In-wheel motor technology is not new. As early as 1900, electric vehicles equipped with in-wheel motors for front wheels have been manufactured. In the 1970s, this technology was applied in mining trucks and other fields. For in-wheel motors used in passenger cars, Japanese manufacturers have developed this technology earlier and are currently in a leading position. International automotive giants including GM and Toyota are also involved in this technology.
Advantages of in-wheel motors
Omitting a large number of transmission parts, making the vehicle structure simpler
For traditional vehicles, clutches, transmissions, drive shafts, differentials, and even transfer cases are essential. These components are not only light in weight and make the vehicle's structure more complex. Problems with failure rates. But the wheel motor solves this problem very well. In addition to its simpler structure, vehicles driven by in-wheel motors can achieve better space utilization and have a much higher transmission efficiency.
Can realize a variety of complex driving methods
Because the in-wheel motor has the characteristics of independent driving of a single wheel, it can be easily implemented regardless of whether it is front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Full-time four-wheel drive is very easy to implement on vehicles driven by in-wheel motors. At the same time, the hub motor can achieve differential steering similar to a tracked vehicle through different speeds of the left and right wheels, and even reverse, greatly reducing the turning radius of the vehicle, and in almost special cases, it can almost turn in place (but the vehicle Tire wear is greater) and is very valuable for special vehicles.
Facilitates adoption of multiple new energy vehicle technologies
Many new energy models use electric drives, so in-wheel motor drives have come in handy. Whether it is a pure electric vehicle, a fuel cell electric vehicle, or an extended-range electric vehicle, the in-wheel motor can be used as the main driving force; even for hybrid models, the in-wheel motor can also be used as an assist during starting or rapid acceleration. One machine for multiple uses. At the same time, many technologies of new energy vehicles, such as braking energy recovery (ie regenerative braking), can also be easily implemented on in-wheel motor-driven models.