Founded in 2009 by Dr Tim Woolmer at Oxford University. Developed permanent-magnet axial-flux motor for Morgan LIFEcar in 2008. Acquired by Mercedes-Benz in July 2021. Plans new headquarters at RAF base in Bicester, Oxfordshire in 2024
Arago first demonstrated rotating magnetic fields in 1824 using copper disk and needle. Babbage and Herschel discovered horseshoe magnet induced rotation in Arago's disk. Baily demonstrated primitive induction motor in 1879 using electromagnets. Ferraris built first AC 3-phase generator in 1887. Tesla built working prototype in 1887
Premium efficiency refers to specific types of electric motors with rotating shafts. Motor efficiency is defined as output mechanical power divided by electric input power. Energy represents over 97% of total motor operating costs
Commutator is a rotary switch reversing current direction in DC machines. Consists of metal segments and brushes pressed against rotating armature. Brushes made of soft materials like carbon press against segments
Electric motors convert electrical energy into mechanical energy through magnetic field interaction. Motors can operate on DC or AC power sources. They consist of rotor (moving) and stator (stationary) with magnetic field
IEC published efficiency classes standard for line-operated AC motors in 2014. Standard harmonizes global energy efficiency classes for electric motors. Expanded coverage to include 8-pole motors and introduced IE4 efficiency class