Turntide’s engineering group and Fering throughout the vehicle integration and rigorous testing phases underscores the commitment to delivering a robust and highly capable vehicle. This hands-on approach ensures that the advanced motor technology is perfectly harmonized with Fering’s ambitious design parameters.
The Parallel Hybrid Configuration
The choice of a parallel hybrid drivetrain is a strategic one, offering a balanced approach between electric-only propulsion and internal combustion engine support. In a parallel hybrid system, both the electric motor and the internal combustion engine can directly power the wheels, either independently or in conjunction. This configuration provides the flexibility to operate purely on electric power for silent, emission-free travel in certain conditions, while also leveraging the range and rapid refueling capabilities of the internal combustion engine for extended journeys or when maximum power is required.
The dual motor setup—one for traction and another for power generation—enhances the system’s efficiency and redundancy. The generator motor can recharge the battery pack, enabling prolonged electric operation, or provide additional power to the traction motor when peak performance is needed. This design ethos is particularly beneficial for off-road vehicles that must contend with unpredictable terrains and limited access to charging infrastructure.
Collaborative Innovation and Future Roadmaps
The partnership between Fering and Turntide Technologies extends beyond the initial integration. Both companies have committed to further drivetrain work, indicating a long-term vision for continuous innovation in electrified vehicle technology. This forward-looking approach suggests ongoing research and development aimed at pushing the boundaries of what specialized hybrid and electric vehicles can achieve.
Rigorous Selection and Engineering Support
The meticulous selection process by Fering, evaluating several axial flux motor suppliers, highlights the competitive landscape in electric vehicle componentry. Turntide’s success in this rigorous assessment speaks volumes about the technical superiority and reliability of its axial flux motor offerings. The proactive engagement of Turntide’s application engineering group, working closely with Fering through every stage from integration to testing, proved instrumental.
This level of engineering collaboration is essential for complex projects, ensuring that advanced electric vehicle components are not just supplied, but seamlessly adapted and optimized for the unique demands of an innovative vehicle platform. Such partnerships foster a strong foundation for future advancements and mutual growth in the evolving EV sector.
Expanding Electrified Drivetrain Horizons
A key aspect of their future collaboration involves the development of an advanced electrified drive unit. This initiative signals a move towards even higher levels of integration and efficiency in Fering’s future vehicle offerings. Additionally, Turntide will provide ongoing support for vehicle demonstrations and industry events, showcasing the capabilities of this cutting-edge hybrid off-road vehicle to a wider audience.
Brad Bell, Turntide’s Chief Commercial Officer, articulated the broader significance of this development, stating, “Fering’s vehicle platform is a good example of how hybridization can extend electrification into demanding vehicle applications.” This perspective underscores the role of hybrid technology as a vital bridge, enabling the benefits of electrification—such as lower emissions, quieter operation, and instant torque—to be realized in sectors previously dominated by purely fossil-fueled vehicles due to range or power requirements.
Industry Implications and The Future of Off-Road Electrification
The Fering-Turntide collaboration sets a precedent for how specialized vehicle manufacturers can leverage advanced electric vehicle engineering to meet evolving market demands and environmental regulations. The increasing demand for sustainable and high-performance solutions in sectors like expedition, utility, and even defense, positions hybrid off-road vehicles as a crucial development.
The compact yet powerful nature of axial flux motors, combined with sophisticated inverter control, offers a blueprint for future vehicle designs where space efficiency, high torque density, and sustained power output are critical. As the global automotive industry continues its pivot towards electrification, innovations in components like axial flux motors will be instrumental in expanding the reach and capabilities of electric and hybrid powertrains into increasingly challenging and niche applications.
Hybridization as a Bridge Technology
The strategy of hybridization in demanding vehicle applications addresses key limitations of purely battery-electric vehicles, such as range anxiety, prolonged charging times in remote areas, and the weight penalties associated with very large battery packs required for extreme range. By integrating an efficient internal combustion engine with powerful electric motors, Fering’s platform can offer the best of both worlds: immediate electric torque and reduced emissions for certain operations, coupled with the extended range and rapid refueling capabilities of a traditional powertrain for long expeditions or emergency situations.
This approach paves the way for a more gradual and practical transition to full electrification in specialized segments that require robust, self-sufficient solutions. The continued evolution of such hybrid systems will be critical in driving sustainable mobility forward across the entire spectrum of automotive engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes axial flux motors suitable for off-road vehicles?
Axial flux motors are ideal for off-road vehicles due to their high power density and compact, ‘disc-like’ form factor. This allows them to fit into tight spaces without compromising performance, delivering substantial torque and power essential for navigating challenging terrains and demanding operational conditions. Their efficiency also contributes to better range in hybrid setups.
What specific components did Turntide supply to Fering?
Turntide Technologies supplied Fering with its AF300S axial flux traction motor, a second axial flux motor designated for power generation, and the necessary inverters to control both motors. These components collectively form the electric core of Fering’s advanced parallel hybrid drivetrain system, ensuring precise power delivery and energy management.
What are the key performance specifications of Turntide’s AF300S motor?
The AF300S motor boasts 73 kW of continuous power and 193.9 Nm of continuous torque. For short bursts, it can achieve 324 kW of power and 452.3 Nm of torque for 20 seconds. It operates at up to 8,000 rpm and supports voltages up to 850 VDC, featuring an indirect liquid cooling system for sustained performance.
Why did Fering choose Turntide Technologies over other suppliers?
Fering evaluated several axial flux motor suppliers during its development process. The company ultimately selected Turntide Technologies due to the superior performance and reliability of their motors, coupled with the extensive engineering support provided by Turntide’s application team throughout the vehicle integration and testing phases.
What are the future plans for the Fering-Turntide partnership?
The collaboration is set to continue with further drivetrain development, including the creation of a future electrified drive unit. Turntide will also provide ongoing support for vehicle demonstrations and industry events, showcasing the capabilities and advancements of Fering’s cutting-edge hybrid off-road vehicle platform to a wider audience and industry stakeholders.
How does hybridization benefit demanding vehicle applications?
Hybridization extends electrification into demanding applications by combining the strengths of electric power (instant torque, quiet operation, reduced emissions) with the range and rapid refueling of traditional internal combustion engines. This approach overcomes challenges like range anxiety and infrastructure limitations, making electrification viable for long-range, heavy-duty, and off-grid operations.