The Next Step In EV Power Is Going To Be In-Wheel Motors

Michigan-based Protean Electric is nearing production launch of its innovative in-wheel electric motors for hybrids and electric vehicles, with China the primary market for the new technology, says Chairman and CEO Bob Purcell.

The in-wheel motors are designed to fit any vehicle with 18-in. or larger wheels, can be retrofitted into existing cars and trucks on the road and work with front-, rear- and all-wheel-drive platforms, Purcell says.

The motors can provide electric power directly to each wheel in conventional hybrids, plug-in hybrids and full battery-electric vehicles.

 

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MorePower - 4/17/2013 6:00:48 PM

0 Boost

The next step in EV has to be longer range and lighter batteries. Without these two things, people won't buy them even though current ev's, for 90% of current commuters, are perfectly capable.

vdiv - 4/17/2013 10:06:12 PM

0 Boost

Actually, it really boils down to a pivoting price point. Two actually. Gas significantly over $4/gallon and EVs below $30k. Unfortunately/fortunately both of these are happening. Better batteries will happen too, however the batteries are not the issue, just look at the Tesla Roadster and esp. the Model S.

vdiv - 4/17/2013 10:15:17 PM

+2 Boost

2x or 4x68 lbs. of unsuspended weight would wreack havoc in the suspension system and the vehicle handling. Disk brakes will still be needed if/when regeneration is not able to slow down/stop the vehicle. However these demonstrate how small electric motors can be and still offer some impresive performance.

t_bone - 4/19/2013 7:43:35 PM

+1 Boost

Nice to see someone on this site that understands cars enough to know about unsprung weight.

RNeekChic - 4/18/2013 12:51:06 PM

+1 Boost

GUESS WHAT?! Shown in Acura NSX and RL SH-AWD Version