Developing Scalable High Voltage Low Power Motors (HVLP)

Electrified is building a new line of motors that run at up to 800 volts and 50 kilowatts, while keeping them compact enough to manufacture on the same assembly line that currently makes their low-voltage models. Today, most electric motors for off-highway vehicles—such as excavators, tractors, and forklifts—operate at low voltages, typically below 144 volts. That limits how much power they can deliver without becoming bulky or inefficient. Higher voltages allow more power to flow through smaller components, but designing motors that can handle 800 volts without overheating or failing is technically challenging. Electrified’s approach is to create a scalable motor family that works across a range of voltages, from 24 to 800 volts, using the same automated production line. This avoids the cost and complexity of building separate factories for high-voltage and low-voltage motors. If successful, the project could make electric drivetrains more practical for heavy machinery used in construction, agriculture, and mining. These vehicles currently rely heavily on diesel engines because electric alternatives have been too large or underpowered. A compact, high-voltage motor that can be mass-produced on existing equipment could accelerate the shift to electric off-highway fleets, reducing emissions and fuel costs in sectors that are hard to decarbonise. The motors would also serve as generators in power take-off systems, supplying electricity for hydraulic pumps or ancillary tools.