[extropy-chat] In-wheel motors

[BillK]

On Fri May 7 13:20:57 MDT 2004 Eugen Leitl wrote:
> In-hub/in-wheel motors for hybrids/EVs. Anyone knows they're the
> way to go. Almost no one has a useful one.

Presumably you mean 'I can't buy a car at my local dealer with in-wheel
motor drive"?

I would say there are lots of concept vehicles around using in-wheel
motors. If the idea turns out to be practical, then it is only a matter
of time, plus increasing petrol/gas prices.

In Apeldoorn in the Netherlands they have a test bus driving around.
<http://www.e-traction.com/>

Some of the Australian cross-country solar-powered vehicles use in-wheel
electric motors.

Last October's Tokyo motor show and the 2004 Detroit Motor Show had a
selection of concept vehicles from Toyoto using in-wheel motors. Even GM
has concept vehicles using in-wheel motors.

Unsprung weight is still a problem in cars though. They need to make the
electric motors a good bit lighter for general use in small cars.

But lots of people are working on it. Looks hopeful. :)

BillK