Human transportation technology has come a long way since the invention of the wheel. The era of modern mobile technology is dominated by automation, efficiency and sustainability. At the forefront of these innovations is the revolutionary concept of e-mobility devices, powered by electric motors inside the wheels, often referred to as "hub motors".
Hub Motor Technology
Essentially, an in-wheel motor, also known as a hub motor, is an electric motor mounted in the hub of the drive wheel. Unlike conventional drive systems, where a single electric motor powers all wheels through a network of gears and axles, in-wheel motors provide a compact and efficient solution by having one electric motor at each wheel. This design eliminates the need for driveline components, thereby reducing the total number of components prone to failure, reducing vehicle weight and increasing usable space inside the vehicle.
In-wheel motor technology offers clear advantages over conventional propulsion methods for electric vehicles. Among the most notable are increased efficiency, improved control and enhanced performance. These motors achieve high torque, precise torque vectoring and impressive overall power efficiency, making them ideal drive solutions for modern electric vehicles. Additionally, the technology enables unique features such as 360-degree steering and regenerative braking, further enhancing maneuverability and energy efficiency.
Functionality and practicality are optimized by integrating the motor controller and motor into a compact unit that fits perfectly into the hub. In this way, neither the interior space of the vehicle nor the appearance of the vehicle will be affected. Additionally, this design enables in-wheel motors to be compatible with front and rear setups, increasing flexibility in vehicle design.
Another key benefit of the in-wheel motor solution is improved regenerative braking efficiency, a feature that harvests energy during braking and extends the range of electric vehicles. Hub motors can capture more braking energy and turn it into usable electricity because they are directly connected to the wheels, allowing for a more efficient energy recovery process.