IN-WHEEL MOTORS
Electric in-wheel motor technology fi rst
appeared over a century ago, but with major
pushes in emission-free as well as autonomous
mobility, could it be about to revolutionize the
electrifi ed transportation market?
WORDS: RICHARD GOODING
The dawn of a modern all-electric mobility era has
brought with it many benefi ts, aside from the
obvious environmental advantages. And as the
automotive industry embarks on an increased
take-up of zero-emission vehicles, there are still
new technological avenues to explore. As long ago as 1900,
the Lohner-Porsche Electric Voiturette System pioneered by
Ferdinand Porsche featured internal-pole motors on the
front hubs, but decades after the technology disappeared,
the elevated prominence of electrifi ed powertrains has
signifi ed a re-evaluation of the in-wheel concept for the
automotive and light commercial sectors.
The headline advantages of in-wheel motors over
transmission-based electric powertrains are additional
levels of interior space as well as drivetrain (battery to
wheel) e ciencies of up to 98% – compared to the 30% of an
www.electrichybridvehicletechnology.com // January 2020 // 43
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