This may not sound familiar to you DeepDriveBut it is a Munich-based start-up that is being closely watched in the automotive industry as it works on a more practical (and production-ready) wheel hub motor for a future generation of cheaper and more efficient electric vehicles, based on dual rotor technology.
You are using a configuration of Double rotor to generate enormous torque from a compact, lightweight and cost-effective package. It can increase the range of electric vehicles and dramatically reduce the total cost of ownership of an electric vehicle. They are already close to Road tests with the help of his neighbor: BMW.
Founded in 2021, DeepDrive is very optimistic about its patented dual rotor technology. Conventional motors Operating the rotor outside or inside the stator (the stationary part of a rotating machine), but the DeepDrive motor does both by enclosing its stator between simultaneously operating inner and outer rotors, significantly increasing the torque and power generated within the compact package.
DeepDrive estimates that each engine up to 2400 Nm. No gearbox is required and DeepDrive estimates that it will take up to 20% more efficient compared to current electric motor technologies: They will enable ranges of 800 km or more.
Hub motors are not a new concept and their advantages are well known. Of course, they also have problems such as excessive unsprung weight and high production costs. That’s why they have only powered prototypes so far. Here’s how DeepDrive wants to address these two problems:
- Unsprung mass:In addition to their very light, compact design with high power density, their motors enable a reduction in the size of the braking system, thus partially compensating for the additional unsprung weight of the transmission.
- Cost:These motors are designed from the ground up for mass production and low-cost manufacturing because they contain less magnetic and mineral materials. They are easily scalable, from compact cars to large SUVs.
The company is also working with Continental on a unit Drive brake The system integrates both the motor and braking hardware into a single plug-and-play component. The companies began researching hydraulic braking hardware and plan to develop a dry braking version and integrate the traction braking unit into a larger, integrated module with air suspension.
In addition to the in-wheel motor, DeepDrive has also developed a larger dual-rotor motor to operate in a centralized drivetrain configuration, proving that its technology is flexible enough to meet the diverse needs of automakers.
You might think this wonderful new technology sounds too good to be true. But since its unveiling at IAA Mobility 2021, DeepDrive has caught the attention of many manufacturers. BMW claims it “could set new standards for electric mobility.” In fact, the German automaker led the $16 million funding round, and we’ve already seen a rather sporty, camouflaged Neue Klasse coupe with four in-wheel motors.
Karol Virsik, head of research for vehicle concepts and technologies at the BMW Group, said: “The parts of the DeepDrive prototype far exceeded our specifications, which is really unusual at such an early stage and with a completely new technology.” DeepDrive has already stated that it will work with eight of the top ten automotive suppliers to bring its engines into production by 2026.
