How In-Wheel Motors Enable Electrification of Existing Combustion Engine Vehicles without Compromise

Authors

A. Whitehead, Dr. C. Hilton, Protean Electric Ltd, Farnham:

Year

2023

Print Info

Production/Publication ÖVK

Summary

The proportion of new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles sold with electric propulsion is increasing towards the point where all new vehicles will be emissions free, in line with legislation. In the mean-time legacy combustion engine vehicles will continue in use to 2050 and beyond. These will continue to emit CO2 and other pollutants and will also be barred from use in some city environments. As a result there is a significant motivation for providing combustion engine vehicles with a second life as an electric vehicle, both environmentally and commercially.

Electrifying an existing commercial vehicle platform presents packaging challenges. In particular the electric drivetrain, typically located at the site of the removed engine, and battery system have to be accommodated which may compromise the usable space and reduce the mass that can be transported in the vehicle, and may restrict the battery size and therefore range of the resulting vehicle.

In-wheel motors provide an alternative powertrain that does not require an electric motor, its inverter, a gear, differential and drive-shafts to be mounted on the body of the vehicle. Furthermore it is a lighter powertrain solution in comparison to conventional electric axles. The space freed up can be used to accommodate the battery system and other system components.

Protean’s in-wheel motor system has been used to convert combustion engine light commercial vehicles to electric drive, taking advantage of this opportunity and contributing to a reduced environmental footprint. 

ISBN

978-3-9504969-2-5