The present status of electrical machines in vehicles

The automotive industry currently produces over 50 million vehicles worldwide with an average of 20 electrical machines giving a total production of 1 billion. Assuming an average cost of £15 per machine, the value becomes £15 billion. Electrical machines fall into three main categories: alternators-to provide power for the electrical auxiliaries; starters-for engine starting; and motors and actuators-to drive and control the wide range of auxiliaries now used on vehicles. These three categories are described in the paper