As the global push toward electrification accelerates, the spotlight often falls on batteries, software, and charging infrastructure. Yet, at the heart of every electric drivetrain lies a component that quietly determines performance, efficiency, and reliability: the motor. And in the world of off-highway machinery—where conditions are often extreme—durability and consistent output are essential to daily operations.
Enter the XPM, a high-efficiency Permanent Magnet AC (PMAC) motor engineered specifically for the demands of material handling, construction, and agricultural applications. Developed to deliver uncompromising performance in rugged environments, the XPM is a strategic enabler for OEMs and system integrators navigating the complex transition to electric power.
The Electrification Imperative in Off-Highway Applications
Electrification is no longer confined to passenger vehicles—and in fact, it never truly was. Electric forklifts, for example, have been here for nearly 50 years. Driven by tightening emissions regulations, rising fuel costs, and growing demand for quieter, cleaner machines, industries like construction and logistics are rapidly adopting electric alternatives on a large scale. However, these sectors present unique challenges: high torque demands, variable duty cycles, and exposure to dust, moisture, and vibration.
Traditional induction motors, while proven, often fall short in these conditions—particularly in terms of efficiency. PMAC motors, by contrast, offer superior energy conversion, compact form factors, and better thermal performance. The XPM builds on these advantages with a design tailored to the realities of off-highway use.
Consider, for example, an electric skid steer loader operating on a construction site. These machines must frequently start and stop under load, maneuver in tight spaces, and push or lift heavy materials—often on uneven terrain. In such scenarios, high torque density is a necessity. A motor that can deliver strong torque in a compact footprint allows the machine to maintain agility and power without requiring oversized components that add weight or complexity. The XPM’s ability to deliver high torque at low speeds ensures that equipment like this can perform demanding tasks efficiently, even in the most constrained and rugged environments.
Two Variants, One Platform: XPM-40A and XPM-80A
The XPM motor family is available in two distinct variants—XPM-40A and XPM-80A—each engineered to meet different performance demands while sharing the same rugged DNA. The XPM-40A is the more compact of the two, offering a balance of torque and efficiency that makes it ideal for mid-sized applications such as electric forklifts, compact loaders, or AGVs. It delivers a peak torque of 31.3 Nm for short bursts and sustains 13.8 Nm over longer duty cycles, making it a versatile choice for platforms where space is limited but performance cannot be compromised.
On the other hand, the XPM-80A is designed for heavier-duty applications that require more muscle. With a peak torque output of 62 Nm and a continuous rating of 21.2 Nm, it doubles the torque capacity of the 40A model, making it well-suited for larger construction equipment, high-capacity material handlers, or agricultural machinery. Despite their differences in output, both models share the same high-efficiency PMAC architecture, IP66-rated protection, and seamless compatibility with Inmotion drives.
This modularity allows OEMs to scale performance across different vehicle classes without redesigning their entire drivetrain architecture—streamlining development while maintaining consistency in quality and integration.
IP66 Ruggedness: Engineered for the Elements
One of the most critical requirements for off-highway electrification is environmental protection. Machines operate in open fields, dusty warehouses, and wet construction sites—conditions that can quickly degrade unprotected components. The XPM addresses this with IP66-rated ingress protection, meaning it is completely dust-tight and resistant to high-pressure water jets from any direction. The motor housing is sealed with precision gaskets and reinforced connectors to prevent ingress of contaminants that could compromise performance or safety.
To understand the real-world value of this protection, consider a typical use case: an electric telehandler operating on a construction site during a sudden downpour. Without proper sealing, water can seep into the motor housing, shorting internal components and forcing the machine offline.
In a high-stakes environment where every hour of downtime delays project timelines and inflates labor costs, a single failure can result in thousands of dollars in lost productivity—not to mention the cost of emergency repairs or replacement. With the XPM, that risk is dramatically reduced. Its IP66-rated design ensures that even in the face of heavy rain, mud splashes, or high-pressure washdowns, the motor keeps running—delivering consistent performance when it matters most.
