Motor matters

New designs and materials are key to the next generation of electric machines for EV propulsion.

With the momentum to expand vehicle electrification increasing steadily, the industry is beginning to arrange the pieces for its multi-billion-dollar transformation of powertrain development.

Ford said it intends to have some 40 electrified models in showrooms by 2022, including 16 all-new battery-electric vehicles. Honda projects electrified vehicles will account for two-thirds of the company's global sales by 2030. General Motors plans 20 electrified models globally by 2023. Even Ferrari is joining the march. As the list grows, it's clear that in a few years, propulsion-system electrification no longer will be news per se. The dialogue will then shift to key differentiators in design, engineering and manufacturing that impact efficiency.