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In-hub motors make this humble Hyundai a monster on ice

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Why This Matters

This article highlights the resurgence of in-hub motors, particularly through Slovenian company Elaphe, which is refining this technology to enhance electric vehicle performance. The demonstration on ice underscores the potential for in-hub motors to deliver better control, range, and driving experience, challenging traditional EV drivetrain designs. Despite past setbacks like Lordstown Motors, innovations like Elaphe's are pushing the industry toward more efficient and engaging electric vehicles.

Key Takeaways

In-wheel motors have been around since the very beginning of electric motoring. Ferdinand Porsche developed one way back in 1900, and the US sent them to the moon in our Lunar Roving Vehicles in the early ‘70s. But, outside of e-bikes, they’ve never really gone mainstream. It looked like Lordstown Motors would be their time to shine, but that never came to pass.

Lordstown’s truck, the Endurance, is now dead, doomed to haunt the ever-growing graveyard of failed EV startups. But the source of its motors, a Slovenian company called Elaphe, is still very much alive, refining its technology and installing it into all sorts of interesting projects.

Elaphe is promising EVs with better performance, greater control, more range, and a long list of other improvements. It’s hype I’ve been hearing for years, but after a day spent sliding around in the company’s prototypes, I’m beginning to believe.

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