Chinese automaker Dongfeng has launched a manufacturing mannequin with in-wheel motors from provider Protean Electric.
In press releases, Protean claims the Dongfeng Fengshen E70 is the “world’s first fully homologated passenger car” geared up with two ProteanDrive in-wheel motors. A traditional inboard motor drives the entrance wheels, whereas the in-wheel motors energy the rear wheels, enabling all-wheel drive. Each rear in-wheel motor produces as much as 104 hp.
Voyah Zhuiguang
According to Protean, Dongfeng has discovered that this configuration is lighter than a standard all-wheel-drive EV setup. The firms additionally declare a 50% improve in cupboard space, a 0-62 mph time 42% faster, and 18% increased cornering speeds because of the torque-vectoring functionality of the in-wheel motors. Protean additionally claims elevated effectivity, and 83 fewer components than a comparable inboard motor setup.
The preliminary batch of Dongfeng Fengshen E70 sedans are present process “fleet trials” in China, in accordance with Protean. Dongfeng has additionally unveiled a second mannequin with in-wheel motors, the Voyah Zhuiguang, a luxurious sedan from the corporate’s Voyah model.
Lightyear 0 wind-tunnel testing
There’s been numerous curiosity in in-wheel motors however comparatively low-volume use to this point. Lightyear claimed its 0 had essentially the most environment friendly manufacturing powertrain on this planet but it surely’s already scrapped manufacturing. The Lordstown Endurance additionally used them, however manufacturing of that car has stalled as nicely. That leaves Aptera, which additionally plans to make use of in-wheel motors for its three-wheeler—though will probably be an autocycle, not a passenger car.
That stated, mass-produced in-wheel motors for automobiles have been on the horizon for a while. And maybe racing tech—and the specter of the a newcomer from China—will assist get them there.
Source: www.greencarreports.com