SAIETTA is growing its global reputation in eDrive design, development and manufacturing for lightweight automotive applications from its impressive industrial premises at Silverstone Park.
The business is a leading innovator in low voltage electric motors, power electronics and transmissions, chiefly for the lightweight mobility market (small vehicles).
It has become renowned and highly respected for its patented ‘Axial Flux Technology (AFT) motors; these fit a niche that is rapidly increasing the demand for low voltage, very high torque and power-dense motors.
More recently, SAIETTA has finalised development of conventional radial flux motors (RFT) for 48-volt two- and three-wheeled applications where cost is the driving factor.
Simon Duke, Head of Engineering, explained: “Our axial flux motor is a patented design – the ‘AFT140i’ – and appeals to companies looking to convert smaller vehicles to electric powertrains, such as snowmobiles in Finland that traditionally use two-stroke petrol engines.”
Matt Sanders, Business Development Manager, added:
“The vision of the business is to clean up the air in the world’s ‘mega cities’, such as in Asia where auto rickshaws and small four-wheeled vehicles in those markets tend to be powered by small one- or two-cylinder diesel engines.
“In recent years there has been a growth in the western markets for so called ‘last-mile delivery’ vehicles, so the AFT eDrives and powertrain systems we have developed are also very suitable for applications in Europe and USA.” (‘Last mile delivery’ is the final phase of delivering goods, typically in low-speed urban environments.)
Matt continued: “New, more efficient logistics models are being developed by businesses, such as ‘hub and spoke’ systems which use smaller vehicles linking central depots and local distribution centres.”
Around 50 people are employed at SAIETTA’s ‘Global Technical Centre’ at Silverstone Park with around 70% of those in engineering roles.
“The location gives us good links with other future powertrain businesses, both here on-site and in the local area,” said Simon.
“It’s here we are developing motors, power electronics and transmissions from a clean sheet of paper, through detailed analysis and design, testing and machining for prototypes in the earlier stages of development.
“We use some of the test facilities at Silverstone Park and we’ve had early discussions with some businesses on the Park who are working in the electrification arena. It’s very convenient to have these facilities and potential customers as neighbours.
“We also try to take part in the networking events that Silverstone Park and the Silverstone Technology Cluster invite us to. It’s a fast moving and exciting location to be.”
Inside SAIETTA’s Silverstone Park premises, several dynamometer rigs enable motors to be tested for performance and efficiency, whilst three climatic chambers test durability at temperatures varying from -40 to +80 deg C. A fourth chamber puts the motors through a ‘thermal shock’ in which they experience a sudden plunge from extreme heat to freezing cold temperatures.
From snowmobiles in Finland to UTVs (utility terrain vehicles) and ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) in North America to three- and four-wheeled vehicles in India and Europe, use of SAIETTA’s motors is increasing globally.
For example, in America, the LSV (Low Speed Vehicle) manufacturer Ayro is using SAIETTA’s eDrives to power its lightweight truck for use in leisure complexes and university and college campuses, as well as urban deliveries where zero tailpipe emissions are mandated.
In its joint venture company, SAIETTA VNA in India, the business is manufacturing eDrives for other customers in the Indian market.
Simon enthused: “People in this building are creating new designs and products. Recently we’ve built the first prototypes of two new motor designs which are currently being tested in-house to see what they do in terms of performance, efficiency and durability. It’s an exciting moment for us.”
Related articles:
