A tiny engine that promises great efficiency in a small design is brought to you by the Avadi MA-250, which is jam-packed with lightweight performance and introduces an alternative view on internal combustion technology. The engine has introduced itself in a market where utility vehicles in the emerging world can accommodate it, as the engine goes against the norm with its compact and simple design, carrying a rotary-like mechanism. With a great increase in efficiency, the performance using sustainable measures makes this engine that much better.
The revolutionary compact structure of the MA-250 tiny engine
Size does not equate to the power of the Avadi MA-250 engine, as the horsepower is at a decent level. Only weighing 23.6 pounds, around 10.7 kg, the internal combustion engine functions with only a few standard engine components, which makes the engine much smaller in size compared to traditional motorcycle engines that usually weigh 50 to 80 pounds.
The smaller, compact design allows the centre of gravity to be on a lower scale, which means that the stability and handling of the vehicle will be improved, especially benefiting off-road motorcycles. The decrease in size and increase in efficiency are what Avadi considers a game-changer in the way transportation will be developed across the world. Stating their purpose for the MA-250, the company said:
“Our goal is to create an engine that is not only lightweight but also delivers superior torque and efficiency.”
While we are aware of the great strength of the engine, the specifics are unmatched; a horsepower of 15.8 at 3,700 rpm, which is 11.8 kW, and there is 22.3 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm.
MA-250’s unique rotary-like system
The complete change in structure, introduced a unique system that the Avadi engine functions as. Functioning with a rotary-like system, Avadi’s MA-250 engine allows the piston to continue spinning in unison with the output shaft. This allows the engine to create a smoother and better flowing energy transfer, comparing this mechanism to an automative differential.
A rotary engine is characteristic of the Mazda RX-7’s Wankel engine, and the comparison of this engine with Avadi’s mechanism ends at the higher torque at lower RPMs supplied by the latter. Contributing to its compact, high-efficiency quality, the MA-250 does not contain a traditional crankshaft. Instead, a rotating piston is used along with a sleeve arrangement to put together the four-stroke cycle: intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust.
This mechanism is described, according to the engineers at Avadi, as “a breakthrough in compact engine design that maximizes efficiency while reducing mechanical complexity.” Another comparison is made against Toyota’s A25K-FKS engine, which only provides a 39% brake thermal efficiency, unlike Avadi, which is slightly higher at 42.12%
Avadi’s uncertain future and development challenges
While the design shows great effort in its promise as a compact but highly effective engine, Avadi’s tiny engine faces an uncertain outcome outside of the commercial availability discussion. Their last blog update in 2023 mentioned the change in management as the CTO, Michel Arseneau, withdrew from the position. The seats in the office are not the only issue with the MA-250’s valve design being marked as a fundamental flaw.
With further tests needed for a higher grade on their design, Avadi said:
“We achieved positive compression results last week with the new valve design and anticipate run tests in the near future.”
While this was said, there has been no update yet, with the company’s contact and info links being dysfunctional. The great innovation may end in dust, considering the silence from the company.
Sustainable, compact, and offering great efficiency. The Avadi MA-250 checks all the correct boxes as an innovative engine looking to break into an emerging market. The concept promises lower costs and better performance for vehicles that may use the engine. While the design sounds promising, will it eventually come into fruition with the company’s suspicious silence? The lightweight engine has attracted much attention; however, drawbacks are created from the technical setbacks in the invention. Perhaps if the company goes public, they will be perceived as trustworthy by potential investors and customers.
