# 131. Megawatt Motors For Electric Flight

- Show: [The Next Byte Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast)
- Published: 2023-07-18
- Length: 22m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-07-18-131-megawatt-motors-for-electric-flight
- Listen: https://the-next-byte-wevolver.simplecast.com/episodes/131-megawatt-electric-motor-for-electric-flight-24EAKH_S

## Summary

Hosts Daniel and Forbode discuss an MIT research team's development of a one-megawatt electric motor designed for regional and private jets, addressing the critical gap in high-power propulsion for electric flight. The team holistically optimized four key components—the stator, magnetic rotor, passive heat exchanger, and custom PCB-based power electronics—to achieve a weight of less than an adult passenger while delivering six times the power of a Tesla Model 3 drive unit. They highlight that while this motor is not yet sufficient for large commercial airliners like the A380, it enables viable hybrid powertrain systems for smaller aircraft, potentially reducing per-passenger carbon emissions significantly. The hosts note the team's upcoming full assembly and testing scheduled for the fall, marking a significant step toward practical electric aviation.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-07-18-131-megawatt-motors-for-electric-flight#t=0) Introduction and Sponsor Read: Autonomous Luggage
- [4:46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-07-18-131-megawatt-motors-for-electric-flight#t=286) The Electric Flight Problem: Power vs. Weight
- [9:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-07-18-131-megawatt-motors-for-electric-flight#t=542) MIT's One-Megawatt Motor Design and Components
- [12:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-07-18-131-megawatt-motors-for-electric-flight#t=725) Holistic Optimization and Hybrid Powertrain Potential
- [17:32](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-07-18-131-megawatt-motors-for-electric-flight#t=1052) Carbon Emissions Impact and Future Testing Milestones

## Topics

- [Energy & climate tech](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/energy-and-climate-tech)
- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Batteries & low-power design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/batteries-and-low-power)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- MIT (company)
- Tesla (company)
- Rolls-Royce (company)
- German Aerospace Center (company)
- Airbus A380 (product)
- Boeing 737 (product)
- Mouser Electronics (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Can We Electrify Aviation? Electric vs Fuel Planes #24](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hard-tech-podcast/2024-10-04-can-we-electrify-aviation-electric-vs-fuel-planes-24) (Hard Tech Podcast)
- [Why Electric Aviation Is Finally Becoming Possible | Anders Forslund](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2026-09-03-why-electric-aviation-is-finally-becoming-possible-anders-forslund) (Hardware to Save a Planet)
- [EP Systems: The Power Behind Electric Aviation](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2022-12-06-ep-systems-the-power-behind-electric-aviation) (Moore's Lobby)
- [At the Threshold of Greener and Cheaper Electric Motors for EVs with Robert Sansone, Young Innovator and Winner of the Regeneron ISEF Award](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2022-12-08-at-the-threshold-of-greener-and-cheaper-electric-motors-for-evs-with-robert-sans) (Hardware to Save a Planet)
- [Electrifying aviation with Kyle Clark of BETA Technologies](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2023-08-24-electrifying-aviation-with-kyle-clark-of-beta-technologies) (How I Built This)

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