To achieve stable flight and agile maneuverability, drones rely on the coordinated operation of their propulsion systems, with motors at their core. As the key components for energy conversion, motors serve as the “power heart” of drones.

From a technological evolution perspective, drone motors have completed a significant leap from brushed to brushless designs. These two types operate on different principles to suit distinct scenarios: Brushed motors switch current direction through mechanical contact between brushes and commutators, enabling rotor windings to cut through the magnetic field and generate power. Their simple structure and low cost are offset by friction losses, resulting in limited efficiency (only 70%-80%) and short lifespan (approximately 50 hours). Today, they are primarily used in toy-grade micro drones. Brushless motors employ electronic commutation technology. By energizing stator windings to generate a rotating magnetic field, they drive the rotation of permanent magnets in the rotor. This eliminates mechanical wear entirely, boosting efficiency to 85%-90% and extending lifespan to tens of thousands of hours. Response times achieve millisecond-level control, making them the mainstream configuration for multi-rotor and fixed-wing drones.

Motor performance differences can be precisely quantified through key parameters, with KV value being the most critical metric. It represents the increase in no-load speed per 1V voltage increase. For example, a 1000KV motor can reach 12000RPM at 12V, while a 3000KV motor achieves 36000RPM, translating to 300 revolutions per second. These parameter differences dictate application scenarios: High-KV motors (2500KV+) offer high speed but low torque, suited for small blades in racing drones; Mid-KV motors (1500-2500KV) balance speed and torque, meeting aerial photography demands; Low-KV motors (below 1500KV) deliver ample torque and, paired with large propellers, become the preferred choice for cargo drones. Power directly correlates with load capacity. Calculated as “Power = Voltage × Current,” it is closely tied to motor dimensions. Motors typically labeled by “diameter × length” have power approximately proportional to the square of the diameter plus the length. For example, a 2208 motor delivers about 20-30 watts, while a 3510 motor can reach 100-150 watts, capable of carrying payloads exceeding 1 kilogram.

The motor's efficient operation relies on the coordinated functioning of the entire power system, forming a clear signal flow and energy chain: The flight control system sends PWM signals with a 1000-2000μs cycle. The electronic speed controller receives and decodes the speed command, converting the battery's chemical energy into regulated electrical energy input to the motor. The motor then converts electromagnetic energy into mechanical energy to drive the propeller rotation, ultimately generating lift or thrust. During different flight phases, the motor's operating mode dynamically adjusts: During takeoff, the ESC outputs full power, with the motor spinning at high speed to provide strong lift. In cruise phase, the flight controller adjusts current in real-time to maintain stable RPM. During landing, the motor gradually decelerates to achieve smooth thrust decay. This coordination requires strict matching principles. For instance, the ESC's rated current must exceed the motor's maximum operating current by 20%. Propeller-motor pairing also follows the rule: “l(fā)ow KV for large diameters, high KV for small diameters.”

As drones penetrate deeper into industrial applications, motor technology is advancing toward greater efficiency and higher power. The adoption of silicon carbide (SiC) devices boosts energy efficiency by over 15%, while intelligent control algorithms further refine speed regulation precision. Market data indicates rapid growth in brushless motors as the dominant category, with the related market projected to maintain a 13.0% compound annual growth rate in the coming years. Mid-range products (100W-500W) serve applications like agricultural crop protection and power line inspections, while high-power units (500W+) support heavy-load logistics and emergency rescue missions, continuously expanding the application boundaries of drones through technological iteration.