In a major leap forward for electric motor technology, scientists from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) have unveiled a radically new type of electric motor—one that doesn’t rely on traditional copper wire coils. Instead, it uses advanced carbon nanotube-based cables, developed through a cutting-edge material science technique.
This innovation isn’t just another enhancement—it represents a paradigm shift in how electric motors are designed and built.
The Science Behind the Innovation
The team at KIST employed a technique called lyotropic liquid crystal surface texturing, which allowed them to align carbon nanotubes with near-perfect precision. These nanotubes form both the core and the outer shell of the wire, creating a conductive composite that rivals—and in some ways surpasses—copper.
Even in its early stage, the cable shows exceptional performance. A prototype just 0.3 mm thick (including insulation) features a 256-micron conductive core and 10-micron shell—yet it’s capable of powering full-scale electric motors.
Performance That Outpaces Traditional Conductors
What sets this material apart is not only its conductivity but also its lightweight nature and resilience. These carbon nanotube wires deliver 130% higher conductivity than traditional conductors, while being significantly lighter. In fact, copper coils can make up up to 25% of a traditional electric motor’s mass. Replacing them with this new material could reduce the weight of a Tesla Model S motor by 16 kilograms.
This weight reduction has massive implications—especially in sectors like aerospace and electric aviation, where every gram counts.
Game-Changer for Aerospace and Electric Aviation
In electric air taxis, such as those produced by Joby Aviation, switching from copper to nanotube wiring could save up to 227 kilograms. That’s a transformative difference for aircraft performance, battery efficiency, and payload capacity.
Despite the promise, the technology isn’t without challenges. The production process is still costly, and the electrical conductivity—while impressive—still falls short of the best copper conductors. Additionally, electrical systems would need to be redesigned entirely to accommodate the new material.
Conclusion: Lighter, Smarter, and More Efficient
While the carbon nanotube motor cables are still in their early days, they represent the future of electrical engineering. From reduced motor weight to enhanced energy efficiency, the potential applications stretch across industries—from EVs to drones to satellites.
With ongoing improvements and scaling efforts, this breakthrough may soon bring us quieter, lighter, and more powerful electric machines, while redefining what’s possible in the world of sustainable transportation.
