DeepDrive’s new in-wheel motors are impressing even BMW
DeepDrive says it is working with Continental on a unified in-wheel motor and brake design, which would be effectively a one-stop shop for acceleration and braking
However, there seems to be precious little focus on electric motors when it comes to the development of the electric car. So far, almost all of the focus – at least at a level where most of us are aware of it – has been in the field of batteries. Better batteries, bigger batteries, safer batteries, batteries which charge more quickly, last longer and bridge the gap in performance and convenience between electric cars and their diesel and petrol progenitors.
How does DeepDrive reckon it’s doing this? By creating what’s called a dual rotor radial flux electric motor. Don’t worry, this isn’t as mind-boggling as it sounds. Basically, in a conventional electric motor, the copper wire windings – known as the stator – are mounted either around or inside the rotor – the bit that turns, and which ultimately drives the wheels. DeepDrive’s design splits the rotor into two parts, with the stator – the copper winding bit – sandwiched in between.
There are also potentially huge benefits when it comes to safety and performance. The amount of torque being put through the wheel – and DeepDrive claims that its new motors can produce as much as 2,400Nm of torque each – can be infinitely more finely measured and applied, and systems such as traction control and stability control will be able to be vastly more responsive and more precise in those responses.
DeepDrive reckons it’s getting around the unsprung weight in two ways. First, the motors themselves, thanks to the dual-rotor design, are already smaller and lighter. Secondly, because of the potential strength of their regenerative braking – using the inherent drag and friction of the motor to slow the car, while also returning some power to the battery – DeepDrive says the brakes of a car can be reduced in size, and will need less cooling – a further weight saving.
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