This paper presents a simple, quick and precise nonlinear reluctance network modelling of an in-wheel surface permanent magnet motor. The saturation of the ferromagnetic materials is considered and a simple air-gap length function is used to take the slotting effect into account. The topology and the reluctance values of the air-gap network are automatically computed for any rotor position. Thus, the proposed technique allows a steady state time stepping simulation. For any saturation level, there is a good accordance with the finite element method for the torque and back EMF. Moreover, the model accurately predicts the effect of the demagnetization. The proposed model can be advantageously used for a geometry optimization as well as for the diagnosis of demagnetization. (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.