GM's Ultium electric motors could yield 1,000hp

General Motors (GM) recently revealed its trio of electric motors that will power its Ultium-based EVs.

Designed in-house by GM, a 180-kilowatt front-drive motor, a 255-kW rear- and front-drive motor, and a 62kW all-wheel drive assist motor will compose the Ultium Drive.

As many as three electric motors can be used in one EV, the manufacturer said. Select variants of the 2022 GMC Hummer EV will reportedly feature three separate 255kW motors, yielding a GM-estimated output of 1,000 horsepower. 

"All three motors were calibrated in-house to ensure the highest level of performance in Ultium-based EVs. The motors were built as a scalable family, sharing design principles as well as similar tooling and manufacturing strategies," GM said. 

Recently, Honda divulged that its future EVs will use the Ultium platform

In developing the e-motors, GM said its engineers used computer-assisted and virtual engineering for a quicker, safer, and a more cost-effective production. 

Artificial intelligence and machine learning also helped in determining the most efficient ways to distribute torque in three-motor systems. In the Hummer EV, the smart torque distribution aims to make the vehicle capable off-road and on surface streets.

The software behind GM's EV motors can be reused in many applications, providing fast go-to-market times as well as the foundation for future EV expansion. 

GM also designed the software of key power electronics components, such as the power inverter module or inverter, which converts DC voltage from the battery to AC voltage to power the motor.

GM boasted that because of its expertise in software, motor design and development, the Hummer EV can sprint from zero to 100kph in just three seconds.  

Also part of the Hummer's list of abilities is the reversal the power flow of the battery. With advanced vehicle hardware, the EV SUV can jump-charge another electric vehicle, as well as power a variety of equipment and accessories.

Photos from General Motors

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