Protean In-wheel electric motors

[Supa Dexta]

Neat concept, Im just hearing of now.

The Protean system generates power directly in small motors tucked inside the wheels. With no energy lost in transmission, Protean says its motors can provide significant efficiency gains. In addition, these gearless, direct-drive motors can each generate an impressive 1000 newton meters (738 foot-pounds) of torque each. By comparison, the all-electric Chevy Volt’s motor generates about 370 Nm (273 foot-pounds).

http://autos.yahoo.com/blogs/motoramic/protean-electric-rolls-towards-making-wheel-electric-motors-170211509.html

http://spectrum.ieee.org/green-tech/advanced-cars/maker-of-inwheel-electric-car-motors-goes-to-china?fb_action_ids=10152655337734409&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_ref=.UysfvPSs93s.like

http://www.proteanelectric.com/en/

[killramos]

2 words: Unsprung Weight.

Those torque numbers aren't uncommon for big electric motors and they only generate 100 HP, which means they require gearing (which will lower torque) in order to operate at any significant speed.

Overall I just think that cars fitted with these will not drive very well. Particularly the Unsprung weight issue. 75 extra lbs on each wheel. Also as noble as the idea of self containing all electronics it's unessecary in a car because space really isn't at a premium. Esspecially of you are talking about removing the engine.

Just my opinion.

[gamman]

400hp and 2800 ftlbs? Who cares if there is 75lbs per wheel.300lbs vs 400 or 500 for whole eng trans combo. Yes it won't go around pylons as easily. 99% of cars go to work or pull stuff, not around pylons.

On the street, I never get out of third gear...or 80kph...going to work.

On the track, I have a separate car for that.

[Darell_n]

738 ft/lbs at each wheel is way below the current output in the vehicles featured on their website. They will need to double this number to make it a perform at all.

ie. the Ford pickup shown will do more than 4000 ft/lbs to the rear wheels in first gear, the same road speed when the electric motors will be at their max.

[e31]

I would have to agree that this is not the best idea for a hybrid drive-train, but it is far from the worst one i've seen. That honor belongs to GM.

GM eAssist
The system includes an all-in-one motor/generator that replaces the alternator, connected to 32 lithium-ion cells jammed into a 65-pound battery pack located aft of the rear seat. Via a rubber belt, the electric motor/generator—built in China, with no permanent magnets—contributes a bonus 15 horses to the crankshaft, mostly under wide-open throttle.

[Gripenfelter]

Might work better on trucks.

[Sugarphreak]

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