How does In-Wheel Motor Technology Work? | Four Motor Drive & Torque Vectoring

How does In-Wheel Motor Technology Work? | Four Motor Drive & Torque Vectoring

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What are In-Wheel Motors?
The basic principle behind a vehicle equipped with in-wheel electric motors is simple. The internal combustion engine normally found under the hood is simply not necessary. It's replaced with at least two motors located in the hub of the wheels. These wheels contain not only braking components but also all of the functionality formerly performed by the engine, transmission, clutch, suspension, and other parts.

In recent years, we’ve seen some vehicle developers moving towards powertrain configurations where the motor is mounted inside the wheel: an in-wheel motor system. And sure, these so-called hub motors or in-wheel motors come with certain benefits, but they also create some challenges.

How do In-Wheel Motors (IWM) Work?
The electric motor is installed inside the wheel and provides power to it directly, without needing any transmission. The idea of installing the motor inside the wheel rim in an EV is the right choice; in this way, it can be ensured that the full output power of the motor is available at the wheel without any mechanical transmission losses.

The number of in-wheel motors a vehicle uses can be adjusted to meet the vehicle's requirements. For instance, in most cases, two motors will supply sufficient power; If the EV is equipped with two motors in the front wheel axle, and thus the vehicle is a front-wheel drive
or in the rear wheel axle, and the vehicle is a rear-drive. However, if you're talking about an all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicle, either an off-road truck or a performance car, obviously, that would be required to be equipped with an electric motor at each wheel.

---- Time Stamp ---
00:00 - Introduction
00:39 - How does it work?
02:39 - Design of In-Wheel Motors(IWM)
04:09 - In-Wheel Motor(IWM) Power
04:24 - Does IWM provide enough torque?
05:30 - How is IWM different than other cars?
06:14 - What is Torque Vectoring?
07:54 - Efficiency of In-Wheel Motors?
09:56 - Is this the future of EVs?
11:50 - Rivian R1T truck
13:10 - Advantages of IWM
13:53 - Disadvantages of IWM

#inwheelmotor #torquevectoring

Disclaimer:
This video is just for educational purposes only. We are not in the auto repair business nor publish automotive service manuals. This video is not reviewed or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer. This video is intended only as general guidance. Every system is slightly different, so refer to the owner’s manual of your vehicle for any specific information about your model. Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure your car's safe and reliable operation.

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[G]

Practically, a one motor per wheel system that places the motors as central to each axle as possible and links to the wheel with just a relatively short driveshaft and CV joints provides all the handling and control benefits of in wheel motors with none of the drawbacks. The loss of some cargo space in between the axles is more than offset by the lack of unsprung weight, not worrying about every pothole or bump being the end of your motors, much better high speed capabilities (lack of unsprung weight), superior real world efficiency and motor lifespan by the use of simple but robust gearing, reduced moment of inertia, etc.

[WERT]

Glad you mentioned unsprung mass. I think there is a reason rivian uses internal motors. But maybe these in-wheel motors would be good for small industrial vehicles, like forklifts. AFAIK they already use "airless" tyres and crazy multidirectional roller wheels.

[larryfire]

I think maintaining the integrity of the air gap between the stator and rotor is a larger problem than unsprung weight. In order to protect the air gap seals must be used to protect from intrusion of dust and moisture. Another problem is loading on the wheel from load weight or shock can cause the air gap to deform, and even make contact. To resolve this a great deal of engineering is required in the wheel bearings. Trucks may be a good platform for hub motors since ride is less important than other vehicles, and torque is very important. The Elaphe hub motors weigh less than 75 pounds and produce up to 150 hp and 1, 100 lb-ft of torque, so two motors on an axle wouldn’t weigh much more than than the solid axles used in conventional trucks.

[HenryFMora]

Since I’ve been in Engineering and manufacturing most of my career, I can see the long term efficiency in this system. It will in time resolve those issues of exposure to road conditions.

[Patiboke]

Only one big disadvantage: unsprung weight. Other than that: awesome, even less parts. Maybe it will work well with high profile tyres.

