A novel high-power-density permanent magnet (PM) motor drive for electric vehicles (EVs) is proposed. The motor is a polyphase multipole square-wave PM motor, which can be classified as a kind of PM brushless DC motor. The distinct features of the proposed motor as compared to those of the conventional PM brushless DC motor are as follows. First, the multipole magnetic circuit arrangement enables the minimization of the magnetic yoke, resulting in the reduction of motor volume and weight. Second, the coil span is purposely designed to be equal to one slot pitch, thus saving the amount of copper used. Third, by using a fractional number of slots per pole per phase, the arrangement of the numbers of poles and slots is so unique that the magnetic force between the stator and the rotor at any rotating position is uniform, hence eliminating the cogging torque that usually occurs in PM motors. Finally, the motor can be controlled to operate at a constant torque region and a constant power region with field weakening, thus both high starting torque and high cruising speed can be achieved. Therefore, as the proposed motor drive possesses the distinct advantages of high power density, high efficiency, and superior dynamic performance, it is very suitable for EV applications. A prototype of a five-phase 22-pole 5 kW motor drive has been designed for an experimental EV.
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