SyrNemo is an innovative synchronous reluctance machine (SYRM) with higher power density and higher driving cycle efficiency at lower cost than state of the art permanent magnet (PM) synchronous machines.• The mass and volume specific power densities are increased by approximately 5%. This is achieved through an innovative magnetic reluctance rotor design with optional ferrites. Bar windings are used to reduce the required winding space. An integrated liquid cooling circuit is used to cool both the power electronics and the motor to further reduce total mass and volume.• The dependency on rare earth PMs is eliminated by using either no permanent magnets or optional ferrites. The proposed rotor design allows for use of future magnet materials with high energy density once they are available on the market.• The proposed SYRM is easy to manufacture, dismantle, and recycle. This way manufacturing cost can be reduced by 20% and more compared to PM synchronous machines (PMSMs).• Eco-design throughout the project’s duration will ensure minimum environmental and social impact and hidden cost.• Due to the simple rotor design the machine is very robust.• The insulation system will be designed for a total lifetime of 10 years and 10,000 operating hours to reduce cost.• The proposed SYRM has a high efficiency over a wide range of speed and torque. Therefore, the overall driving cycle efficiency of SYRM can be improved by 5–15% compared to PMSMs.• The control of the drive will be implemented to achieve the maximum possible efficiency in each operating point incorporating the stator winding temperature.The successful industrialization of a synchronous reluctance machine has recently been demonstrated for industrial applications. The proposed synchronous reluctance machine is thus the most promising candidate for being the next generation electric motor of full electric vehicles.