World-leading EV motor expert joins Hong Kong PolyU after 38 years in Britain

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by Ling XinFebruary 24, 2026 at 07:00 AM

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Zhu Ziqiang, a prominent expert in electric motor engineering, has joined Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) as chair professor of electrical machines and control systems. After a 38-year career at the University of Sheffield in Britain, where he led a large research team focused on permanent magnet motor systems, Zhu will continue his work on high-efficiency motors at PolyU. His research on these motors, crucial for electric vehicles, trains, and other applications, has been adopted by companies like Siemens and Toyota. Zhu has previously urged China's EV industry to prioritize technological innovation in motor development, despite its dominance in rare earth metal supply. His move to PolyU signifies a shift in his career focus to Hong Kong.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Shanghai 30% Toyota 40% Siemens 40% Rolls-Royce 40% South China Morning Post 40% Midea ×250% Britain 60% University of Sheffield 60% Hong Kong Polytechnic University 70% China ×370% Zhu Ziqiang ×490%

Keywords

electric motors 100% permanent magnet motors 90% zhu ziqiang 80% electric vehicle industry 70% hong kong polyu 60% motor innovation 60% electrical machines 50% university of sheffield 50% control systems 40% high-efficiency 40%