Over the past ten years, the brushless has become the benchmark in terms of motorization. It is now widely accepted that brushless engines offer more power and better efficiency than a brushed motor. With such an engine, you will get longer range and higher top speeds, but although the technology is superior, a brushless engine is not necessarily the answer to every situation. We have written this guide to help RC enthusiasts weigh the pros and cons of brushless motors and make the right choice of motorization.
What is the difference between a brushless motor and a brushed motor?
How does an electric motor work?
The internal workings of brushless motors and brushed motors are based on the same principle. An electric motor always contains a stator (the fixed part of the motor) and a rotor (the rotating part of the motor). It works by producing magnetic fields, whose attractive force and opposite pole induce a torque that rotates the central rotor and thus the motor. The difference between an brushed motor and a brushless motor lies mainly in the location of the magnets and coils and in how the current is supplied to the coils.
How a brushed motor works
In a brushed motor, the stator is equipped with magnets and the rotor contains coils. These two parts generate magnetic fluxes that must be connected to produce the rotational force of the rotor, which drives the motor shaft and therefore the wheels. This commutation occurs through the constant friction of graphite conductors, the carbon brushes, against the stator magnets. This is why the brushed motor is also called a brushed motor, brush motor, or DC motor.
The friction between the brushes and the stator is the reason why this motor is less efficient than a brushless motor. This friction also causes greater wear and tear. Due to their affordable price, brushed motors are generally supplied with most entry-level or mid-range radio-controlled cars.
How a brushless motor works
In a brushless motor, the location of the coils and permanent magnets is reversed, i.e., the rotor is equipped with magnets and the stator contains the coils. As its name suggests, the brushless motor operates without brushes. so these two elements are connected by a microprocessor that synchronizes the position of the magnets and coils so that their magnetic fields are constantly opposed, generating a force that drives the motor shaft.
The absence of friction in this type of motor means virtually no maintenance and excellent performance
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brushless motors are used in cars. High-end radio-controlled models since 2003/2004.How can you recognize a brushless motor?
The first indicator can be found in the product description, where we always specify the type of motor used. We also offer filters on the categories so that you can select only cars with brushless motors or cars with brushed motors.
Alternatively, you can identify the type of motor by counting the wires connecting the ESC to the motor: a brushed motor will usually have only two wires, while a brushless motor will use 3 or more wires.
What are the advantages of a brushless motor?
The advantages of a brushless motor
- Efficiency: battery life is generally longer and heat production is lower.
- Higher top speed: thanks to reduced friction and efficient motor torque, higher speeds can be achieved.
- Reduced wear: apart from bearing replacement, brushless motors require minimal maintenance car as there are no Brushed to wear out.
Disadvantages of a brushless motor
- Cost: brushless engines are more expensive.
- Complexity: requires a more advanced ESC.
- Possible "jumping" sensation between poles if the motor does not have enough of them.
Which motor should you choose between brushless and brushed?
If you like driving a crawler (such as the Traxxas Defender), which requires climbing rocks at low speed, a brushed motor is ideal. This type of motor is also perfect for children looking for a robust and easily controllable system. On the other hand, if you want a high-speed, high-power model (such as the Traxxas Unlimited Desert Racer), a brushless motor will be more suitable (click here to see our brushless motor buying guide).
Note that beyond the motor/ESC, many manufacturers also choose components such as bearings and drive shafts that can withstand the power of the brushless. It is therefore not uncommon to get a car that looks very similar to a brushed car, but is cheaper and has the added advantage of being greatly improved.
A powerful engine = a powerful battery
Remember that to get the most out of a brushless car, you will probably end up Buy more expensive, high-energy-density Lipo batteries. These require more complicated and expensive equipment to charge, balance, use, and store safely.
Improper use of these batteries can result in permanent damage or, if mishandled, cause a fire. We do not recommend that children handle batteries without adult supervision, but this is even more important when dealing with extremely powerful LiPo batteries.
