The iBEE (inner Brushless Electrical Excitation) motor system, developed through a partnership between Valeo and MAHLE, is explicitly designed to match or even surpass the performance, including power density, of traditional permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) that use rare-earth magnets.
Here's what the developers and reports state regarding its power density:
* Initial Target: Valeo's initial development of magnet-free motors (which iBEE builds upon) aimed to increase power density by 30% compared to the "current motors equipping the current OEM's vehicles on the road." This implies a significant leap from existing rare-earth magnet motors in some applications.
* Matching/Exceeding Performance: Subsequent reports and the joint development announcements for iBEE consistently state that the technology aims to "revolutionize performance and efficiency of magnet-free electric motors" and that its "performances are matching the level of permanent magnet electric motors" for various vehicle segments. Some even say it can "match, if not exceed, the performance metrics of traditional magnet-based motors."
* High Power Output: The iBEE system is designed to target upper segment electric vehicles with peak power ranging from 220 kW to 350 kW. This is a high power output for EV motors.
* Innovative Cooling: A key factor contributing to their ability to achieve high power density and a superior continuous-to-peak power ratio is an innovative cooling concept that Mahle and Valeo are working on. Effective cooling allows the motor to operate at higher power levels for longer durations without overheating, which directly impacts power density (power per unit volume or weight).
In summary:
The goal of iBEE is not just to be a rare-earth-free alternative, but to be a performance competitor or even leader in terms of power density. While specific numerical comparisons (e.g., kW/kg or kW/L for the iBEE prototype versus a specific rare-earth magnet motor) are not widely published for the exact iBEE system yet (as it's still in development and testing), the companies' stated aim and early results indicate that the iBEE motor is designed to achieve comparable or even higher power density than current rare-earth magnet motors in EV applications.
This is a significant claim because historically, permanent magnet motors, especially those with rare-earth magnets, have been favored for their high power density and efficiency. If iBEE can deliver on its promises, it represents a major breakthrough in magnet-free motor technology.
