3-phase AC induction and brushless DC electric car motors are phased out now, with most brands switching to permanent magnet synchronous motors. While some await another transition to switched reluctance motors, the lesser mortals wonder how long these electric car motors last.
Electric car motors can last anywhere from 10 to more than 20 years or an average of 15. However, like all other components, electric car motors’ life expectancy depends on the manufacturing quality, technology and engineering, driving conditions, and maintenance.
Unlike the still evolving batteries, all contemporary electric car motors use technologies and engineering that have been operational in the real world and proven to be durable for around a century. Thus, electric car motors are undoubtedly reliable, but the question is to what extent?
The permanent magnet synchronous electric car motors manufactured by Siemens, ABB, Nidec, Toshiba, and Johnson Electric last long. However, the AC induction and brushless DC electric car motors are durable, too. The differences and consequences lie elsewhere.
The three types of electric car motors used in modern vehicles are:
Most electric cars from the ‘90s through the first decade of this century used brushless DC motors. The first Tesla Roadster and a few electric cars like General Motors EV-1 used the 3-phase AC induction motors.
Now, most of the top brands have switched to permanent magnet synchronous electric car motors, including Tesla. However, the reason for this tectonic shift is not enhanced longevity, but various factors, like:
| Electric Car Brand and Model | Type of Electric Car Motor |
| Tesla Roadster (First Generation) | AC Induction (Asynchronous) |
| Tesla Model S (First Generation) | AC Induction (Asynchronous) |
| Porsche Taycan | AC Synchronous |
| Tesla Model X | AC Induction (Asynchronous) |
| Tesla Model 3 | Internal Permanent Magnet Synchronous Reluctance |
| Tesla Model Y | Internal Permanent Magnet Synchronous Reluctance |
| Mercedes-Benz EQS | Permanent Magnet Synchronous |
| Tesla Model S Plaid | Carbon-Wrapped Internal Permanent Magnet |
| Lucid Air | Permanent Magnet Synchronous |
| Rimac Nevera | Permanent Magnet Synchronous* |
*Rimac Nevera has 4 permanent magnet synchronous electric car motors for each of its wheels.
None of these Tesla, Porsche, and Mercedes-Benz models has a bad motor. Lucid Air is yet to be tested by owners, so it will be a while before the world gets a real estimate. Rimac Nevera has one of the most robust and reliable motors in the world, but the car isn’t for ordinary folks.
Thus, the differences between alternating and direct currents, coupled with the effects of using induction, aka asynchronous, or synchronous speeds, do not have any significant impact on the life expectancy of a motor.
What matters is the original equipment manufacturer’s build quality and the design, engineering, and craftsmanship of the electric car maker, subject to models.
A synchronous motor’s rotor speed is in sync with the current’s frequency. An induction motor is asynchronous, so the rotor speed is not in perfect sync with the alternating current’s frequency. This difference has no impact on the longevity of a motor unless the build quality is in question.
We wrote an article where we discussed the question if Electric Can Cars Have Turbo? Check it out if this might interest you.
Permanent magnet synchronous motors do not have rotor windings. Otherwise, everything else is almost identical, except for the magnet. Rare earth magnets like those using neodymium, terbium, dysprosium, and other equally reliable materials can last a long time.
Thus, the motors housing these will serve you for decades. The only hiccup can be defects or poor maintenance.
Here’s how the IPM-SynRM electric car motor works in Tesla Model 3:
Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche have the best among long-lasting motors for every class of electric cars they make. General Motors, Honda, Volkswagen, Chevrolet, Nissan, and Hyundai use durable electric car motors. The jury is still out on Lucid Motors’ EVs.
The durability of electric car motors does not depend on the type but the quality. A few fans of Tesla are unhappy as the brand switched from the asynchronous motors because the induction versions used by the company were based on the original AC motor invented by Nikola Tesla.
However, Tesla did so due to the enhanced control, power, and efficiency of permanent magnet synchronous motors compared to AC induction models. Tesla did not ditch AC induction motors because they were less reliable or did not last long.
Likewise, Tesla’s decision to opt for the new carbon-wrapped permanent magnet synchronous motors has nothing to do with life expectancy.
Frequently Asked Question
Premium-quality electric car motors can last almost 500,000 miles (~805,000 km), subject to maintenance, coolant fluid status, and driving pattern.
Also, electric car motors are not invulnerable to electrical overload, overheating, excessive vibration, and low resistance.
Timely maintenance, including coolant fluid top-up, and not stressing a model beyond its capacity allow electric car motors to last around two decades.
