Elektromotor

An electric motor includes a stator and a rotor. The stator has a housing and a single ceramic permanent magnet disposed in the housing. The magnet has a C-shaped cross section. During assembly the magnet is resiliently deformed to allow the magnet to be inserted into the housing. The inner diameter of the housing is less than the outer diameter of the magnet in its relaxed state such that once inserted in the housing the magnet is kept resiliently deformed by the housing. The magnet thus generates a radial force acting on the inner surface of the housing which results in the magnet being firmly retained in the housing. A slot is formed between opposing circumferential ends of the magnet. The slot extends from one axial end of the magnet to the other axial end. Preferably, a spacer is pressed into the slot and an interlock structure is arranged between the spacer and the housing to prevent the magnet from moving relative to the housing.