trailer world issue Two 2010

What are the chances for in-wheel motors in commercial vehicles?

Dossier Issue Two 2010 11 It was the first invention patented by the automotive engineer Ferdinand Porsche at the dawn of the 20th century – but an idea that has still not really asserted itself right through to the present day: in-wheel mo- tors (or wheel-hub motors) continue to lead a marginal, exotic existence. The combustion engine concept with transmission system and power transfer to one or several axles is still first-choice when it comes to finding the right drive system. On the other hand, Porsche’s construc- tion with the “Lohner Porsche” was based on decentral drive units. An electric mo- tor with 2.5 hp continuous power and 7 hp peak power is fitted to one of the two front wheels to drive the vehicle. In-wheel drives as a rule consist of electric motors: combustion engines are not suitable for this purpose on account of their size and the related structural re- quirements. But this also describes the dilemma facing car and truck designers: decentral power sources are only suitable for applications that can be implemented with electric drives. One exception here consists of auxiliary drives using hydrau- lic systems. In-wheel motors in road vehicles have both advantages and drawbacks. The higher unsus- pended mass has a negative effect. The great advantage lies in the added pos- sibilities available to vehicle designers when there is no need for the huge engine block, transmission system and drive shafts; the pe- ripherals that are still needed (A/C for exam- ple) can be accommodated elsewhere in a ve- hicle with in-wheel motors, opening up more scope in designing the interior with possibili- ties also for optimising weight distribution. Assuming that corresponding electronic control is provided, decentral drives What are the chances for in-wheel motors in commercial vehicles? Porsche‘s first invention

trailer world issue Two 2010

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