Axial-Flux Motor
An axial-flux motor, sometimes called an axial-gap or pancake motor, is an electric motor whose main magnetic flux crosses the air gap roughly parallel to the shaft's axis.
What the name tells you
Axial flux describes the motor's geometry and magnetic path. In the more common radial-flux layout, the main flux crosses the air gap radially between concentric rotor and stator surfaces. An axial-flux design instead commonly uses disc-shaped rotors and stators, producing a motor that can be short along the shaft but wider in diameter.
The term does not say how the rotor field or torque is produced. Many automotive axial-flux designs are Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM), but axial flux is not another name for a permanent-magnet motor.
For an EV, the geometry can provide high torque from a short package and create different drivetrain-packaging options. It does not guarantee a particular power density or efficiency; cooling, magnetic loading, mechanical structure, inverter limits, and the complete duty cycle still determine performance.
For detailed layouts, operating principles, cooling, manufacturing, and EV applications, see Axial-Flux Permanent-Magnet Motors.