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7 | Both AC and DC motors have further subdivisions, as shown in Figure 3. Later articles will give more details on these types of motors, how they operate, and the applications where they can be best employed. Comparison of Benefits Every application is different; choosing between an AC motor or a DC motor requires many complex decisions, which this guide will address later. Generally, AC motors are more robust and, because of the way they operate, have higher torque levels than DC motors. They are flexible with controllable startup current levels, and their acceleration and speed can be matched to loads more easily. DC motors are more straightforward to install and maintain. They offer high power and torque straight from power up and respond more quickly to starting, stopping, and acceleration. The Future of Electric Motors Electric motors have been around almost as long as electricity has been reliably harnessed. Only 34 years separated Alessandro Volta's invention of the battery in 1800 and Moritz Jacobi's development of an electric motor with usable mechanical power. Since then, motors have continued to evolve to meet the demands of users. The need for more efficient motors drives the current market and will continue to do so in the near- to medium-term future. Even though there has been a lot of progress made recently toward making both motors and the circuits that drive them more efficient, there is still a massive demand for further innovation. For example, electric vehicle manufacturers are demanding more powerful and lighter motors to increase energy density and mileage. In other applications, designers want motors that do not use rare-earth minerals in their construction to make them cheaper and negate any supply chain issues that may arise. Those demands will ensure that motor technology is as relevant as ever and will continue to be extended into the future. Sources 1 "Electric Motors Market Size, Share, Industry Analysis [2022-2030]," MarketsandMarkets, November 2024, https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Market-Reports/electric-motor-market- alternative-fuel-vehicles-717.html. 2 "Electric Motors and Variable Speed Drives," European Commission, accessed January 26, 2024, https://commission. europa.eu/energy-climate-change- environment/standards-tools-and-labels/ products-labelling-rules-and-requirements/ energy-label-and-ecodesign/energy- efficient-products/electric-motors- and-variable-speed-drives_en. 3 Fluke, "New Testing Approach Matches Real World Conditions," Blog, May 9, 2021, https://www.fluke.com/en-us/ learn/blog/power-quality/testing- matches-real-world-conditions. About the author: Alistair Winning Since graduating with a BSc in Electronic Systems from the University of the West of Scotland in 1997, Allistair has worked in electronics media across marketing, PR, and journalism roles. During that time, he worked as the editor of Electronics Engineering, Embedded Systems Europe, EENews Embedded, Technology First, Electronic Product Design and Test, and Panel Building and Systems Integration magazines. Currently, Allistair is the European Editor of Power Systems Design and a freelance writer, specializing in electronics and engineering.