May 8, 2019—At the Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Technology Expo, Elaphe Propulsion Technologies announced they will begin low-volume series manufacturing of the world’s highest performance direct drive, gearless in-wheel powertrain system, called the L1500. Elaphe’s high-performance in-wheel motors are designed for integration in vehicles ranging from small cars to sport utility vehicles and light commercial vehicles with little or no compromise or re-engineering of the existing wheel hub and mechanicals.
The most notable features of Elaphe’s in-wheel motors are their extremely high torque, low weight and unique, compact packaging around standard knuckles and friction braking systems. The Elaphe L1500 in-wheel motor achieves the highest torque densities of electric motors on the market, generating 1500 Nm of torque without using any gears. A single in-wheel motor can achieve a power output of more than 110 kW (147 HP) and fits inside a 19-inch or larger wheel rim. The L1500 motor is compatible with all drive layouts—rear wheel drive, front wheel drive and four- or more —wheel drive vehicles.
The L1500 D-version in-wheel motor has been optimized for low-volume series production and its earlier versions have been tested on several vehicles including passenger cars and off-road-vehicles. The company will begin low-volume series production in the fourth quarter of 2019.
“Our technology enables manufacturers to design and produce electric or hybrid vehicles rapidly and cost-effectively without compromise to their existing vehicle architectures or complex packaging,” said Gorazd Lampič, Elaphe CEO. “The technology also integrates seamlessly with autonomous driving applications, providing feedback data, unprecedented responsiveness and enhanced vehicle controllability.”
Elaphe previously showcased prototype mules based on the Smart ForTwo, BMW X6 SUV and Audi R8 platforms, among others, demonstrating proven applications for direct drive, in-wheel propulsion motors. In recently performed track testing of the L1500 in-wheel powertrain in a modified electric prototype vehicle, the car achieved 3.5 sec 0-100 km/h acceleration time. This was the fastest recorded time ever for an in-wheel motor application. Elaphe is currently working on similar prototypes with other mainstream automotive manufacturers, smaller scale and startup electric vehicle companies and is actively searching for partners looking for a new packaging philosophy that frees up occupant and cargo space without displacing existing packaging and brake architecture.
In-wheel motor technology offers a fresh solution by providing power that can meet and exceed internal combustion engine alternatives in a package that does not invade chassis, passenger or cargo space. At the same time, in-wheel motors reduce vehicle part count, complexity and cost. The technology allows for complete design freedom and the potential for increased regenerative braking. In-wheel powertrain can also help reduce the overall required battery capacity and cost. These advantages offer OEMs an immediate opportunity to build more unique and functional electric and hybrid vehicles that consumers want and are cost-effective to manufacture.
Elaphe is a global Tier 1 supplier for light-weight, high-performance in-wheel motors and provides the highest documented torque density for in-wheel electric vehicle technology in the world. The technology can be easily integrated into existing production vehicle platforms and can help electrify or improve acceleration to the range of today’s supercars.
