The Technology and Economics of In-Wheel Motors 2010-01-2307 Published 10/19/2010
The Technology and Economics of In-Wheel Motors 2010-01-2307 Published 10/19/2010 Andy Watts, Andrew Vallance, Andrew Whitehead, Chris Hilton and Al Fraser Protean Electric Copyright © 2010 SAE International vehicles that offer the same size, performance, range, ABSTRACT reliability and cost as their current vehicles, but OEMs must Electric vehicle development is at a crossroads. Consumers make a profit, and the government requires compliance with want vehicles that offer the same size, performance, range, emissions standards. How can the advanced vehicle reliability and cost as their current vehicles. OEMs must technology and diverse and often conflicting requirements make a profit, and the government requires compliance with come together to create the new fleet of desirable and emissions standards. The result - low volume, compromised economically viable vehicles? vehicles that consumers don't want, with questionable longevity and minimal profitability. This paper will explore in detail the technology of in-wheel motors (IWMs), the challenges of their integration into In-wheel motor technology offers a solution to these vehicles and how they can make a real difference to the problems; providing power equivalent to ICE alternatives in a economic viability of vehicles in a changing consumer and package that does not invade chassis, passenger and cargo regulatory framework. We aim to show the reader both the space. At the same time in-wheel motors can reduce vehicle opportunities and challenges surrounding IWMs; the benefits part count, complexity and cost, feature integrated power around packaging, performance and economics, and how the electronics, give complete design freedom and the potential technical challenges of unsprung mass, brake integration and for increased regenerative braking (reducing battery size and cost are being addressed in a manner suitable for the eventual cost, or increasing range).
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