Comparison of Optimized Electrically Excited Wound-Field and Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors for Light EV Applications

This paper presents a comparative design and performance analysis of an Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine (IPMSM) and an Electrically Excited Synchronous Machine (EESM) optimized for light electric vehicle (EV) applications. Both machines are evaluated under identical dimensional, thermal, and performance constraints using a multi-objective optimization framework based on semi-analytical modeling and 2D finite element analysis (FEA). The results show that, while the IPMSM delivers higher peak torque and slightly lower torque ripple, the EESM achieves competitive efficiency, especially in mid-to-high speed regions, without relying on rare-earth materials. Efficiency map analysis confirms that the EESM offers superior performance under medium- to high-speed conditions, making it well suited for urban EV operation.