ZF Develops a 30,000 rpm Electric Drive With Half the Magnets
ZF has developed an electric drive unit that spins at up to 30,000 rpm and needs about half the magnet material of a comparable unit. The High Revolution Drive produces 200 kW (268 hp) and is about 25 per cent lighter and smaller than the equivalent ZF drive it is compared with. Electrive reported it on 6 November and InsideEVs on 9 November; ZF aims for series production by 2030.
Key takeaways
- Maximum speed 30,000 rpm, against 18,000 rpm for the comparable SELECT unit.
- 200 kW peak and 3,500 Nm at the wheel through an 18:1 two-stage reduction.
- About 25 per cent less weight and installation space, with magnet use cut by half.
- Pre-series stage now; series production targeted by 2030, with no customer named.
How the drive works
The High Revolution Drive is based on ZF's modular SELECT platform and combines the electric motor, inverter and transmission in one 3-in-1 unit. A two-stage spur gear reduction with a ratio of about 18:1 brings the motor's speed down to wheel speed. The "two-stage" description refers to two successive reductions, so the car still has a single fixed gear. Peak torque at the wheel is 3,500 Nm. ZF calls 30,000 rpm the technical and economic "sweet spot" for this configuration. The unit is designed for both 400-volt and 800-volt systems, and production versions are expected to cover roughly 150-200 kW.
Why high speed matters
A motor's power depends on torque multiplied by speed, so a faster-spinning motor can deliver the same power with less torque and a smaller rotor and stator. ZF compares the new drive with a SELECT unit of the same 200 kW output and a maximum of 18,000 rpm: the High Revolution Drive needs about 25 per cent less installation space, weighs about 25 per cent less and uses half the magnet material, which cuts cost and dependence on rare-earth supply. Efficiency is similar to the comparison unit, at almost 93 per cent according to InsideEVs.
The move fits a wider trend. An RWTH Aachen study published in November found that newer electric car drives increasingly exceed 20,000 rpm, with the fastest reaching 30,500 rpm.
Where ZF stands
The drive is in the pre-series phase. ZF says it is in talks with several carmakers but has not named any customers or vehicles. After reviewing whether to make or buy, ZF decided in spring to keep developing and producing electric motors and inverters in-house, although its e-drive division is under cost pressure because of lower-than-expected demand. ZF is better known to drivers for its automatic gearboxes, covered in our guide to ZF gearboxes.
What it means for buyers
Nothing changes in showrooms before the end of the decade. If carmakers adopt drives like this, future mid-range electric cars could get lighter drive units with fewer rare-earth magnets at the same power. Follow further supplier news in our car news section.
Sources
- electrive: ZF develops 30,000 rpm electric drive (6 Nov 2026) (accessed 12 Nov 2026)
- InsideEVs: This New EV Motor Spins To 30,000 RPM. It's Designed For Normal Cars (9 Nov 2026) (accessed 12 Nov 2026)
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