This ruggedness ensures longer operational life, reduced maintenance intervals, and greater reliability in mission-critical applications. Whether mounted on a telehandler in a gravel pit or a forklift in a refrigerated warehouse, the XPM is built to endure.
PMAC Architecture: The Physics of Efficiency
At the core of the XPM’s performance is its Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) design—a subset of PMAC motors. Unlike induction motors, which rely on induced currents in the rotor and suffer from slip losses, PMAC motors use high-strength rare-earth magnets embedded in the rotor. This allows the rotor to rotate in perfect synchrony with the stator’s magnetic field, eliminating slip and significantly improving efficiency.
The result? Energy conversion efficiencies that reach an impressive 95% under optimal load and speed conditions. In contrast, typical industrial-grade induction motors operate at 75% to 85% efficiency under similar conditions. This 10% improvement translates directly into lower energy consumption, reduced heat generation, and smaller battery requirements—all of which contribute to a lower total cost of ownership.
Moreover, PMAC motors maintain high torque density across a wide speed range, making them ideal for applications with frequent starts, stops, and load variations—common in material handling and construction equipment. The XPM features a concentrated winding design, which enables a more compact motor architecture and contributes to its exceptional torque density—key to its performance advantage in space-constrained, high-demand environments.
Thermal Management: Efficiency Meets Endurance
But high efficiency is only part of the equation. In demanding environments, thermal stability is equally important. Excess heat not only reduces motor lifespan but can also degrade performance and safety.
The XPM is designed with advanced thermal management features, including optimized winding geometry, high-conductivity materials, and optional liquid cooling configurations for high-power applications. These design choices ensure that the motor maintains peak performance even under continuous heavy loads or in high ambient temperatures.
By minimizing thermal stress, the XPM reduces the risk of derating, extends service intervals, and supports consistent output—key advantages for fleets operating in multi-shift or high-duty-cycle environments.
Plug-and-Play Integration: Reducing Engineering Complexity
One of the most time-consuming aspects of electrification is system integration. Mismatched components, incompatible communication protocols, and custom mechanical interfaces can delay development and increase costs.
The XPM simplifies this process with plug-and-play compatibility with Inmotion drives. This includes standardized electrical connectors, pre-configured firmware settings, and support for common industrial communication protocols such as CANopen, SAE J1939, and Modbus.
This level of integration reduces engineering hours, accelerates prototyping, and minimizes the risk of configuration errors. For OEMs, it means faster time to market. For system integrators, it means smoother commissioning. And for end users, it means a more reliable and maintainable machine.
Customization and Support: Built Around Your Application
Electrification is not one-size-fits-all. Different machines have different torque-speed profiles, mounting constraints, and control requirements. That’s why the XPM is available with custom mechanical and electrical interfaces, allowing it to be tailored to specific applications.
Whether it’s a unique shaft geometry, a non-standard mounting flange, or a specific encoder type, our engineering team works closely with customers to deliver a solution that fits—mechanically, electrically, and operationally.
Equally important is our local technical support. From initial design consultation to field troubleshooting, our regional teams provide hands-on assistance to ensure that every XPM motor performs as expected in the real world. This commitment to support reduces risk, shortens development cycles, and builds long-term customer confidence.
The Strategic Value of the XPM
The XPM offers a compelling value proposition:
- IP66-rated durability ensures performance in the harshest environments
- Up to 20% energy savings reduce operating costs and extend battery life
- PMAC architecture delivers high torque density and thermal stability
- Plug-and-play integration simplifies system design and accelerates deployment
- Custom interfaces and local support enable seamless adaptation and long-term reliability
But beyond specifications, the XPM represents a shift in how electric powertrains are designed and deployed. With its combination of rugged construction, high efficiency, seamless integration, and application-specific flexibility, it empowers OEMs and system integrators to build the next generation of electric machines—faster, smarter, and more sustainably.
Whether you're designing a new electric platform or upgrading an existing fleet, the XPM is ready to power your innovation.
Download the XPM datasheet to learn more about how our motor can help you electrify with confidence.
Author: Francesco Patroncini