Automotive Technology

Nice article. But it seems to overlook the high energy density of the combination of an ICE and its fuel tank. Specifically the source of the electric power for these in-wheel motors seems to get nothing more than a hand wave like comment. I do think that in-wheel motors will be the future though.

Unsprung weight is bad. Having your entire prime mover bouncing around is probably not the best plan.

New technology eh?

Cooleo

Those of us that have raced cars in the off road races, especially in the desert all understand the importance of keeping the un-sprung weight to a minimum. Heavier wheels cause greater stresses on all of the axles and suspension parts. Strength along with light weight wheels can make the difference in whether or not you you even finish a single lap, (maybe 25 or more miles) or a distance race like "La's Vegas To Reno" (approx 600 mi.) where your pit crews are traveling the highways trying to anticipate where to meet you as you cross or race near these areas when possible. You can be a long way from help when you need it.

Personally, I would favor the electric motors to be mounted in board of the general frame work of the chassis. I see great possibilities for problems to occur where the motors along with the sensing units and controllers are all taking a pounding on our highways that are rutted and anything but smooth.

I also see reasonable possibilities in locating a second motor at the rear axle for providing 4 wd as needed, thus eliminating the need for a transfer case. In this case one could have the option of using the most comfortable choice of front wheel drive or rear wheel drive, or in case one option failed at least other would provide power to continue the trip until one to get to a service location. More than once I have dropped the rear drive shaft and continued on my way with just front wheel drive, and I am just one among many off-roaders' who have accomplished this.

I look forward to the day when batteries can be shaped/carried/fitted at the floor level of the vehicle so that the center of gravity will remain as low as possible, reducing the possibility of a roll over in an accident. This will also permit the shapes of the vehicles to be designed more aero dynamically, improving performance overall.

"I am all for electric vehicles, but I see problems on the horizon as we convert from liquid fuel to electricity". Where will we get this additionally needed source of energy, and how will the Govt. adjust from fuel supported road taxes to another source of funding for road maintenance and construction. Will we see all of our roads become "toll roads"?

TMF

with todays advances in lightwieght materials, coreless electric motors (no iron cores) many leaps ahead in power desity, what if you could put a smaller power, lighter wieght motor in each wheel, you could reduce the unsprung wieght a little by lightening the brakes up a bit as you will have regenerative braking capability. having no drive axles lightens it too. a very small ice hooked to a generator could keep up with low speed demand and keep the batteries topped off, batteries and ice for higher speeds, you could go full electric but the range would suffer as we're not quite there with batteries yet. I think we will be stuck with the hybrid concept for a while yet so why don't we use it to further refine wheel motors to be the best they can be. I really believe it can be done.

Good Day, Billybob.

You live in Wisconsin, and I am certain the winter freezes and thaws cause pot holes in your roads, streets and highways just as it does throughout all similar latitudes. Your highways get rutted by over use and over loaded trucks. All of these kinds of conditions can cause excessive stresses on moving parts. I consed that we have come a long way when it comes to developing new alloys and electronics. However I cannot see any value in placing a highly efficient electric motor in harms way. These kinds of wheels are already in use on the most modern of trains, where the tracks smooth out the bumps, and pot holes do not exist.

By placing these highly efficient motors with in the chassi they can be mounted so as to eliminate the unwanted abuse caused by road way pounding. Regenerative breaking can still occur with the appropriate equipment. I am not against advancing technology, but common sense should enter the game as often as is possible.

TMF