I don’t think the article addressed it directly, but it seems like it’s improved due to being lighter weight with more torque and offset by not needing axles or gearing since it can be mounted in the wheel. It says they weigh 40kg, which isn’t too bad compared to axles and gearboxes in my experience with ICE vehicles.
I’m curious how this holds up to things like potholes and minor fender benders if it’s integrated in the wheel. Imagine hitting a huge pothole or a curb and not only having to replace a wheel, control arms, hub, ball joints, etc but also an entire electric motor.
Are gearboxes typically unsprung? I was under the impression that the flex from the CV joints sorta disconnects the weight of the drivetrain from the wheels and it’s instead connected more rigidly to the body, which is sprung.
These may be a net reduction in mass, but likely still an increase in unsprung mass
Not in an ICE vehicle, but I may be under the false impression that some EVs use gear reduction after the motors, similar to how portal axles are set up. If that’s not the case, then you’re right it would just be the CV axles that are removed which don’t weigh quite as much.
It’s more of a power unit thingy, for at least Teslas and Mercs. The motor(s) and gearing are in one big box that sits on the subframe(?)
Here’s an article with a photo. Tesla having such a large cult following, means it’s slightly easier to find than other brands’ EVs’ drivetrains, but I’m sure they’ve mostly figured out the same solution.
I thought a big problem with these types of wheels was dealing with the added unsprung mass?
I don’t think the article addressed it directly, but it seems like it’s improved due to being lighter weight with more torque and offset by not needing axles or gearing since it can be mounted in the wheel. It says they weigh 40kg, which isn’t too bad compared to axles and gearboxes in my experience with ICE vehicles.
I’m curious how this holds up to things like potholes and minor fender benders if it’s integrated in the wheel. Imagine hitting a huge pothole or a curb and not only having to replace a wheel, control arms, hub, ball joints, etc but also an entire electric motor.
Are gearboxes typically unsprung? I was under the impression that the flex from the CV joints sorta disconnects the weight of the drivetrain from the wheels and it’s instead connected more rigidly to the body, which is sprung.
These may be a net reduction in mass, but likely still an increase in unsprung mass
Not in an ICE vehicle, but I may be under the false impression that some EVs use gear reduction after the motors, similar to how portal axles are set up. If that’s not the case, then you’re right it would just be the CV axles that are removed which don’t weigh quite as much.
It’s more of a power unit thingy, for at least Teslas and Mercs. The motor(s) and gearing are in one big box that sits on the subframe(?)
Here’s an article with a photo. Tesla having such a large cult following, means it’s slightly easier to find than other brands’ EVs’ drivetrains, but I’m sure they’ve mostly figured out the same solution.
Unsprung*. They partially address it in the article.
You’re being very generous.