Status Electric In-Wheel Motors

[John]

Status InWheel Electric Motors

Here’s a screen print of a today article on the projected status of electric motors within wheels.


[Quote=GreenCarReports]Motor Suppler Sees Mass-Produced, In-Wheel Electric Motors By 2023

By Bengt Halvorson






https://www.greencarreports.com/news...rs-around-2023

[C8Driving]

70 pounds per wheel unsprung weight, and not until 2023. I believe GM will pass unless they have a much better supplier such as.

https://insideevs.com/new-ring-drive...-breakthrough/

New Ring Drive In-Wheel EV Motor Claimed To Be A Breakthrough


MAY 28 2018 BYMARK KANE40

Orbis Wheels, a startup from Mill Valley in California, tries to re-invent the wheel once more and promises a breakthrough in electric drive.

The Orbis Ring Drive Wheel is kind of an in-wheel motor, but different from hub motors and, according to company founder Marcus Hays, it saves weight, cost and complexity. Having such wheels apparently improves performance, efficiency and braking (outside disc and caliper operates 20% cooler), too.

Here is the idea:

Orbis Ring Drive Wheel (source: HondaPro Jason)

“The company’s brochure explains “the technology divides a wheel or cog into two essential parts, a stationary hub and a rim or ‘ring.’ The ring rotates about the stationary hub, driven by a lightweight, high-speed motor.”

Hays says the ring drive is more efficient while reducing vehicle weight as much as 40% and driveline complexity by 75% compared to powertrains in which the electric motors (in-hub or in the driveline) power an axle.”

Orbis Wheels presented prototypes in scooters and in a Honda Civic Type R Hybrid, which was equipped with two Orbis Ring Drive Wheels.

Each wheel is rated at 70hp (50 kW) – 140 hp total. The weight of the wheel is 16 kg (35 lbs), while a traditional hub motor would be 31 kg.

Orbis Ring Drive Wheel (source: HondaPro Jason)

[John]

Video says no unsprung weight penalty and it will visually clean up nice for a production version. Might this be GM’s supplier for the 2022 ZORA?

[Shrike6]

I don’t think it’s gonna be ready for prime time by then. So much easier to place a motor for each wheel inboard. Remember, some sportscars placed the brakes inboard to reduce unsprung mass.

[John]

Good thinking Shrike6.

[Frenzy36]

What about Mag-Lev?

[Plasboy]

What about Mag-Lev?

Wonder what those would cost.