[robertmaxwell]

As an auto mechanic who frequently sees vehicles being neglected, but still driven, the need for the power cables to be flexing constantly is of great concern. Given how much voltage these motors must require, the possibility of electrocution or fire from a well worn and poorly maintained vehicle could be quite high. As a possible measure I would look to brake hoses which do hold up quite well but replacing them to do cracking and leaking is a common job in this occupation. I was surprised at first to see manufactures not embracing the motor in wheel design but concluded they wanted to keep all the power cables stationary.

[jasgap]

I think they could be a game changer in 4wd, since most of the times the CV axels are the limiting factor in wheel travel, in independent suspensions.

[mohamedgadallah]

In-wheel drive it's simply the most fantastic design model ever made, how handling become easy, and driving become steady!!
I think it will drive all vehicles in the future, I dream to own one once day

[mechguy]

Wow this is such a great invention and technology which is making easier life for us day by day. Thanks for your video ️❤️

[kybaochau]

Very interesting concept! If there are breakthroughs in motor designs to proof it from intrusion of outside particles/matters as well as the impacts from the road surface and with better batteries, this will become the future of all vehicles.

[MartialBachoffner]

Thanks for all those info. A few years ago, I started to think about an EV concept. In my concept, I imagined a motor for each wheel, similar to the in-wheel motor. I'm glad to see that I wasn't that crazy. I see it as the future of mainstream EVs.

[jorgerobles]

As far as I know, Rivian developed and designed its on wheel motors to be sealed, so dust and moisture and the sort do not affect them, and the ball bearing are twice the size of a regular ball bearing giving much more resistance to damage due to vibration and road bumps. And so far, the few reviews of this truck, especially for the off-road use, shows the great versatility and power these on-wheel motors are capable of. But for some reason, maybe not having enough sound insulation iif any, the motors' noise can be heard in the cabin if you don't have a radio on. The Tesla roadster is not a Hybrid car, is a pure EV, and those electric motors were also sealed electric motors with extremely robust ball bearings and housing, so nothing about dust, humidity or damage produced due to road conditions apply.

[limmyka]

nice idea. dont attach direc to wheel use chain to absorb vibtaration, like a free wheel bicyvle

[gopal_kolathu]

I get it about the unsprung weight issue for in-wheel motors. I see some potential lines of tech development in this domain that will eventually improve operating cost…
1. Some form of in-wheel floating suspension for each motor that reduces mechanical stress.
2. Improved hermetically sealed motor containers to protect from dust, mud and pebble impact
3. Cost reduction from production at scale.

I think ultimately the pluses (power, manageability, sensitivity) will outweigh the minuses for this tech.

[leonid]

In-wheel motors give simplicity and more reliability (if one of the motors is damaged, one could continue driving at least till the garage, maybe at less speed). I guess that the most challenging are vibrations.

[PetarDimitrovMKD]

Simply the best. There are real examples Lordstown motors. And the Hyundai SF concept ELEVATE (Tiger X1). The smartest, freedom of design (beauty) and the most important PRACTICALITY, capability (sports or off-road) stearing.

[hitheir]

I am very impressed with the innovation that many people are incorporating into electric motors. I still don’t understand why an axial motor / stator hasn’t been incorporated into the design of these types of motors to continuously send charging capabilities while in motion and also incorporating regen. 4 years ago I sent a letter to ELON MUSK about this innovation and a basic rough draft sketch outlining and explaining the many benefits of this design I came up with over 6 years ago. Although I don’t have the digital technology to design and build and market I certainly always am excited and pleased to learn how many people are designing and building similar things.

[ferwin]

good idea, it reduces mechanical losses in the differential and as long as the motor is induction to simplify the electronics

[Bemxk]

Simplicity and more reliability this is main advantages ! I believe it is a future of most electric vehicles.

[philliphaasbroek]

Thank you my friend. I love the idea. Surely they will come up with a solution for the miner problems. This is the way to go.