Hub Motors

A potentially game-changing technology for electric cars was first introduced by Ferdinand Porsche in 1900, reports the Economist (4/24/10). Ferdinand "put electric motors into the hubs of the wheels of the Lohner-Porsche, a vehicle which made its debut at the 1900 World’s Fair in Paris. It was a hybrid car that relied on both batteries and a generator to produce electricity for its motors. Capable of more than 35 mph, it also set a number of speed records."

The idea of having a motor built into a wheel’s hub, "rather than having a single motor driving the wheels via a mechanical transmission," is now "likely to become the most widely used drive system," according to its proponents. Not only does the concept dispense with "the traditional engine bay," and lend itself to four-wheel drive, but "hub motors save space and weight because there is no need for a mechanical transmission … With software monitoring each wheel, stability and traction control can also be built-in."

Michelin "is developing a system called Active Wheel," which in addition to hub motors "contains a second electric motor to operate an active suspension system that is also built into the wheel hub." This "could make other conventional parts, like shock absorbers, unnecessary." It could also "transform Michelin from being a tire-maker "into an engine and suspension supplier as well." So, not only might hub motors change "the shape and the dynamics of the vehicles themselves … but also those of automotive companies, too."