Elaphe in-wheel electric motors

[Sonic McFly]

I found another alternative to an engine swap or a bigger turbo for our little beasts if anyone is interested. Google Elaphe Propulsion Technologies Ltd or Elaphe in-wheel electric motors. I haven't gotten a price from them yet though but im seriously considering adding mooore pooowaaaaah this way. Been thinking either the m700 motor that would fit inside my 17" rs wheels or even the L-Type meant for full sized sedans. if I can get 18" wheels. I don't know how electric motor torque compares to an engine drivetrain but 1500Nm seems like a disgusting amout of torque lol. Here are some pics I got from them. Ill keep you guys posted if anyone is interested. They said they wont be able to provide motors till later in the year. k thanx bai.

 

[mja]

I found another alternative to an engine swap or a bigger turbo for our little beasts if anyone is interested. Google Elaphe Propulsion Technologies Ltd or Elaphe in-wheel electric motors. I haven't gotten a price from them yet though but im seriously considering adding mooore pooowaaaaah this way. Been thinking either the m700 motor that would fit inside my 17" rs wheels or even the L-Type meant for full sized sedans. if I can get 18" wheels. I don't know how electric motor torque compares to an engine drivetrain but 1500Nm seems like a disgusting amout of torque lol. Here are some pics I got from them. Ill keep you guys posted if anyone is interested. They said they wont be able to provide motors till later in the year. k thanx bai.

Nice post/thread. I see they're developing for the smart fortwo. From their website it looks like Elaphe is working on fully computer controlled wireless/gps driving. I've kept up with some of these companies in the past and it seems they all come and go, they offer a lot don't deliver. It's likely a startup that's hoping for a big gov't grant or a deal with a major manufacturer, but I'd be happy to be proven wrong.

Their specs show 55 lbs of added weight per motor, 50lbs of unsprung weight for each side Their setup may be too sophisticated for simple on/off hybrid type propulsion, but the catch is they say it can only be installed at one of their recommended locations = $$$$.

IMO the better way of going about the rear electric motor is to take the rear axle/suspension off a 4wd trax and have a shop fab up some parts to connect an electric motor to the rear diff. It'd need beefed up axles to handle all that torque down low, probs be cheaper than this company's setup. Could feasibly add a 400-500 ft/lb motor in the back. Car would be as heavy as a trax too lol.

Keep us updated if you find some interesting news!

 

[Sonic McFly]

Lol thanks for shattering my dreams, jk. They have been around for 10 years so they seem to rly want to bring these motors to market. They atleast said they could work with individuals. Protean electric also makes some rly cool in wheel motors but those guys said they will only work with major car companies. Michellin is also working on an in wheel motor but i dont think they have a prototype yet. I was thinking i would either do these motors or Morgan's turbo upgrade. Im just waiting for my warranty to expire to start modding. If this in wheel motor system is not way more expensive than the turbo upgrade ill give it a try. Thanks for your input.

 

[Sonic McFly]

found some more in wheel motors. This now seems like the future to me lol
this was back in 2013. I wonder if the price is whats making these in wheel motors so uncommon

PML Flightlink Electric Mini Cooper - Car News - Car and Driver


PML - Wheelmotors

 

[mja]

On paper in-wheel electric motors are a good idea. Then take into account it the constant suspension jarring, more demand on power inverters, it's more difficult to pack a lot of power into a small hub area, heat increase from braking, etc. Lots of problems to deal with and then the unsprung weight means more weight for the motors to push, and it'd turn any decent handling car to Prius-like handling. The one central motor sounds like a better idea in reality and is much cheaper if something breaks.